While the Academy Awards red carpet tends to favor restraint, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party has always operated with a different kind of energy. It is less about tradition and more about interpretation. The same ideas that show up earlier in the night are still present, but they evolve into something that feels more personal and slightly less expected.
That shift has always been part of the appeal, but this year it felt especially clear. Where the Oscars leaned into polish and precision, the after-party moved with a bit more ease. Silhouettes softened, fabrics felt lighter, and there was a noticeable willingness to take risks that might not have translated the same way just a few hours earlier. The result was a carpet that felt less controlled in the best way, with looks that read as intentional but not overly calculated.
There was also a strong sense of contrast throughout the night. Minimal, pared-back gowns existed alongside sheer fabrics, sculptural shapes, and more directional styling. Some looks relied entirely on clean lines and restraint, while others leaned into texture, embellishment, and movement. That push and pull is what ultimately defined the carpet. Nothing felt overly coordinated, but it did feel considered.
More than anything, the night reflected a kind of confidence that does not always come through on the main carpet. The looks felt less about meeting expectations and more about pushing them slightly further, which is exactly where the after-party tends to be at its best. See below for the best looks from the Oscars 2026 Vanity Fair After Party
Bella Hadid
A clean, minimal approach set the tone early on with Bella Hadid in Prada. The ivory two-piece was sharply executed, striking a balance between relaxed and precise. It skipped embellishment entirely, which made it stand out even more in a setting where so many looks leaned in the opposite direction.
Anya Taylor Joy:
Archival always carries a different weight here, and Anya Taylor-Joy understood that immediately. In John Galliano FW94, the look felt delicate with a slightly theatrical edge, but still controlled. It brought in a sense of history without feeling disconnected from everything else on the carpet, which is not always easy to do with archival.
Teyana Taylor:
Teyana Taylor continues to stand out in a way that feels consistent rather than surprising. In Chanel, the look felt effortless but still considered. At this point, she has more than proven that she can hold her own on any carpet, and this was no exception.
Kendall Jenner:
Soft minimalism continued with Kendall Jenner in Chanel. The pale blue tone felt especially well suited to her, and it brought a lighter, more playful energy to the evening without losing any sense of polish. The gown itself moved effortlessly, with subtle detailing that added dimension without overwhelming it.
Sarah Pidgeon:
Sarah Pidgeon kept things streamlined in Calvin Klein. The simplicity worked in her favor, especially given the brand’s ties to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. With Pidgeon portraying her in the new JFK Jr. Hulu series, the choice felt intentional without being too on-the-nose, adding an extra layer to an otherwise understated look.
Tate McRae:
Color made a stronger statement through Tate McRae, who opted for a custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown that reportedly took over 150 hours to complete. The saturated red, paired with the sculpted silhouette, gave the look a sense of intention that still felt aligned with the after party’s more relaxed atmosphere.
Odessa A’zion:
On the more experimental end, Odessa A’zion leaned into Harris Reed. It might be a bit of a hot take, but this felt like one of her strongest red carpet moments. The look pushed into something more theatrical than what we usually see from her, while still feeling completely in line with her personality.
Mia Goth:
Structure and contrast also defined Mia Goth’s Dior look. The sculpted black bodice against the fuller skirt created a silhouette that felt both modern and slightly referential. Even the details felt considered, down to the Roger Vivier satin crystal heels, which added just the right amount of finish without competing with the dress.
Jessica Alba:
A more classic interpretation of eveningwear came through with Jessica Alba in Tamara Ralph. The strapless black gown leaned into a familiar silhouette, but the embellishment added enough texture to keep it from feeling predictable. It landed somewhere between traditional and modern without fully committing to either.
Nicole Kidman:
That same balance showed up differently with Nicole Kidman, who stayed consistent with her Chanel choice. The long-sleeved gold gown felt aligned with her usual approach, detailed and polished without needing to push into something more overt.
By the end of the night, it became clear that the Vanity Fair carpet is not about a single defining trend. Instead, it builds on what the Oscars introduce and pushes those ideas further. The structure is still there, but it feels looser. The glamour remains, but it is approached with more flexibility.
That range is what ultimately makes the after-party so compelling. It leaves room for contrast, for experimentation, and for a version of red carpet dressing that feels slightly more personal.
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