The Best and Worst Oscars 2025 Red Carpet Looks: Fashion Hits and Misses from the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards red carpet on Sunday night delivered a masterclass in high fashion, blending timeless elegance with bold contemporary statements. While the biggest names in Hollywood—from Zendaya to Pedro Pascal—turned heads with their sartorial choices, the evening also exposed glaring misfires and frustratingly cautious stylings that left fashion enthusiasts yearning for more daring creativity. As the glitz of the Dolby Theatre gave way to the afterparty scene, one question lingered: Why do so many A-listers save their most impressive looks for events where the cameras are no longer rolling?

• Zendaya, Emma Stone, and Pedro Pascal led the night’s best-dressed list with standout choices from Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Chanel.
• Multiple actors missed opportunities by wearing safe, predictable gowns on the red carpet and saving edgier looks for post-ceremony events.
• Chanel emerged as the night’s most dominant fashion force, dressing four major winners and stars like Nicole Kidman and Gracie Abrams.
• Critics called out lackluster trends, including a gray shirt craze that flattered few men, and questioned why some stars underdelivered despite having access to top designers.

The Night’s Biggest Fashion Hits: Who Wore It Best at the 2025 Oscars

The 2025 Oscars red carpet was a celebration of old-world glamour meets modern minimalism, with several stars delivering effortlessly chic looks that dominated social media and fashion discourse. Zendaya, ever the chameleon, made a surprise appearance to present an award in a sleek, barely-there Louis Vuitton tan jumpsuit that emphasized her statuesque frame and understated elegance. The look was a departure from her usual maximalist red carpet moments but proved that sometimes, less truly is more. Emma Stone, fresh off her Best Actress win, paid homage to Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet in a floor-length Louis Vuitton beaded column gown, its intricate detailing and structured silhouette offering a regal contrast to her effervescent on-screen persona. The dress, which took months to craft, was a masterclass in how to wear haute couture with poise and personality.

Old-School Glamour Makes a Triumphant Return

Elle Fanning’s Givenchy by Sarah Burton creation—an architectural marvel of structured fabric and delicate embroidery—channelled the ethereal romance of a period drama heroine, while Rose Byrne’s Dior gown, with its voluminous skirt and cinched waist, evoked the golden age of Old Hollywood. Demi Moore, always a red carpet legend, stunned in a feathered Gucci design that balanced drama with sophistication, proving that at 52, she remains a force to be reckoned with. Even Wunmi Mosaku, glowing at eight months pregnant, defied expectations with a red carpet look that managed to be both eye-catching and comfortable, a rare feat in the high-stakes world of awards season fashion.

Chanel Dominates the Red Carpet, Signaling a Shift in Awards Season Style

Chanel’s creative director Matthieu Blazy continued his winning streak at the Oscars, dressing a quartet of stars in head-turning designs that blended modernity with classic French couture. Nicole Kidman, a longtime Chanel ambassador, looked radiant in a silver sequined column dress that shimmered under the Dolby Theatre lights, while Teyana Taylor rocked a bold, high-neck black gown with architectural cutouts. Gracie Abrams, the night’s breakout musical star, wore a blush-pink Chanel number that captured the fresh-faced energy of a rising star, while Jessie Buckley, who took home the Best Actress Oscar, stunned in a feathered Chanel creation that paid homage to the brand’s iconic haute couture legacy. Even Pedro Pascal, one of the night’s best-dressed men, proved that Chanel’s menswear is as polished as its womenswear, wearing a sharply tailored blazer and trousers in a palette of deep navy and gold. Rumors swirled that a Chanel menswear line might be on the horizon, a move that would further solidify the brand’s dominance in both genders’ fashion.

The Night’s Most Memorable Menswear Looks: Who Nailed It and Who Fell Flat

Men’s fashion at the 2025 Oscars was a mixed bag, with several stars either leaning into bold statements or stumbling into sartorial missteps. Shaboozey, the country music sensation, made a splash in a Campillo tuxedo that balanced rugged charm with high-fashion polish. Joe Alwyn and Robert Downey Jr. both turned to Valentino for their evening wear, with Alwyn opting for a classic black tux and Downey Jr. embracing a velvet jacket in deep burgundy—a nod to his penchant for vintage-inspired elegance. Paul Mescal, meanwhile, went full Beatles circa 1964 in a Celine suit, his collar-length hair and mod-inspired ensemble evoking the effortless cool of the Fab Four. Yet not all male stars fared as well. The so-called "gray shirt trend"—a baffling choice for formal events—left several men looking rumpled on camera, with Ethan Hawke, Milo Manheim, and Callum Turner all falling victim to the trend’s lackluster appeal. Lewis Pullman and Manu Ríos, meanwhile, proved that even on the biggest night of the year, some stars still can’t be bothered to step outside their comfort zones, opting for looks that felt more "casual Friday" than "Oscars glamour."

The Fashion Faux Pas: Where Stars Missed the Mark

While the red carpet was largely free of major fashion disasters, a handful of stars delivered lackluster or downright puzzling choices that left critics scratching their heads. Odessa A’zion, making her Oscars debut, self-styled in an overly boho Valentino gown that overwhelmed her frame, its voluminous layers drowning out her presence. Kristen Wiig, known for her sharp wit and comedic timing, opted for a slovenly Elie Saab number that lacked structure and sophistication, while Anne Hathaway’s Elie Saab gown, dripping in literal garden flowers, was a sartorial misfire that drew comparisons to a floral arrangement rather than a red carpet masterpiece. Perhaps the most baffling choice came from content creator Emma Chamberlain, who arrived at the Vanity Fair afterparty in a Valentino gown accessorized with dishwashing gloves—a bizarre juxtaposition that baffled even her most loyal fans. Even Timothée Chalamet, who has long been a fashion darling, continued his recent streak of underwhelming choices, wearing an all-white look with Bridgerton-esque hair and wraparound shades that felt more "trying too hard" than "effortlessly cool."

The Afterparty Effect: Why the Best Looks Are Always Saved for Later

One of the most frustrating realities of Oscars night is the unspoken rule that the most daring and innovative looks are reserved for afterparties, where the paparazzi presence is less intense and the pressure to make a statement is lower. Mikey Madison, for example, wore a blood-red Dior gown to the Oscars only to arrive at the Vanity Fair party in a sheer Dilara Findikoglu gown that left little to the imagination. Similarly, Kate Hudson, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, opted for a demure Armani gown on the red carpet before shedding layers to reveal a Gucci minidress at the afterparty, showcasing the enviable abs that had been hidden beneath fabric all evening. This trend raises questions about the influence of brand partnerships and contractual obligations, which often dictate that stars must wear specific designers on the red carpet while saving their most personal or experimental pieces for events where the fashion police are off-duty. The result? A red carpet that feels increasingly predictable, with fans and critics alike left wondering why the most exciting fashion moments can’t happen where the most eyes are watching.

It’s plain to see that so many of the independent designer looks are compromised by the contracts held by the actors and therefore 'saved for later.' I would have loved if Mikey Madison had worn the sexy Dilara Findikoglu gown to the Oscars and saved the blood-red Dior for the parties; Kate Hudson could easily have bared her enviable abs for her nomination. It would be so great not to be able to predict the designer gowns because of the transactions. But at least we have a new generation of creative directors in place now to offer up some stunning shocks and surprises, which is what the Oscars surely is all about.

The Role of Creative Directors: How a New Guard Is Reshaping Red Carpet Fashion

The 2025 Oscars red carpet was a testament to the power of fresh creative vision, with a new generation of designers injecting energy and unpredictability into an event that has long been criticized for its formulaic approach. Matthieu Blazy at Chanel continues to push boundaries, blending classic tailoring with avant-garde elements that appeal to both old Hollywood royalty and Gen Z tastemakers. At Givenchy, Sarah Burton—fresh off her departure from Alexander McQueen—delivered a standout moment with Elle Fanning’s ethereal gown, proving that her signature romanticism remains a red carpet favorite. Dilara Findikoglu, meanwhile, is carving out a niche for herself as the go-to designer for stars seeking to make bold, theatrical statements, her sheer and feathers designs offering a stark contrast to the more conventional gowns seen on the red carpet. This shift reflects a broader trend in fashion, where young designers are prioritizing individuality and self-expression over the cookie-cutter looks that have dominated awards season in years past. As the Oscars continue to evolve, so too does its fashion, with stars increasingly willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.

The Broader Implications: Why Oscars Fashion Still Matters in the Age of Social Media

The Oscars red carpet is more than just a parade of pretty dresses and sharp suits—it’s a global stage where fashion intersects with celebrity, commerce, and culture. In an era where every outfit is dissected on TikTok within minutes, the choices stars make send powerful signals about trends, values, and identity. The dominance of Chanel and Louis Vuitton at the 2025 Oscars underscores the growing influence of luxury conglomerates in shaping public taste, while the rise of independent designers like Findikoglu and Burton highlights a counter-movement toward authenticity and creativity. For brands, dressing an Oscar winner is a golden opportunity to align with prestige and aspiration, while for stars, the red carpet offers a chance to assert their personal brand and connect with audiences in a way that goes beyond their on-screen roles. Yet the evening also exposes the industry’s contradictions: the pressure to conform to red carpet norms often stifles innovation, while the afterparty circuit rewards risk-taking. As fashion and entertainment continue to collide, the Oscars remain a bellwether for what’s next in both industries.

The Future of Oscars Fashion: Will the Red Carpet Ever Fully Embrace Bold Choices?

The 2025 Oscars proved that while the red carpet is becoming more diverse in its aesthetics, it still has a long way to go in embracing true boldness. The afterparty circuit will likely continue to be the proving ground for the most experimental looks, but there are signs that the tide is turning. With creative directors like Blazy and Burton pushing boundaries, and stars like Zendaya and Pascal unafraid to take risks, the red carpet may soon become a place where surprise and delight are the norm rather than the exception. For now, however, the evening remains a study in contrasts—a place where old-world glamour collides with modern minimalism, where predictability meets the occasional burst of brilliance, and where the most memorable fashion moments often happen where the cameras stop rolling. As the industry evolves, one can’t help but wonder: Will the next generation of stars demand more freedom to express themselves on the biggest stage of all?

Key Takeaways: What the 2025 Oscars Red Carpet Taught Us About Fashion and Fame

• Zendaya, Emma Stone, and Pedro Pascal delivered the most standout looks of the night, proving that both minimalism and maximalism have their place on the red carpet.
• Chanel dominated the evening, dressing four major winners and signaling its resurgence as a leader in awards season fashion.
• The "afterparty effect"—where stars save their boldest looks for later events—highlights the tension between brand obligations and personal expression.
• Critics called out several sartorial misfires, from the overpowering boho trend to the baffling gray shirt craze among male stars.
• A new generation of creative directors is reshaping red carpet fashion, bringing fresh energy and unpredictability to the Oscars.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Oscars Fashion