The 98th Academy Awards red carpet and after-parties in 2026 featured a mix of old-fashioned glamour and modern style risks. Feathers and off-white “Cloud Dancer” tones were the biggest trends of the night, seen on stars like Demi Moore, Teyana Taylor, and Emma Stone. After the ceremony, the celebrations moved to exclusive events hosted by Vanity Fair, Dior, and W Magazine, where winners like Michael B. Jordan celebrated their success. These highlights showed that the Oscars remain the most significant week for fashion and celebrity culture, combining high-stakes awards with high-end style.
The Rise of “Cloud Dancer” Whites
One of the most noticeable trends on the red carpet was the use of off-white and cream colors. This specific shade, often called “Cloud Dancer,” gave the event a clean and elegant look. Many actors chose these pale tones to stand out against the traditional red carpet.
Emma Stone arrived in a simple but glowing opalescent dress from Louis Vuitton that sparkled under the lights. Elle Fanning also chose this trend, wearing a dramatic Givenchy ball gown decorated with wisteria flowers. She paired it with a vintage 1903 necklace, showing how classic pieces can still feel new.
Samuel Hine, a global fashion correspondent for GQ, noted that these choices are often part of a bigger plan. Speaking about Timothée Chalamet’s all-white Givenchy suit, Hine said, “For his whole Oscars campaign, Timothée has really used fashion to tell a story. All white suggests he’s at the end of the tour.” This shows that for many stars, what they wear is just as important as the roles they play.
Feathers and Dramatic Textures
If white was the color of the night, feathers were the most popular texture. Demi Moore captured everyone’s attention in a green Gucci gown that was completely covered in iridescent feathers. Her stylist, Brad Goreski, told reporters that Moore wanted her look to be a “work of art.” The dress featured a peacock-like bodice and a long, dark train that moved gracefully as she walked.
Teyana Taylor also leaned into the feather trend with a black-and-white Chanel dress. Fashion experts praised her for taking a risk that paid off. “Teyana’s dress was a front-runner for best dressed because it took classic Chanel codes and made them feel fresh,” said style analyst LeSavage. Other stars who joined this trend included Nicole Kidman, who wore a pink silk Chanel gown with a feathered waist that cascaded into her skirt.
| Celebrity | Designer | Key Trend |
| Demi Moore | Gucci | Green Feathers |
| Emma Stone | Louis Vuitton | Opalescent White |
| Teyana Taylor | Chanel | Feathered Monochrome |
| Timothée Chalamet | Givenchy | All-White Tailoring |
After-Party Highlights: Vanity Fair and Dior
Once the awards were handed out, the fashion became even more daring. The Vanity Fair Oscar Party, held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), is where stars usually change into outfits that are easier to dance in. Michael B. Jordan arrived at the party holding his Best Actor trophy for Sinners, looking relaxed and proud.
One of the most talked-about moments at the Vanity Fair bash was the appearance of Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet. Jenner wore a custom Alexander McQueen look, while Chalamet stayed in his stylish white ensemble from earlier in the evening. The party featured many “sheer” and sparkling gowns, showing that the late-night events are a place for celebrities to show a more playful side.
Earlier in the week, W Magazine and Dior hosted an intimate dinner at the famous restaurant Mr. Chow. This event was a favorite for brand ambassadors like Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlize Theron. The dinner eventually turned into a karaoke party, where stars like Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse joined in the fun. Hailey Bieber attended wearing a cropped Dior jacket, a look that combined high fashion with a more casual, “cool-girl” style.
Beauty and Grooming Trends
While the dresses are often the main focus, hair and makeup choices also set the tone for the year. In 2026, the look was all about “polished simplicity.” Many stars, including Priyanka Chopra and Gwyneth Paltrow, chose slicked-back hair and luminous, natural-looking skin.
Kathleen Hou, a beauty director for ELLE, observed that these simple hairstyles were a smart choice. She mentioned that the slicked-back updos helped draw more attention to the detailed necklines and expensive jewelry the stars were wearing. This “minimalist” approach to beauty allowed the architectural shapes of the gowns to be the real stars of the show.
Digital Interest and Global Reach
The 98th Academy Awards saw a massive spike in digital engagement. Search data showed that questions like “when does the Oscars red carpet start” increased by over 1,800% in the week leading up to the show. This suggests that even though people watch the event in different ways, the red carpet remains a global “watercooler” moment.
While the broadcast faced some challenges with international access in regions like Africa, the social media impact was undeniable. Millions of fans followed the event live on platforms like Hulu and Instagram, sharing their favorite looks and reactions in real time. The 2026 ceremony proved that even after nearly a century, the Oscars still have the power to capture the world’s imagination through a mix of high-quality cinema and unforgettable style.
