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Oscars Dress Code: What’s “Inspirational and Aspirational” Enough for the Red Carpet?
Following Bianca Censori’s eye-catching, almost entirely see-through ensemble at the recent Grammy Awards, questions are swirling about the dress code-or lack thereof-at major awards ceremonies. While Censori’s controversial look graced the music industry’s biggest night, it has prompted a closer look at what attendees are expected to wear for the pinnacle of cinematic achievement: the Academy Awards.
The Oscars are more than just a glitzy parade; they’re a solemn recognition of artistic and technical excellence in film. Naturally, celebrities typically pull out all the stops, aiming for sartorial splendor. But with a history of both strict guidelines and their fashionable bending, what exactly are the rules for red-carpet attire?
Back in 2021, when COVID-19 protocols were front and center, Oscar producers Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher, and Jesse Collins issued guidance that, while focusing on health and safety, also offered a peek into fashion expectations. As reported by the Mirror US, a leaked email encouraged guests to strive for “Inspirational and Aspirational” looks, clarifying that “formal is totally cool if you want to go there, but casual is really not.”
However, the more formal “white tie” standard dates back to the event’s roots. A 1968 statement for the 40th Academy Awards explicitly stated that “actresses are expected to wear formal evening gowns, either maxi or floor length, preferably pastel shades, since the setting is very formal and done entirely in white and gold.” Organizers also emphasized longer dresses to uphold the “dignity of this traditional affair,” expressly banning mini or day-length dresses.
Intriguingly, the 1968 guidelines included a distinct gender specification, a point that raises eyebrows by today’s standards: “Men are expected to wear a white tie with conventional formal evening accessories.” This directive was even reiterated by the Academy in a 2015 blog post.
Yet, despite these seemingly clear cut instructions, the Academy has rarely enforced them with an iron fist. Celebrities are seldom turned away for pushing the boundaries of these somewhat flexible and subjective rules.
Kristen Stewart, for instance, famously showed off her legs on the red carpet in 2022 without issue, despite public discussion. Similarly, Billy Porter challenged traditional gender norms with his iconic skirt-and-suit jacket combination at the 2019 ceremony.
As it stands, the Academy has not yet released an official dress code for 2026. This means designers and celebrities will continue to rely on their own judgment to navigate the fine line between “inspirational” and “controversial” on Hollywood’s most prestigious red carpet.