Oscars 2025: Red Carpet Fashion—Who Wore It Best (and Who Made Us Gasp)?

The Oscars—Hollywood’s biggest night, where stars are crowned, speeches run too long, and fashion risks either pay off or leave us all wondering, who let them out of the house like that?

I settled in for my annual red carpet commentary session—snacks in one hand, remote in the other, fully prepared to judge outfits like I had a seat at Vogue. Let’s break down the best-dressed, the boldest risk-takers, and the “hmm, that’s…a choice” looks of the night.

Ariana Grande: Time Travel in Saint Laurent

Ariana Grande took us on a trip back to the ’90s—literally. She arrived in a vintage Yves Saint Laurent gown straight from the Fall 1991 haute couture collection. It was a black chiffon dream, sprinkled with pink feather accents, originally worn by Catherine Deneuve at the 1993 Oscars. Let’s be real, Ariana could wear a paper bag and still look like a million bucks, but this dress? Chef’s kiss. The slicked-back bun and pearl earrings? Perfection. She looked like old Hollywood glamour reincarnated into Gen Z energy.

Timothée Chalamet: GAP, but Make It Couture

Timothée Chalamet remains the king of unexpected red carpet choices. This time, he showed up in… GAP. Yes, you heard that right. The man wore a custom GAP look (designed by Zac Posen, of course) featuring a black duchess satin jacket and loose-fit satin jeans. And because Timothée never does basic, he accessorized with Cartier diamonds. Imagine walking into a GAP store expecting hoodies and denim, and instead, you get Oscars-level fashion. Only Timmy.

Demi Moore: The Business-Backless Power Move

Demi Moore decided to shake up the classic power suit. From the front, she looked like she just stepped out of a high-stakes boardroom in an off-white blazer and wide-leg trousers by Nina Ricci. But turn her around? BOOM—open-back drama. It was the perfect blend of business and scandal. The whole look said, “I close deals by day and steal hearts by night.”

Zoe Saldaña: A Chocolatey Dream

Zoe Saldaña showed up looking like a literal chocolate truffle—rich, silky, and impossible to ignore. Her long-sleeved, high-neck brown satin gown was equal parts sophisticated and sultry, thanks to the open back. The look whispered elegance, proving that you don’t need sequins or loud prints to make a statement. Just good tailoring and knowing when to show a little skin.

Cynthia Erivo: Green with Envy

Cynthia Erivo always understands the assignment. This year, she stepped out in a green satin kimono-style gown that made her look like she was hand-delivered by a goddess. Monochrome from head to toe, she paired the dress with matching satin heels and minimal accessories, letting the luxurious fabric do all the talking. If money were a color, it would be this shade of green.

Mikey Madison: Bow Down to the Bow

Mikey Madison went deep into the archives and pulled out a navy-and-black velvet vintage Bill Blass gown from 1987. The pièce de résistance? A massive, dramatic velvet bow centered on her back. She looked like the world’s most stylish present, wrapped up just for us. Fashion is all about the details, and nothing screams confidence like wearing an actual bow and owning it.

The Men Took Risks, and We Love to See It

While the ladies always bring the drama, let’s not ignore the men, who decided this year was their moment.

• Colman Domingo ditched the classic tux and went for a beaded embroidered masterpiece. It was sleek, stylish, and definitely Oscars-worthy.

• Barry Keoghan went full fashion rebel in a maroon double-breasted Louis Vuitton suit with leather accents—because why wear black when you can have main character energy?

• Bradley Cooper kept it simple in a custom Louis Vuitton suit but surprised us with an unexpected touch—his mom as his date. A+ move, Bradley.

And let’s take a moment to appreciate the jewelry game this year—chunky rings, diamond brooches, statement necklaces… men are finally stepping into their accessories era, and I’m here for it.

Trench Coats: The Red Carpet’s Secret MVP

One unexpected trend making waves? Trench coats. Who knew? Demi Moore wore one in The Substance, and suddenly, we’re all obsessed. The classic detective-style coat has officially become the fashion world’s new IT piece, proving that outerwear can be just as stylish as the dress underneath.

Accessories That Stole the Show

This year, less was definitely not more. Celebs layered on vintage and archival jewelry, making the red carpet feel like a high-end treasure chest. From diamond-encrusted chokers to bold gemstone earrings, the message was clear—if you’re not sparkling, you’re not trying hard enough.

A Night to Remember

The 2025 Oscars red carpet gave us everything—nostalgic throwbacks, bold risks, and a lot of open-back dresses (seriously, did I miss the memo?). From Ariana’s vintage perfection to Timothée making GAP couture, it was a night of fashion surprises that kept us on our toes.

As I polished off my last handful of popcorn and sighed at my own sweatpants-clad reflection, I made a silent vow: Next year, I’m dressing up for the Oscars—even if I’m just watching from my couch.

Until next time, Hollywood. Stay glamorous, stay unpredictable, and please, keep the bows coming.