Okay fashion lovers movie buffs pop culture fanatics gather round! The 97th Academy Awards just happened and let me tell you the red carpet was… unexpected. If you were watching thinking "Wait a second is this the Oscars or did I accidentally tune into prom night?" you were not alone. Seriously "Prom-core" might just be the best way to describe the vibe this year and it was kind of amazing.
From Movie Stars to Prom Queens: The Oscars 2025 Red Carpet Embraced Unexpectedly Nostalgic Glamour
Stars like Demi Moore Selena Gomez Mikey Madison Goldie Hawn and even Kylie Jenner showed up looking every bit the movie icons they are. But at the same time they were giving us major prom flashbacks. Think about it. All those crystal gowns curve-hugging silhouettes dramatic drapes and shimmery metallic fabrics. It was like someone raided a 90s prom dress shop and transported it straight to the Dolby Theatre. And honestly? It totally worked.
Forget super edgy or minimalist looks. The Oscars 2025 red carpet was all about classic Hollywood Glamour but with a fun twist of nostalgia. It was like everyone decided to go back to basics embracing those big beautiful and slightly over-the-top gowns that just scream "special occasion." Labels like Armani Privè Ralph Lauren Oscar de la Renta and Dior were all over the place. These are the big names the houses that basically invented aspirational red carpet style so it makes sense they were leading the charge in this return to tradition.
Crystal Galore and Blush Pink Hues: Key Fashion Trends That Ruled the 2025 Oscars Red Carpet
If you want to break down the biggest trends from the night here are a few that stood out:
- Crystal Everything: Sparkle was the name of the game. Selena Gomez's Ralph Lauren dress had over 16000 glass droplets and crystals! Doja Cat’s performance gown for a Bond tribute used over a million Swarovski crystals. Lily-Rose Depp and Ariana Grande also joined the sparkle party with their heavily embellished dresses. Basically if it glittered it was good.
- Prom-esque Silhouettes: Curve-hugging cuts boning dramatic draping ruching you name it. These were not understated simple dresses. They were full-on glamorous statement pieces reminiscent of classic prom styles.
- Blush Pink Power: Soft romantic blush pink gowns were trending big time. Selena Gomez rocked a champagne-pink shade and Emma Stone also opted for a body-skimming pinkish look. This color palette added to the overall romantic and slightly nostalgic feel of the red carpet.
- Old Hollywood Inspiration: Many looks seemed to be drawing inspiration from different eras of Hollywood glamour. Demi Moore’s hourglass gown felt very Marilyn Monroe while Mikey Madison’s Dior dress had Audrey Hepburn vibes. It was a mix of mid-century elegance and a touch of Y2K sparkle.
Selena Gomez's Show-Stopping Gown: 16000 Glass Drops and Sophia Loren Inspiration!
Let's talk specifically about Selena Gomez's dress because wow. She wore a custom Ralph Lauren gown that was a true masterpiece. It was off-the-shoulder and had over 16000 drops of glass and hand-sewn Rosemont crystals. Sixteen THOUSAND! Imagine the work that went into that. Twelve Italian artisans apparently airbrushed the glass to get a pink ombré effect. It shimmered and moved beautifully.
Her stylist Erin Walsh said they were going for "movie star magic" and were inspired by Sophia Loren. They even consulted Sophia Loren's former tailor when planning the look. Selena completed the outfit with a peachy lip a wavy bob and dazzling diamond jewelry. It was a perfect example of that "Prom-core" vibe elevated to high-fashion Oscars level.
Beyond the Trends: A Return to Normalcy and Classic Oscar Glamour
Maybe after a few years of more experimental or edgy red carpet choices the Oscars 2025 felt like a comforting return to tradition. As Glamour put it "Everything felt lovely but—in their own way—normal because you probably wore a version of one at some point. And right now any type of normalcy shouldn’t be undervalued."
In a world that can feel a bit chaotic maybe that sense of familiar glamour and classic beauty was exactly what the red carpet needed. It wasn't about being the most out-there or avant-garde look it was about celebrating movie stars looking like movie stars in beautiful gowns that felt both timeless and a little bit like your dream prom dress. And you know what? We are here for it.