Among the more adventurous was Teyana Taylor, who showcased a daring silhouette with a custom-crafted slinky Schiaparelli gown incorporating a strikingly deep low-cut back and an audacious glittering thong designed to hang low, known in fashion circles as a “whale tail.” Singer and actress Jenna Ortega echoed this theme by selecting a goth-inspired Dilara Findikoglu black gown, complemented by shoulder tassels and a matching black thong detail. InStyle’s Fashion Director Kevin Huynh described these choices as playful nods to early 2000s fashion, highlighting their unexpected presence at such a formal event.
Ariana Grande opted to abandon the vibrant pink associated with her "Wicked" character, choosing instead a black Vivienne Westwood couture dress, though she maintained her signature ponytail. Other celebrities adopting black include Ayo Edebiri, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and Mia Goth. Edebiri’s look was an off-the-shoulder Chanel dress, adorned with jewel embellishments on the shoulders, originating from Matthieu Blazy’s Métiers d’Art 2026 collection.
The setting of the Golden Globes presented a challenging red carpet, culminating in a perilous ascent up high steps – a scenario comparable to the Met Gala – where stars needed to carefully tread as they posed and moved. The event, historically honoring achievements in film and television since 1944, offers the celebrity attendees a platform to present both their artistic accomplishments and their fashion narratives. Many in attendance are contractually linked to prominent fashion houses, effectively acting as their ambassadors. For example, several of the male attendees, including George Clooney, donned pieces from Giorgio Armani, a brand continuing its legacy despite the passing of its founder the previous September.
The evening was distinguished not only by black-dominant ensembles but also by deliberate deviations featuring color. Host Nikki Glaser, returning to emcee the event for a second time, sported a strapless blush-pink satin corseted gown with a voluminous skirt designed by Zuhair Murad. Emma Stone attracted attention in a bright butter yellow Louis Vuitton skirt set. Additionally, Wunmi Mosaku, known for her role in "Sinners," was radiant in a flowing yellow gown by Matthew Reisman, visibly showcasing her pregnancy. Hailee Steinfeld similarly displayed her pregnancy ensemble in a peach-toned gown.
Metallics made a notable appearance, exemplified by Renate Reinsve in a shimmering silver tasseled dress by Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton, and her co-star Elle Fanning who wore a Gucci dress embroidered with Norwegian floral motifs as homage to their Norwegian drama film. Rising star Chase Infiniti wore a mirrored, corseted Louis Vuitton gown, a look that Vanity Fair style writer José Criales-Unzueta interpreted as indicative of her burgeoning status, noting the influence of brand ambassadorships and sponsorships on red carpet presentations. Claire Danes diverged from the academic, understated style of her "Beast in Me" character in favor of an elegant, couture creation. Designed by her long-time friend Zac Posen for GapStudio, Danes’ off-white silk jersey gown incorporated subtle beadwork and distinctively transformed the classic Gap pocket T-shirt concept into eveningwear. Posen emphasized that the design illustrates his commitment to elevating American essentials in his creative process.
Sheer fashion maintained its popularity at the event with several high-profile choices. Lisa from Blackpink appeared in a black sheer dress by Jacquemus, Jennifer Lopez donned a translucent gown by Jean-Louis Scherrer, and Jennifer Lawrence graced the carpet in a floral sheer dress from Sarah Burton's Givenchy collection, accessorized with a floral silk stole. Fashion insiders highlighted Lawrence’s look as a romantic interpretation of sheer dressing, underscoring Sarah Burton's feminine design focus.
Male nominees tended to adhere to more classical attire, with Colman Domingo opting for a sleek black Valentino suit accented by distinctive silver leaf brooches. Timothée Chalamet, recognized for his win for "Marty Supreme," shifted towards a more traditional aesthetic this year, abandoning his prior colorful outfits in favor of an all-black velvet vest and jacket from Chrome Hearts paired with Timberland boots. His partner, Kylie Jenner, did not accompany him on the carpet but was spotted later wearing a custom silver gown by Ashi Studio, notable for its hand-embroidered fan-shaped crystal bead neckline.
Hudson Williams, star of "Heated Rivalry," revived the cummerbund with a relaxed effect, combining a white-peak lapel dinner jacket with a casually unbuttoned silk shirt. He and his co-star Connor Storrie, who presented during the ceremony, sported classic yet slightly edgy tuxedo styles, with Storrie in a Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket paired with black tie and sunglasses. Harper’s Bazaar’s beauty director Jenna Rosenstein noted transformations in men’s hairstyles, particularly Storrie’s retro-inspired mullet, as well as the popular swooping bob hairstyles worn by female stars such as Edebiri and Gomez. She suggested that the standout beauty takeaways from the event are a good round brush, reliable hairspray, and statement lipstick.