Let’s face it—no red carpet is complete without a few fashion fails. The 2025 Oscars gave us jaw-dropping elegance and avant-garde couture… but also some unforgettable missteps. Whether it was a fabric choice that backfired or a silhouette that swallowed the star, these seven celebrities made choices that sparked more side-eyes than applause.
Let’s break down who wore what—and why it didn’t work.
Timothée Chalamet: Buzzed for All the Wrong Reasons
Timothée has built a fan base around his risk-taking wardrobe, but his all-yellow cropped suit at the Oscars felt more gimmick than genius. From the pointed boots to the overwhelming brightness, the look lacked the polish and cohesion we expect from high fashion moments.
The vibe? Bumblebee in designer threads. Not his best.
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2025 Oscars fashion: Best and worst dressed from the Academy Awards red carpet
Ariana Grande: A Gown Too Big for the Moment
Grande usually nails a signature look—soft, dramatic, and feminine. But her glittery, oversized gown this year was more fantasy princess than Oscar-worthy. The exaggerated shape and heavy sparkle dominated her frame, pulling attention away from her instead of highlighting her presence.
It was magical—just in the wrong context.
Whoopi Goldberg: Shine Isn’t Always Chic
We love Whoopi’s bold personality and bold wardrobe. But her shiny, navy-blue vinyl dress gave off more raincoat energy than red carpet glamour. The sheen clashed under the lights, making the dress appear plastic and stiff instead of sophisticated.
It was daring, yes—but hard to appreciate from a fashion standpoint.
Brandi Carlile: Pattern Overload
There’s a fine line between daring and distracting, and Brandi crossed it with her polka-dotted suit and oversized bow. The ensemble felt more like a statement piece for a quirky art show than an outfit for Hollywood’s biggest night.
Sometimes, less is more—and in this case, more was too much.
Cynthia Erivo: A Little Too Theatrical
Cynthia Erivo rarely plays it safe—and we love her for it. But her high-collared black gown, complete with a gothic twist and dramatic off-shoulder bow, felt more villain cosplay than couture. It was powerful—but in a way that overpowered her.
She’s a style icon, but this look was a misfire.
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10 Best Dressed from the Oscars 2025 | Bazaar UK
Zoe Saldana: Lost in the Layers
Usually the definition of grace, Zoe’s ruffled gown didn’t do her any favors. The dress added volume where it wasn’t needed and disrupted the natural lines of her frame. Instead of flowing with her body, it competed against it.
It wasn’t terrible—just disappointing for someone known for nailing elegant looks.
Adam Sandler: Casual to a Fault
Look, we get it. Adam Sandler has always been the king of “anti-fashion,” but even that has limits. His Oscars outfit looked more ready for a backyard grill session than the Academy Awards. It didn’t just underwhelm—it felt dismissive.
Casual is fine. Sloppy is not.
The Oscars are a chance for stars to express themselves, break boundaries, and own their red carpet moment. But as these fashion fails prove, even the boldest looks need balance. At the end of the day, fashion is about fit, form, and feeling—and when one of those is off, the whole thing falls apart.
Let’s call this year a reminder: next time, style with intention… not just attention.
