THR’s Definitive Guide to Red Carpet Dressing

Hollywood’s regal red carpet is the rare symbol of ageless glamour — despite being born in 1922, for a premiere at the Egyptian Theatre. But this awards season, the slightly dusty rug has been shaken out and freshened up: It’s got a whole new face, a full facelift, as we say. New designers, actors, jewelry, styles, shapes, hairstyles — even lip colors — are replacing old standbys. Here are THR’s new red carpet rules — for those who still want to claim the world’s best-known runway as their domain.

IN Fit ’n’ flare 1950s-style silhouettes, like a waist-accentuating look that Jenna Ortega nailed in her Christian Dior dress at the Emmy Awards.

OUT Big old-school 1950s-style ball gowns à la Jennifer Lopez’s extra-voluminous full-skirted Elie Saab at the 2015 Oscars.

IN Ballerina buns, as seen on America Ferrera at the SAG Awards.

OUT Beachy waves

IN Chic tinted eyewear, as seen recently on the likes of Robert Downey Jr. and Meryl Streep.

OUT Dark keep-the-world-out shades, the kind that might keep you from realizing you’re talking to Ryan Gosling — because you’re half-blind.

IN Opera gloves

OUT Chunky, blingy bracelets

IN Bloomcore, i.e., gowns with rosette details and 3D flowers, as seen recently on Emily Blunt, Lopez and Natalie Portman.

OUT Ruched gowns, such as the tiered black Gucci dress worn by Billie Eilish to the Oscars in 2022.

IN Men in mega-brights, without ties. Cue up Matt Bomer at Critics Choice in shocking blue Berluti.

OUT Tuxedo-traditional, with bow ties. Think Adam Driver at the 2020 Oscars.

IN Giving sexy back, as Elizabeth Debicki did in Armani at the SAG Awards.

OUT Mega-cleavage like Tracee Ellis Ross’ revealing Carolina Herrera at the Academy Awards in 2022.

IN Peplum gowns, such as the sculptural white Sportmax look chicly worn by Ross at the Emmys.

OUT Ultra-simple silhouettes

IN Cool downtown girl minimalism. We’re thinking of you, new red carpet stars Ayo Edebiri and Greta Lee (both of whom are styled by Danielle Goldberg).

OUT Outfits that try too hard, such as Brie Larson’s Atelier Versace abs-revealing crop-top look at the 2024 SAG Awards.

IN Feathered chic; leather dresses and tuxes. At the Emmys, Issa Rae floated in feathery Pamella Roland, while Edebiri and Tyler James Williams have scored in black leather.

OUT Flat fabrics with no details

IN Mermaidcore à la Carey Mulligan in Schiaparelli Haute Couture at the Golden Globes.

OUT Normcore

IN Corseted gowns and tops, as showcased by Florence Pugh at the BAFTAs in custom Harris Reed.

OUT Shapeless bodices like the muumuu-style dress Maya Rudolph wore to the Oscars in 2022.

IN Dresses with leafy cut-outs. Think Selena Gomez in Oscar de la Renta at the Emmys.

OUT Naked dresses — unless you’re Miley Cyrus in custom Maison Margiela.

IN Thicker-heeled platform shoes

OUT Old-school plain pumps

IN Men in lots of bling. Colman Domingo consistently brings it.

OUT Women in zero bling, like Jennifer Lawrence’s subdued jewelry at the Oscars in 2016.

IN Low-key makeup: soft matte lips, soft cheeks, feathery lashes

OUT Maximalist glam makeup, spidery lashes

IN Men with dreamy hair. Think the flowing locks of Timothée Chalamet and Jeremy Allen White.

OUT Military cuts à la Channing Tatum.

This story first appeared in the March 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.