Celebrity Style Dominates the Critics Choice Red Carpet
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards marked one of the first major fashion moments of the 2026 awards season, with a wide array of standout looks from Hollywood’s finest — embracing both timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, the event’s red carpet attracted attention not only for the performances inside but also for the fashion statements made before the ceremony began.
According to CNN’s fashion roundup from the event, stars brought restraint and chic design to the forefront, balancing glamour with wearable style. The overall aesthetic leaned toward polished silhouettes, creative tailoring and statement pieces that reflected each celebrity’s personal style.
Highlights From the Night’s Best Looks
Ariana Grande’s Ethereal Cape Gown
Music star Ariana Grande continued her Wicked: For Good awards campaign by embracing her Glinda persona with a custom Alberta Ferretti cape gown in soft pink — a continuation of her ethereal fashion choices that blend character-inspired style with red carpet elegance.
Elle Fanning’s Metallic Statement
Elle Fanning stood out in a molten gold vintage Ralph Lauren gown that exemplified classic Hollywood glamour with modern edge, combining shimmering metallic fabric with minimalist styling and Cartier jewelry. This look is already being cited as a defining fashion moment of the season.
Kaley Cuoco Honors Aniston’s Legacy
Actor Kaley Cuoco paid stylish tribute to Jennifer Aniston by channeling the star’s iconic early 2000s look with a bold black suit inspired by Aniston’s Golden Globes ensemble, complete with satin blazer and wide-leg pants updated with a modern twist and Pomellato jewelry.
Vintage & Tailored Power Dressing
Trendsetters like Kylie Jenner opted for archival fashion, wearing a vintage Versace chainmail gown alongside partner Timothée Chalamet’s classic Givenchy suit — merging historic couture with contemporary celebrity elegance. Meanwhile, others opted for creative tailoring: bold suits and fresh takes on classic eveningwear continued to impress throughout the lineup.
Emerging Red Carpet Trends
Classic Glamour With Modern Twist
Across the red carpet, stars demonstrated how classic elements — like tailored suits or vintage couture — can be reinterpreted for modern awards season style. Many looks balanced structure and fluidity, combining timeless fabrics like silk, satin and velvet with bold accessories and unexpected details.
Tailored Suits and Androgynous Style
Red carpet fashion continues to expand beyond traditional formalwear, with tailored suits and androgynous silhouettes gaining traction. Actors like Bella Ramsey chose refined jumpsuits with daring accessories like bold ties and fringe, capturing fashion’s growing embrace of gender-fluid styling.
Statement Accessories Redefine Looks
Accessories — from dramatic necklaces to standout ties and jewelry — played a significant role in defining individual style. From Jacob Elordi’s retro-inspired mustache accompanying Bottega Veneta styling to Michael B. Jordan’s subtle but luxe Louis Vuitton accents, details elevated many ensembles beyond simple formalwear.
A Style Preview for Awards Season Ahead
The fashion seen at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards offers a strong preview of emerging trends to watch as the season progresses toward the Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards later in the year. With designers and celebrities increasingly mixing vintage couture, polished tailoring, and bold color choices, the red carpet continues to serve as both a cultural stage and a fashion forecast.
As style editors and trend watchers digest looks from this event, key themes — from ethereal gowns to reimagined menswear — are expected to influence forthcoming fashion moments across Hollywood’s major celebrations.
Celebrities and Their Signature Style Moments
Fashion observers have already highlighted several looks from this Critics Choice red carpet as standout moments — combining classic design, contemporary expression and storytelling through fashion.
- Ariana Grande’s Alberta Ferretti gown emphasized dramatic cape silhouettes and personal branding in style.
- Elle Fanning’s vintage metallic look showcased how archival pieces can continue to define seasonal trends.
- Kaley Cuoco’s homage to Jennifer Aniston captured an early 2000s nostalgia updated for modern flair.
- Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s duo look married vintage couture with sophisticated tailoring.
Together, these moments underscore how fashion is both personal and culturally resonant — turning the red carpet into a statement of both individual expression and broader style evolution.
This article is intended for informational and style coverage purposes only, based on reporting available at the time of publication. Fashion is subjective and evolving; readers should verify details independently for the latest updates.