The 2026 Oscars red carpet favored intention over excess. Rather than leaning into spectacle for the sake of attention, the most compelling looks felt thoughtful, personal, and well considered. Designers, stylists, and stars alike embraced silhouettes and styling choices rooted in fashion rather than trend chasing, resulting in a red carpet that felt elegant, modern, and quietly confident. These were the 10 looks that stood out for all the right reasons.
Ayo Edebiri in Chanel
Ayo Edebiri stepped onto the Oscars red carpet in Chanel wearing a look fresh off the runway from the house’s most recent show, instantly setting the tone for the night. The silhouette felt classic at first glance, but the timing gave it a modern urgency that made it feel especially fashion forward. Subtle detailing and thoughtful proportions kept the look elegant rather than archival. It was a reminder of how powerful red carpet dressing can be when runway and real time culture align.
Jenna Ortega in Dilara Findikoglu
Jenna Ortega continued to carve out her own lane in Dilara Findikoglu, bringing a darker, more directional energy to the Oscars red carpet. The look leaned into romantic edge and individuality without tipping into costume territory. It felt intentional, expressive, and true to her evolving style narrative. In a night dominated by classic glamour, this stood out precisely because it refused to play it safe.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
Emma Stone once again proved she is unafraid of thoughtful fashion risk in Louis Vuitton. The look played with proportion and structure in a way that felt modern yet appropriate for the occasion. Rather than defaulting to a traditional gown, she chose something that reflected her evolving style. The result felt fresh, confident, and distinctly her.
Connor Storrie in Saint Laurent
Connor Storrie delivered a standout menswear moment in Saint Laurent, embracing sharp tailoring with subtle personality. The look felt classic at its core, but small styling choices gave it a sense of individuality. It was clean, confident, and well executed without feeling overly styled. Exactly the kind of menswear the Oscars benefit from seeing more of.
Renate Reinsve in Louis Vuitton
In Louis Vuitton, Renate Reinsve delivered one of the evening’s most visually striking moments, wearing a gown adorned with more than 80,000 beads. The intricate embellishment created fluid movement that caught the light beautifully with every step. Despite the level of craftsmanship, the look never felt heavy or overwhelming, maintaining a sense of ease and elegance. It was the kind of red carpet moment that rewarded closer attention and lingered long after first glance.
Emily Blunt in Louis Vuitton
Emily Blunt opted for refined simplicity in Louis Vuitton, proving once again that restraint can be incredibly impactful. The clean silhouette and impeccable tailoring allowed the design to speak for itself. Styling remained classic and unfussy, which elevated the overall effect. It was timeless Oscars dressing executed with quiet confidence.
Mark Ronson in Saint Laurent
This one may be controversial, but Mark Ronson deserves credit for stepping outside the standard black tuxedo formula. His Saint Laurent look felt intentionally different, offering a refreshing shift from the predictable menswear choices we see year after year. In a sea of traditional tailoring, that willingness to push slightly beyond expectations stood out. Fashion should spark conversation, and this look did exactly that.
Odessa A’zion in Dolce & Gabbana
Odessa A’zion leaned into glamour with a Dolce and Gabbana look that blended vintage influence with modern confidence. The styling (which she did herself) struck a balance between drama and wearability, giving the look an effortless quality despite its richness. It felt expressive without being overwhelming, proving personality remains one of the most powerful accessories on the red carpet.
Jessie Buckley in Dior
Jessie Buckley brought a sense of understated drama to the Oscars red carpet in Dior. The look balanced structure and softness in a way that felt distinctly modern while still honoring the house’s couture heritage. Nothing about it felt forced or overly styled, which only strengthened its impact. It was elegant, thoughtful, and quietly powerful, the kind of fashion moment that grows stronger the longer you look at it.
Michael B. Jordan in Prada
Michael B. Jordan brought refined elegance to the red carpet in Prada. The color was spot on, and the tailoring was impeccable, with a silhouette that felt modern while still honoring classic menswear codes. Styling was kept sharp and intentional, allowing craftsmanship and fit to take center stage. It was understated, confident, and undeniably polished.
• At its best, Oscars fashion is not about spectacle, but about clarity.
• The strongest looks this year succeeded because they felt intentional, personal, and well styled rather than trend driven.
• Whether it was fresh off the runway couture, thoughtful risk taking, or elevated takes on classic tailoring, this year’s best dressed understood the moment and dressed accordingly.
• The result was a red carpet that felt modern, elegant, and genuinely exciting.
