The 97th Academy Awards held at the iconic Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, once again became the highlight of the Hollywood calendar, dazzling viewers not only with cinematic achievements but also showcasing breathtaking fashion and beauty trends. This year’s Oscars celebrated not just the best of film, but also the art of personal style, offering inspiration for events all year round.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Demi Moore captivating the audience with her stunning silver mermaid gown by Armani Privé, covered in hand-sewn crystals. Fashion designer Claudio Cosano proclaimed, "Spectacular! The winning tones are metallics: silver, gold, and rose gold." Moore’s look epitomized the refined glamor many stars aspired to, seamlessly blending classic silhouettes with eye-catching detailing.
Ariana Grande, concluding her campaign of 'method dressing', dazzled the red carpet with her haute couture gown by Schiaparelli, combining modernity and chicness. Laurencio Adot praised her ensemble, stating it was, "A true piece of haute couture, perfectly fitted and corseted, reflecting her unique style."
Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo’s bold green velvet gown from Louis Vuitton inspired many, with fashion expert Patricia Profumo exclaiming it was one of the night’s finest outfits, thanking the couture craftsmanship for excellence on the red carpet.
Other stars like Margaret Qualley took the opportunity to showcase elegant modernity. Her sculptural top knot hairstyle was remarkable, indicating how classic styles are constantly reinvented to stay fresh and relevant. Margaret's fashion statement reflects sophistication, perfectly complemented by her structured velvet dress, enhancing her figure elegantly.
Attempting to bring back vintage styles, Miley Cyrus showcased voluminous Old Hollywood waves. While such looks can be perceived as conventional, Miley’s styling emphasized edginess and personality. The abundance of textures and historical references echoed throughout the event.
Among the notable hair trends observed was the enduring presence of wet looks, showcased by figures such as Hannah Stocking. The sleek, polished effect garnered much attention, with beauty styles deemed both effortless and chic. According to reports, this is set to be one of the major trends as we move through 2025.
The 'ballet core' trend emerged with many outfits exhibiting soft colors such as dusty pink and fluid fabrics reminiscent of graceful ballet attire. This was particularly highlighted when stars like Ariana Grande attended the gala, signalling their alignment with trends reminiscent of balletic aesthetics, which is expected to shape event fashion throughout the year.
Metallic fabrics dominated the red carpet, presenting yet another layer of texture and shine. Acts like Selena Gomez wore embellished designs adorned with sparkling accents, reaffirming how sequined dresses are timeless staples for such high-profile events. Designers, such as Cosano, epitomized this with sentiments highlighting the radiance of metallic gowns.
With bold transparency on the rise, Olivia Wilde’s afterparty appearance challenged norms without losing elegance, showcasing how daring it can be to blend sophistication with allure. The prevalence of sheerness alongside structured pieces confirmed the trend for showing skin without sacrificing class.
What stood out significantly at this year’s Oscars was the makeup philosophy leaning toward the ‘makeup-no-makeup' look. Highlighting natural beauty, stars like Demi Moore exemplified this with soft, glowing skin and subtle shadows. The focus was on achieving sophisticated looks effortlessly, expressing the message of self-acceptance and simplicity echoing throughout the fashion layers.
This 2025 Oscars were layered with not only the brilliance of films but the vibrance of creativity expressed through fashion. Each star presented their unique style reflecting personal narratives and showcasing vibrant personalities. These fashion statements aren’t just red carpet moments; they set the tone for beauty trends we’ll continue to see throughout weddings, formal events, and everyday life.
The advice remains clear: embrace the aesthetic lessons learned from the Oscars to inspire your own wardrobe choices. Whether it’s through channeling the elegance of wet looks, exploring the refinement of metallics, or opting for the quiet drama of sheer styles, 2025 is shaping up to be exceptionally bright for fashionistas everywhere.