Written by Mia Aponte. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons Free Malaysia Today.
The 2025 Oscars delivered a red carpet packed with show-stopping couture, daring risks and a few eyebrow-raising moments. From timeless elegance to avant-garde experiments, this year’s fashion choices will be talked about for years to come. Let’s break down the night’s most unforgettable looks.
Best Dressed: The Unquestionable Looks of the Night
Ariana Grande stunned in a custom Giambattista Valli gown, seamlessly blending classic Hollywood glamour with a modern edge. The dramatic silhouette and meticulous craftsmanship made her an instant best-dressed contender along with her other looks of the evening. Like her co-star, Cynthia Erivo once again proved her sartorial prowess in a custom Louis Vuitton masterpiece. The look was both innovative and timeless, showcasing expert tailoring and striking embellishments that secured her a place among the night’s top style icons. Lastly, Elle Fanning embodied old-school Hollywood elegance in a vintage-inspired ensemble. Her timeless aesthetic, paired with impeccable styling, reaffirmed her status as a red-carpet darling.
Risk-Takers: Bold Moves on the Red Carpet
Colman Domingo turned heads in a custom Valentino suit featuring an intricate sculptural silhouette. The bright-red ensemble, accented with mix jewelry, showcased his ability to balance boldness with refinement—a daring choice that paid off spectacularly. While not specifically at the Oscars, Zoë Kravitz opted for a sheer, bedazzled gown that sparked debate for the Vanity Fair Oscars Party. The look was a testament to business in the front, but party in the back. It was undeniably fashion-forward and such an elegant yet boundary pushing look. Another daring menswear look, Timothée Chalamet opted for a striking yellow ensemble that divided opinion. While some praised his fearless approach, others felt the color choice was more about making a statement than creating a cohesive, polished look.
Fashion Missteps: When Risks Didn’t Pay Off
Not every bold choice landed successfully, and a few stars missed the mark with their Oscar-night attire. Julia Fox caused a stir with her sheer dress at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, leaving little to the imagination. While known for her provocative fashion, critics argued that the look lacked refinement for an event of this caliber. Megan Thee Stallion took a high-risk, high-reward approach with a daring green ensemble. Unfortunately, the minimal coverage made the look feel more suited to a music awards show than the Academy Awards.
Afterparty Highlights: Stars Who Shined Post-Ceremony
The fashion moments didn’t end with the red carpet—afterparties brought their own dazzling displays. Miley Cyrus underwent a full transformation, elevating her look with polarizing micro bangs and bleached eyebrows at the After-Party. Her minimal yet sophisticated afterparty appearance was widely praised as a standout moment. Selena Gomez also made waves in a glamorous gown that accentuated her effortless elegance. Her choice of attire struck the perfect balance between chic as well as a nod to Old Hollywood glamour.
In conclusion, the Oscars red carpet continues to be an unparalleled stage for celebrities to push boundaries, redefine elegance and, at times, leave us in awe. Each year, we are treated to moments that challenge conventions, spark conversations and set new standards in fashion. Here’s to another year of unforgettable fashion moments.
As Contributing Editor, Mia Aponte collaborates closely with staff and contributors to craft engaging narratives across various subjects. She is eager to infuse fresh perspectives and dynamic storytelling into her work and to help the contributors with their artistic pursuits. At SCAD, Mia majors in Fashion Marketing and Management and minors in Social Strategy and Management. She regularly offers opinionated pieces on numerous topics as well as pop culture insights. When she’s not writing, Mia is most likely thrifting, listening to music, or reading.
