The Oscars this year witnessed a noticeable shift in red-carpet fashion, as Hollywood stars took a break from pushing boundaries and instead embraced a more timeless, classic glamour.
After nearly two decades of daring, boundary-pushing outfits, the stars walked the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre with a sense of nostalgia, channeling the elegance of Hollywood’s golden age.
Hollywood Stars Embrace Classic Glamour Over Shock Value
This year, exaggerated peplums, sequined scales, thigh-high splits, and cleavage-baring necklines were notably absent.
Instead, the focus was on embracing traditional, elegant looks that harkened back to a simpler era.
Notable exceptions included Ariana Grande’s dramatic Glinda gown and Cynthia Erivo’s stunning emerald green Louis Vuitton ballgown, but even these looks carried an aura of old-world charm.
Scarlett Johansson Brings Back Old Hollywood with Vintage Thierry Mugler
One of the standout moments on the red carpet was Scarlett Johansson’s return to the Oscars after a four-year absence. The actress wowed in a vintage midnight blue velvet Thierry Mugler dress, showcasing a fitted bodice, a sleeveless cowl neckline, and a floor-length skirt with a subtle train.
Her look was completed with dramatic opera gloves and a sophisticated De Beers diamond choker, proving that Old Hollywood glamour is back in full force.
Demi Moore Shines in Silver Sequins with Giorgio Armani Privé
While the red carpet saw a shift back to more traditional glamour, there was still room for some sparkle.
Demi Moore’s bejeweled platinum Giorgio Armani Privé gown glittered with thousands of silver sequins, reminiscent of the glitz that made stars like Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich famous.
The dress clung to Moore’s figure, proving that shimmering, floor-length gowns are still as captivating as ever.
Selena Gomez Pays Tribute to Sophia Loren with a Classic Ralph Lauren Gown
Selena Gomez, continuing the trend of channeling classic Hollywood, dazzled in a blush pink off-the-shoulder Ralph Lauren gown.
The dress was adorned with 16,000 glass droplets and Rosemont crystals, which were hand-embroidered by a team of 12 artisans.
The sparkling gown, paired with a platinum Bulgari necklace, was a nod to the glamour of screen legend Sophia Loren, reinforcing the power of traditional femininity in modern fashion.
Isabella Rossellini Honors Her Mother’s Legacy with Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Isabella Rossellini’s tribute to her mother, Ingrid Bergman, was another poignant moment on the red carpet.
Rossellini wore the same pearl and diamond drop earrings that her mother had worn to the Oscars in 1969 and 1975.
This touching homage reflected the deep connection between generations of women in Hollywood and their shared legacy in the industry.
Elle Fanning and Miley Madison Channel Retro Style with Couture Looks
Elle Fanning made a strong statement with a custom Givenchy gown that was a nod to Hubert de Givenchy’s 1952 debut collection.
The stunning design featured French Lyon lace and silk tulle, combining classic couture with modern elegance.
Miley Madison also turned heads in a recreated 1956 Christian Dior gown, the “Le Bal à Paris,” proving that retro refinement is alive and well on today’s red carpet.
Men’s Fashion Gets a Touch of Sparkle with Brooches and Jewels
Even the men on the red carpet were embracing a bit of sparkle this year.
Adrien Brody, Robert Downey Jr., and Kit Connor sported jeweled lapels and brooches, adding a touch of glamour to their tuxedos.
This subtle yet effective trend showed that even the most traditional of men’s fashion can benefit from a little extra shine.
Oscars Fashion Reflects a Desire to Look Back to Move Forward
The Oscars red carpet this year clearly reflected a shift in Hollywood’s approach to fashion.
In a time when the film industry faces numerous challenges, from environmental disasters to political scrutiny, many stars embraced the idea of looking back to move forward.
The focus on Old Hollywood glamour was a way to reclaim a sense of timeless elegance and cultural power.
The Duality of Hollywood Fashion: Old Hollywood Glamour vs. Modern Day Reality
While the Oscars fashion celebrated the charm of Old Hollywood, there were still moments of contradiction.
Demi Moore’s dazzling appearance was tempered by the irony of her film role, which explores the harsh expectations placed on aging actresses.
This juxtaposition highlights the complex pressures that come with Hollywood’s image-making, where the pursuit of perfection often masks deeper issues with aging, identity, and authenticity.
The After Party Reveals a More Revealing Side of Hollywood Style
After the ceremony, stars shed their more restrained Oscar looks for the freedom of the Vanity Fair after-party. Here, the fashion was bold, with raised hems, studs, sequins, and in some cases, near-nakedness.
Olivia Wilde, for example, went with a barely-there outfit, embodying the rebellious spirit that contrasts with the more polished and restrained styles seen earlier in the night.
The after-party showcased a different side of Hollywood fashion, where stars can embrace their individuality without the constraints of the red carpet.
In the end, this year’s Oscars red carpet was a reminder of the power of nostalgia and tradition in Hollywood fashion, even as stars continue to navigate the complexities of image and identity in a rapidly changing world.