Every awards season has its fashion highs and lows, but the 2025 Oscars took red carpet risks to another level. While some stars nailed their looks with timeless glamour and sleek silhouettes, others left viewers stunned—and not in a good way. From over-the-top ruffles to head-scratching accessories, this year’s worst-dressed list proves that bold isn’t always better.
Let’s break down the moments that had fashion critics and fans alike wondering: What were they thinking?
Timothée Chalamet: Too Much Buzz, Not Enough Style
Known for his fearless style choices, Timothée Chalamet has often walked the line between trendsetter and fashion rebel. But his all-yellow monochrome suit at the Oscars crossed that line in the wrong direction. Complete with a cropped jacket and sharp, pointed boots, the look gave off “fashion-forward bumblebee” energy that just didn’t land.
Instead of edgy and modern, it felt cartoonish. The tailoring was questionable, and the color overwhelmed the red carpet setting. Sometimes, less is more.
Video
2025 Oscars fashion: Best and worst dressed from the Academy Awards red carpet
Ariana Grande: A Dress Straight Out of a Fairy Tale—Literally
Ariana Grande is no stranger to drama, especially as she prepares for her role in Wicked. But her glittery, cupcake-shaped gown felt more fit for a stage production than the Academy Awards. With its exaggerated silhouette and heavy sparkle, the dress swallowed her petite frame and veered into costume territory.
It was whimsical, sure. But whimsical doesn’t always translate to wearable.
Whoopi Goldberg: Vinyl Isn’t Always a Vibe
Whoopi Goldberg is all about expressing herself through fashion—and that’s usually refreshing. But her Oscars 2025 look missed the mark. Dressed in a navy-blue vinyl gown that clung awkwardly and reflected light like a rain poncho, Goldberg’s outfit had viewers confused.
The dress looked uncomfortable and stiff, with none of the elegance usually expected at the Oscars. Bold? Yes. But bold doesn’t mean beautiful.
Brandi Carlile: When Polka Dots Take Over
Brandi Carlile’s style usually walks the line between edgy and refined. Unfortunately, her oversized polka dot suit, paired with a dramatic red bow, ended up looking more like holiday party attire than high fashion.
The loud pattern clashed with the bow, creating a look that felt more comedic than chic. A cleaner silhouette with fewer competing elements might’ve worked better here.
Cynthia Erivo: Gothic but Not Glamorous
Cynthia Erivo has built a reputation for taking risks on the red carpet. But her black velvet gown, complete with a sharp collar and oversized off-shoulder bow, felt like it belonged in a Tim Burton film rather than at the Oscars.
It was dramatic, sure—but it lacked the balance that makes couture memorable for the right reasons. Instead of enhancing her frame, the design distracted from it.
Video
10 Best Dressed from the Oscars 2025 | Bazaar UK
Zoe Saldana: Drowning in Fabric
Zoe Saldana usually slays the red carpet with elegant simplicity, but this year’s look was weighed down by fabric overload. The giant ruffle detail at her midsection added unnecessary bulk and disrupted the flow of the gown.
Instead of showcasing her natural grace, the dress overwhelmed her and landed her on the wrong end of many fashion recaps.
Adam Sandler: Red Carpet or Backyard BBQ?
Adam Sandler and formal fashion have never been best friends. But even by his laid-back standards, his Oscars look was a stretch. While everyone else dazzled in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos, Sandler showed up looking like he’d forgotten there was an event altogether.
Yes, comfort matters—but there’s a line between cool casual and downright careless. Unfortunately, he crossed it.
The Oscars are supposed to be a celebration of the best in film—but they’re also a spotlight for red carpet fashion. This year, some stars opted for daring choices, but not every gamble paid off. From awkward textures to distracting shapes, these looks had more shock value than staying power.
Here’s hoping next year brings a little more polish—and a little less chaos—to the world’s most-watched runway.
