Pretty Woman Julia Roberts was definitely among the best dressed on the 2014 Primetime Emmy red carpet in her Elie Saab Haute Couture frock. Judging by how she held her own among many actresses half her age, we are not surprised that she has been listed for a record of eleven times as one of  People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World”.

There were initial rumors that the 46-year-old A-lister would don menswear or that she’d go for a simple black ensemble, but she surprised everyone –and turned heads– with this un-expected ruffled winner.

Embellished with oversized yet classy statement beading, the short cocktail dress shows plenty of leg and features a plunging neckline, which Roberts was able to carry off in style with peep toe stilettoes.

OK people, how much did you love Julia Roberts’ #EmmyAwards dress? http://t.co/nEsJKvHDxf pic.twitter.com/WyLskSwtjq

— E! Online UK (@EOnlineUK) August 26, 2014

Julia Roberts broke the mould in this dress at the #emmys and Killed. It. http://t.co/HDS3zC9Rph pic.twitter.com/WXGO5Bl9OO

— Cosmopolitan UK (@CosmopolitanUK) August 26, 2014

She kept her hairstyle simple, opting for flowing bright blonde locks and her make-up was very subdued. Her smile shone with barely-there color on her lips, as did her eyes in fresh mascara. To complete the look, the actress wore drop earrings and a statement ring.

E! News reports that Roberts chose a short dress to avoid any potential falling. “It’s nerve-wracking to wear long. There’s the tripping factor.” said the Erin Brockovich actress.

E! News further asked what the actress planned to do with the dress after the awards night. Roberts answered: “I’ll just pack it up for my daughter when she’s tall enough to wear it. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?”

Roberts was tasked to present an award and was in fact among the very first presenters to be chosen for the 2014 Primetime Emmys. She was also nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a TV Miniseries or a Movie for HBO’s The Normal Heart. The Normal Heart is a made for TV drama directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Larry Kramer. It was based on Kramer’s own 1985 play of same name. The film also stars Mark Ruffalo, Jonathan Groff and Matt Bomer among others.

Exclusive: Have we sneakily uncovered the #Emmy Awards ceremony rundown? (YES) http://t.co/cUzPVaaxl9 pic.twitter.com/JoTWBSgOCp

— Gold Derby (@goldderby) August 24, 2014