The Grammys have once again lived up to their reputation as the grandest night in music, where the industry’s brightest stars grace the red carpet in ensembles that range from effortlessly sophisticated to boldly avant-garde. This year, however, a striking theme emerged—an unexpected revival of classic, old-school glamour seamlessly blended with contemporary elegance. From daring fashion statements to refined silhouettes, the night was a dazzling showcase of artistry, proving that music’s biggest night isn’t just about the awards but also about making an unforgettable style statement.
Chappell Roan Stuns in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture
Embracing balletcore with an avant-garde twist, Best New Artist nominee Chappell Roan transforms high fashion into a theatrical masterpiece. Draped in an ethereal creation from Gaultier’s iconic 2003 Couture collection—adorned with Degas’ timeless ballerinas—she exudes a mesmerizing blend of romanticism and drama. Yet, it’s her strikingly perfected makeup that elevates the ensemble from classic elegance to bold, expressive artistry. A fusion of drag, high fashion, and unfiltered self-expression, this look isn’t just a statement—it’s pure Chappell Roan.
Taylor Swift in Vivienne Westwood
The “Fortnight” singer and Album of the Year nominee graced the red carpet with effortless poise, exuding timeless elegance and an undeniable presence. Her look was a masterclass in classic glamour—sleek, sophisticated, and undeniably striking. While the dress itself follows a familiar formula, she transforms it into a show-stopping statement, radiating confidence and charisma. Typically, a perfectly coordinated ensemble—down to the dress, lips, and accessories—might feel excessive, but in this case, it’s a bold, intentional nod to her partner’s team colors as he gears up for the Super Bowl. And with her signature charm, she makes it all work seamlessly.
Olivia Rodrigo in Vintage Versace
Miley Cyrus effortlessly commands attention in this sleek vintage Versace gown, proving that true style transcends comparisons. While it’s tempting to speculate on any fashion rivalry, the undeniable reality is that the Can’t Catch Me Now singer and nominee for Best Song Written for Visual Media carries this look with such confidence and elegance that any potential comparisons fade into insignificance. The minimalist design enhances its striking appeal, delivering a bold yet refined statement that solidifies her place as a true fashion icon.
Lady Gaga in Samuel Lewis
Lady Gaga has made a striking entrance, embodying gothic elegance with a touch of high-fashion brilliance in a breathtaking ensemble reminiscent of Elphaba’s iconic style. Far from being anything but original, the “Die With a Smile” singer and Song of the Year nominee stuns in an intricately designed gown that exudes drama and sophistication. Every element, from her razor-sharp blunt bangs to the statement boots and the exquisite Tiffany necklace, contributes to an awe-inspiring aesthetic. This look is the epitome of goth glam, yet it carries an unparalleled couture refinement that only Gaga could effortlessly pull off.
Kacey Musgraves in Ralph Lauren
Nominated for Best Country Song with The Architect, she embraced a high-low glam aesthetic that had great potential but fell slightly short in execution. While we appreciate country artists experimenting with contrasts, her choice of a sleek Ralph Lauren skirt deserved a more effortless counterpart. A simple, well-fitted t-shirt would have elevated the ensemble, striking the perfect balance between casual and sophisticated. Instead, the yoga-style tank top lacked the necessary contrast, leaving the look somewhat unbalanced. The “lo” needed to be more relaxed to let the “hi” truly shine.
Gracie Abrams in Chanel
This breathtaking Chanel gown exudes an undeniable bridal essence, a style that often feels unexpected on the red carpet. Yet, the “Us” singer and Best Pop Duo Performance nominee wore it with such confidence and delight that she effortlessly turned it into a captivating fashion statement. While the romantic allure of the dress was undeniable, certain elements—particularly those bows—could have been left behind. Nonetheless, her sheer joy in wearing it made the look all the more enchanting.
Benson Boone in Dolce & Gabbana
The “Beautiful Things” singer and Best New Artist nominee effortlessly embodies the bold charisma needed to elevate this sleek yet understated Dolce & Gabbana disco suit. While a more vibrant hue could have added extra flair, the choice to keep it subdued ensures a refined elegance, steering clear of excess. His presence exudes sophistication, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.
Charli XCX in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture
The 360 singer and Album of the Year nominee exuded an edgy yet romantic allure on the red carpet, turning heads with a voluminous gown reminiscent of ethereal, textured clouds. Its muted gray hue played a pivotal role in elevating the ensemble, offering an understated sophistication that might have been lost in brighter shades like pink or bold Brat green. Paired with striking, no-nonsense boots, the look struck a perfect balance between avant-garde elegance and effortless cool, proving that high fashion doesn’t always need embellishments to make a powerful statement.
Kelsea Ballerini in Tamra Ralph Couture
The fusion of a short, intricately beaded black dress with an oversized white coat doesn’t quite strike the right balance—there’s an unpolished contrast that feels visually off-putting. Perhaps it’s the stiffness of the beadwork, which leans more toward a rigid, armor-like aesthetic rather than effortless elegance, or maybe it’s the overall pairing that lacks harmony. The bold embellishments clash with the coat’s oversized silhouette, creating a look that feels more mismatched than sophisticated.
St. Vincent in Armani
The “Broken Man” singer and Best Rock Performance nominee initially captivated us with an air of classic elegance—after all, a tuxedo jacket paired with sheer tights is a timeless combination. However, the ensemble took an unexpected turn with the addition of white socks, which disrupted the otherwise sophisticated aesthetic. While the gloves leaned toward playful eccentricity, they were still passable. But the knee-high socks? That styling choice was a definitive misstep, leaving us questioning an otherwise striking look.
Cardi B in Roberto Cavalli
A striking fusion of untamed glamour and irresistible allure, this look is nothing short of breathtaking. Channeling a timeless elegance that even Marilyn Monroe would admire, the “Enough” singer and Best Rap Performance nominee once again proves her mastery of red carpet fashion. Renowned for her show-stopping style, she has outdone herself with this mesmerizing ensemble. Every detail is meticulously crafted—the makeup is flawlessly sculpted, the manicure exudes a fierce feline energy, and the playful addition of feathers adds an unexpected yet delightful touch. This might just be her most unforgettable look to date.
Cardi B in Roberto Cavalli
The talented Wicked star and Best Actress Oscar nominee stepped away from her signature Elphaba-inspired aesthetics and embraced a futuristic, space-queen elegance. Opting for a sleek and daring ensemble, she exuded confidence in a metallic-paneled design that, while bold, sparked a mix of opinions—particularly with its plunging neckline. However, the overall dramatic appeal of the outfit undeniably complemented her presence. The choice of jewelry was impeccable, adding just the right touch of sophistication, while the understated yet refined design allowed her meticulously styled manicure to command attention.
Alicia Keys in Dolce & Gabbana
The nominee for Best Musical Theater Album captivated everyone with a stunningly extravagant yet refined ensemble that effortlessly combines elements of regal elegance with the allure of red carpet glamour. The dress, though simple in structure, serves as the perfect canvas for the intricately designed corset and headpiece, both of which take center stage. With a poise and confidence that perfectly complements the look, she ensures that the elaborate details enhance rather than overshadow her presence. This flawless harmony between the design and its wearer is nothing short of breathtaking.
Miley Cyrus in Saint Laurent
The iconic “II Most Wanted” singer has mastered the art of channeling retro ’70s glam, and this leather Saint Laurent ensemble instantly evokes the glamorous vibes of Cher in Bob Mackie. Though not a groundbreaking look, it exudes a timeless simplicity that’s effortlessly stylish. The understated approach to styling is refreshingly chic, adding to its effortless allure without overwhelming the viewer. This look, while familiar, resonates with a sense of nostalgia and easy elegance that we can’t help but appreciate.
Billie Eilish in Prada
The “Birds of a Feather” artist and Record of the Year nominee has once again reinvented her style, steering it into a fresh, sharp direction without losing touch with her authentic self. This new look channels a nostalgic ’90s minimalism that speaks to our love for simplicity, though we can’t help but cringe at the mismatched strings and the awkward white panel at the back, which unintentionally calls to mind the vibe of a “Kick Me” sign.
Sabrina Carpenter in JW Anderson
The “Espresso” singer and Record of the Year nominee has effortlessly earned the title of the reigning queen of playful yet seductive good-girl fashion. She possesses an incredible ability to pull off outfits that could easily seem quirky or even outlandish on someone else, but she always carries it with a knowing confidence that keeps it undeniably chic. Each ensemble she dons has an element of fun, a subtle wink that only adds to her charm. This particular gown—surprisingly flawless and wrinkle-free—is no exception. She manages to look irresistibly cute and sultry all at once, creating a captivating and refreshingly bold style statement.
Troye Sivan in Prada
When it comes to pulling off bold fashion choices, we couldn’t help but think Troye Sivan might be the one to make a semi-sheer, ultra-glossy lavender suit look effortlessly chic. But after seeing his recent ensemble, it’s clear that even he couldn’t save it. The result? A look that’s far from polished, leaving us wondering if this suit was a failed attempt at high fashion. With its rumpled, mismatched vibe, the “Got Me Started” artist ends up looking more like a disheveled laundry pile than a red carpet contender. It seems this particular outfit is a challenge for anyone to pull off, no matter their style credentials.
Doechii in Thom Browne
The “Nissan Altima” singer, who is also a Best Rap Album nominee, absolutely exuded confidence in her Thom Browne dress. The bold, structured design undoubtedly highlighted her powerful presence, and the exaggerated hips added a touch of playful flair. However, despite the striking and avant-garde appeal of the ensemble, the white oxford shirt and prep-school tie seemed a bit out of place, clashing with the otherwise sharp and sophisticated silhouette. While the dress undeniably suits her, a more cohesive approach might have enhanced the overall effect.
