There is perhaps just as much anticipation for the red carpet fashion show ahead of the Academy Awards as the event itself. It’s not really a fashion show, of course, but it might as well be, as celebrities dress to impress - or to stand out - before attending the biggest event of the year.

Follow all the information on the 2025 Oscars

• Oscars 2025, live: ceremony, speeches, and all the winners of the Academy Awards, live.
  
• List of winners for the 2025 Academy Awards: all the awardees at the Oscars in Los Angeles.
  
• 2025 Oscar for Best Picture
  
• 2025 Oscar for Best Director
  
• 2025 Oscar for Best Actress
  
• 2025 Oscar for Best Actor
  
• 2025 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress
  
• 2025 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor
  
• Oscars 2025: What is the order of awards and how many categories are there at the Academy Awards?
  
• What time are the 2025 Oscars? Schedule, TV, how to watch, and where to follow the Oscar ceremony online.
  

While we’ve seen some memorable outfits on the Oscars red carpet over the years, it makes one wonder if there’s actually any kind of dress code. The answer is yes.

The 2025 Oscars dress code

Indeed, there is a dress code for the Oscars. But...that doesn’t mean everyone will follow it. The dress code for the Academy Awards is considered “black tie”. So, the men are expected to wear a tux, and the women a formal gown.

The dress code dates back to 1969, when dancer and Broadway choreographer Gower Champion produced the show and deemed it a black-tie event. Before that, it was considered a white-tie dress code, the most formal kind of attire.

I’m sure you’ve noticed Hollywood’s A-listers don’t always follow the “black tie” dress code, which at this point is more of a suggestion than anything else. These days, celebrities use the Oscars as a time to make their own fashion statements.

In 2021, director Chloe Zhao wore tennis shoes with her Hermes designer dress, collecting the award for Best Director for her film “Nomadland“.

Last year, Billie Eilish collected the Oscar for Best Original Song while wearing a monochromatic plaid Chanel skirt, black blazer, and button-down shirt with long socks up to her shins.

2025 is sure to have plenty of rule-breakers again as the stars gather for the 97th annual Academy Awards show.

Related stories

Oscars

The entire cast got an Oscar

Oscars

Trump card: celebrities attending the Oscars

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.