Julianne Hough stole the show on the latest episode of “Dancing with the Stars” with a striking fashion choice that paid homage to the iconic Mariah Carey. The episode, which aired on 6th October 2026 in Los Angeles, focused entirely on Carey’s extensive discography, and Hough, the co-host of the long-running competition series, made sure to celebrate this theme through her style.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Julianne-Hough-1-100626-1edabc8d221a472696177851b754a552.jpg)
The dazzling outfit in question was a Roberto Cavalli design, which had previously been worn by Carey herself back in 2008. Hough’s stylist, Brad Goreski, discovered the coveted piece on the resale website The RealReal. In an Instagram post leading up to the show’s airing, Hough expressed her excitement about the dress, noting that Goreski initially cautioned her that it might not be in ideal condition. To her delight, upon receiving it, she found it to be in “pristine” shape.
In addition to the dress, Hough sported long blonde hair extensions that fell elegantly down her back, reminiscent of Carey’s signature look. However, she later revealed that her hairstyle was also inspired by supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who famously donned a similar Cavalli design for a 2007 Vanity Fair cover. This blending of inspirations showcased Hough’s keen eye for fashion and pop culture references.
Speaking about her outfit, Hough shared her thoughts on embracing brighter, more playful looks during this season of “Dancing with the Stars.” She highlighted the fun atmosphere of the current season, describing it as an opportunity to push boundaries in her fashion choices. “This dress is something I might have avoided in the past, but wearing it feels right because it’s connected to Mariah Carey,” she commented.
Hough’s reflections on fashion reflect a broader ethos about its purpose: to invoke strong emotions. She stated, “You either love it or hate it, but that’s what fashion is supposed to do.” Her outlook suggests that the impact of a daring outfit can be just as important as how it looks. Hough aims for her style to be unforgettable, regardless of public opinion, stating, “If it doesn’t do anything, then we didn’t do our job.”
As she engaged with contestants like Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, Hough’s Carey-inspired ensemble stood out. Her vibrant styling choices were more than just sartorial; they complemented the celebratory atmosphere of the evening, which was dedicated to the chart-topping singer’s music.
The episode was not just about individual performances; it was a collaborative celebration of a musical legend. Hough infused her presenting style with a sense of joy and excitement while encouraging the contestants to embrace expression and creativity in their performances.
“Dancing with the Stars” continues to captivate audiences, airing every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+. Fans can catch up on episodes the following day on Hulu. As the season progresses, Hough’s unique blend of fashion and music homage hints at more unforgettable moments ahead, both on and off the dance floor.