After nearly two decades of avant-garde, boundary-pushing fashion on the Oscars red carpet, something significant has changed.
The fashion scene at the Dolby Theatre on Oscar night took a step back from excessive reveals, wild silhouettes, and eye-catching stunts.
Instead, many Hollywood stars chose to lean into a more classic, glamorous aesthetic, reminiscent of the golden age of cinema.
Gone were the exaggerated peplums, thigh-high slits, and cleavage-baring necklines that had once defined the event.
Instead, stars seemed to embrace a more refined, almost nostalgic approach to red-carpet dressing.
Scarlett Johansson Steals the Show in Vintage Thierry Mugler Gown
Scarlett Johansson made a spectacular return to the Oscars after a four-year hiatus, and she did so with style.
Wearing a vintage midnight blue velvet Thierry Mugler gown, Johansson showcased the power of timeless glamour.
The fitted bodice, sleeveless cowl neckline, and floor-length skirt gave off an Old Hollywood vibe, complemented by dramatic opera gloves and a diamond choker.
This look, paired with her understated yet stunning accessories, was a clear nod to the refined elegance of past Oscar red carpets, a sharp contrast to her more daring 2024 appearance.
Demi Moore and the Return of Sparkling Sequins with Giorgio Armani Privé
Demi Moore, a longtime red carpet favorite, proved that sequins still have a place in Hollywood glamour.
Her Giorgio Armani Privé gown, completely covered in silver sequins, paid homage to the screen sirens of Hollywood’s past, like Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich.
The dress clung to Moore’s 62-year-old body, highlighting her stunning silhouette, proving that even in later years, shimmer and shine can still captivate.
This dazzling look spoke volumes about the enduring allure of old-school, show-stopping glamour.
Selena Gomez Channels Sophia Loren with Classic Glamour at the Oscars
Selena Gomez’s Oscars appearance was nothing short of dazzling.
Wearing a blush pink Ralph Lauren gown, embellished with 16,000 glass droplets and Rosemont crystals, Gomez looked every bit the Hollywood diva.
The gown’s ombré finish added depth and dimension, perfectly complementing her platinum and diamond Bulgari necklace.
Inspired by screen legend Sophia Loren, Gomez embraced a more traditional form of femininity, evoking the curvaceous glamour that made Loren a timeless icon of classic cinema.
The Golden Age of Hollywood Fashion Inspires a New Generation of Stars
While new stars may not have the same credentials as their legendary predecessors, many took inspiration from the Hollywood goddesses who came before them.
Actress Isabella Rossellini, for instance, wore her late mother Ingrid Bergman’s Oscar earrings, symbolizing a direct link to the golden era of cinema.
Elle Fanning also paid tribute to classic fashion with her Givenchy gown, a modern reinterpretation of Hubert de Givenchy’s 1952 debut collection, proving that the magic of old Hollywood is still relevant in today’s fashion scene.
Miley Madison Wins Best Actress in a Timeless Dior Gown Inspired by 1950s Hollywood
Best Actress winner Miley Madison wowed the crowd in a black velvet and pink satin Dior column dress, a recreation of Christian Dior’s iconic 1956 “Le Bal à Paris” gown.
With its retro elegance, the gown highlighted Madison’s understated grace and sophistication, showcasing how vintage fashion can still speak to modern success.
Her Tiffany diamond necklace from 1910 added an extra touch of refinement, completing a look that could have easily graced the Oscars red carpet decades ago.
Men Embrace Sparkle on the Oscars Red Carpet with Jeweled Lapels and Brooches
It wasn’t just the women who embraced a touch of old-school glam this year; the men also stepped up their fashion game.
Adrien Brody, Robert Downey Jr., and Kit Connor all wore tuxedos adorned with jeweled lapels or brooches, demonstrating that men can add a bit of sparkle without overshadowing the overall look.
This subtle shift in men’s red-carpet style shows that the classics aren’t just for women—Hollywood’s leading men are equally capable of adding a touch of elegance and flair to their outfits.
The Complex Truth Behind Old Hollywood Glamour’s Revival at the Oscars
As Hollywood stars embraced the allure of vintage glamour, a more complex truth lingered beneath the surface.
Demi Moore, despite wearing a dazzling gown, was also part of a film that addresses the harsh expectations placed on aging actresses in Hollywood.
This juxtaposition—of ageless glamour on the red carpet and the real struggles behind the scenes—highlights the contradictions that still exist in the industry today.
Oscars Fashion Takes a Step Back from Radical Innovation and Embraces Elegance
The Oscars red carpet this year marked a clear departure from the past few years of radical fashion choices.
Gone were the shocking designs and bold statements that often took center stage.
Instead, stars opted for elegance, grace, and homage to the golden age of cinema.
This shift away from the avant-garde may signal a return to the kind of timeless beauty that initially established Hollywood as the global center of cultural influence.
The Vanity Fair Afterparty: A Freedom from Oscars Constraints with Bold Fashion Choices
After the Oscars ceremony, the Vanity Fair afterparty became the ultimate release for stars who had spent the evening in their carefully curated red-carpet looks.
Freed from the constraints of the Oscars dress code, stars like Olivia Wilde and others let their hair down—literally and figuratively—unveiling more playful, daring fashion choices.
Raised hems, sequins, and bold accessories showed that, despite embracing old Hollywood glamour for the night, Hollywood still has a place for diverse, liberated fashion statements.