Emmys 2012: Stars Sparkle on the Red Carpet (PHOTOS)

The Emmys used to be considered no more than an early precursor to awards season style watch that starts in January. But times have changed. Now, the stars of the small screens bring the glitz and glamour to television’s biggest night each and ever year.

Stepping out onto sun-soaked red carpet, actresses like Jessica Paré, Kat Dennings, Emily VanCamp, Hayden Panettiere, Ginnifer Goodwin and many more managed to stun in their Sunday best despite the scorching heat as they made their way into 64th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

What stars left tongues wagging?

Mad Men beauty Paré wowed in a one-shoulder white number, while Ginnifer Goodwin rocked a red-hot lace applique dress.

Project Runway host Heidi Klum showed off her endless pins in a high-slit, powder-blue gown, and 2 Broke Girl‘s Kat Dennings put her cleavage on display in a dangerously low-cut, deep-red J. Mendel.

Then there was Modern Family‘s Ariel Winter, who looked beyond her years in a hi-low multi-colored frock. Her young costars, Nolan Gould and Rico Rodriguez, looked dapper in their dark tuxes.

The E! Fashion Police hosts brought their A game, per usual. Kelly Osbourne was demure in a single-strapped, pale-purple gown, while Giuliana Rancic — who made her much-anticipated return to the Emmys red carpet after fighting back from breast cancer — stuck her leg out in a high-cut, black dress.

Stay tuned to Celebuzz for all the fashions from the red carpet. And later in the show, check back for the Emmys’ best and worst dressed.