As awards season begins in January 2026, the red carpet has already seen some spectacular fashion moments that are setting the tone for the year. Celebrities have stepped out in striking ensembles, blending bold, contemporary styles with classic elegance. From shimmering gowns to tailored suits, the fashion on display at events like the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards and the Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards has been nothing short of dazzling.
At the Critics Choice Awards, Kate Hudson turned heads in a stunning Stella McCartney mini dress. The playful yet polished look was completed with statement heels, giving it a modern edge while maintaining a sense of effortless glamour. This look is a perfect example of how the fashion world is embracing shorter hemlines and unique silhouettes for 2026, showcasing a blend of high-fashion flair with accessibility.
Leighton Meester also delivered a memorable moment on the red carpet with her lilac Carolina Herrera gown. The dress, with its soft and ethereal tones, captured the early fashion trends for the year, which are embracing pastel shades and delicate fabrics. The gown’s modern yet classic design demonstrated Meester’s ability to balance contemporary style with timeless elegance, making it one of the most talked-about looks of the night.
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Ariana Grande, known for her own sense of elegance and old Hollywood glamour, chose a layered Alberta Ferretti gown that paid tribute to classic cinema. The gown, with its intricate layers and luxurious materials, was reminiscent of the gowns worn by actresses from the golden age of film. This choice reflected the growing trend of honoring vintage style while making it fresh and relevant for today’s red carpet. Ariana’s look was a perfect fusion of nostalgia and modern chic, symbolizing how fashion often looks to the past to inspire future trends.
Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus made a bold statement at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in a sleek, tailored Tom Ford pantsuit. With her androgynous approach to fashion, Cyrus’s outfit stood out as a striking example of how tailored menswear-inspired looks are gaining popularity on the red carpet. The sharp lines and minimalist design of the suit allowed her to challenge traditional notions of femininity while still exuding an undeniable sense of power and sophistication. Her look added an element of boldness to the proceedings, signaling that the red carpet is becoming more inclusive of diverse styles and gender expressions.
Other standout fashion moments included Bella Hadid, who embraced the season’s colder temperatures with a chic winter ensemble that combined comfort with high fashion. Hadid’s look was perfect for the time of year, demonstrating how winter wear can be both stylish and functional. Kim Kardashian, on the other hand, drew attention with a striking leather and velvet combination that seemed to capture the essence of ski season, proving that the red carpet is not limited to gowns and tuxedos alone. Kardashian’s daring outfit incorporated textures that were both luxurious and bold, perfectly suited for an event that celebrates the best in film and fashion.
As these high-profile stars continue to step out in such fashionable styles, it is clear that 2026 will be a year of blending the glamorous with the practical. The early looks we’ve seen set a powerful precedent for the year’s fashion, with stars mixing bold contemporary trends with classic silhouettes and textures. The street-style influences are evident, showing how fashion can both elevate and embrace the everyday. The red carpet has truly become a place to celebrate personal style, and it’s clear that this season will be filled with unforgettable moments that inspire fashion lovers around the world.