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Defining fashion moments from the 98th Academy Awards

March 18, 2026

The 2026 award season came to a conclusion Sunday night with the 98th Academy Awards, The Oscars. Following the theme of the season, stars showed up to the carpet hoping to make a mark on fashion history. You can't make fashion history unless fans first deem you worthy of the best dressed list.

The biggest night in Hollywood wouldn’t be complete without its iconic red carpet fashion. Arguably one of the best looks of the night came from Teyana Taylor, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress from her role in "One Battle After Another." She stunned the red carpet in a black-and-white chiffon gown, embroidered with crystals and pearls. The bodice of the dress was a sheer material, which had feathers shaping the skirt all the way down to the train of the dress. This look was accompanied by Tiffany and Co. diamond accessories and her staple pixie cut.  

Directly after the show, she changed into yet another Chanel gown for the Vanity Fair 2026 Oscars after-party. This white satin gown had a completely open back, lined with delicate jewel straps. These straps acted as spaghetti straps before they met with the silver, sparkly stars that sat right behind her shoulders, then cascaded into connecting chains on her back. 

Although florals in the spring are not revolutionary, Anne Hathaway managed to use them to her advantage. Her floor-length, black velvet Valentino gown was adorned with pinkish flowers and beading to complement them. She paired this with a matching black, chunky belt and elbow-length black gloves, which helped pull the whole look together. Her long brown hair was styled half-up, half down, and allowed her diamond necklace and chandelier earrings to pop. 

She was not nominated in any category that evening, but rather presented an award with former Editor in Chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour. The pairing was a slight nod at the upcoming "The Devil Wears Prada 2" expected to be in theaters in early May. 

Going along with the florals, Rose Byrne — nominated for Best Actress for her role in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" — showed up in a similar-style black mermaid Dior gown. It was a strapless dress that had blooming flowers embroidered along the bodice and hem. After taking the stage with her "Bridesmaids" co-stars, she changed into a two-piece black layered, beaded fringe Dior look. 

Elle Fanning was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Sentimental Value" and showed up in a custom Givenchy strapless, white ballgown. The top of the corset bodice had satin stitched wisteria leaves that trickled down to the skirt and formed a circle near the train of the dress. She purposely matched this gown to her Cartier diamond wisteria necklace, which had been a vintage piece that was originally a pair of brooches created in 1903. Fanning had her blonde hair pulled back into a low, slick-back bun to allow the diamonds to shine. 

Given the current fashion trends we are seeing, there were a ton of stars sporting satin and silk gowns. Although, two stood out the most. Among these were Mckenna Grace, who was wearing a baby pink Vera Wang ballgown paired with jewels from Smiling Rocks, as well as Charithra Chandran in an emerald green Miss Sohee Couture structured gown, paired with a long-flowing train and a bow on the back. 

The women of the red carpet outdo the men year after year, although there were some standouts at this year's Oscars. The winner of Best Actor for his role in "Sinners," Michael B. Jordan, was in a sharp Louis Vuitton black suit with a tailored, embellished double-gold chain at the pocket, showing a both classic and timeless look, which placed him high on the list of best dressed. 

Following closely behind was actor Pedro Pascal in a jacketless Chanel tuxedo with a matching white flower brooch. The shirt was a silk material, which contrasted with the feathers of the brooch perfectly. 

Other actresses who left an impression on this year's Oscars fashion include Kate Hudson in an aquamarine, sparkly Armani Privé gown, Odessa A’zion in a black Valentino bohemian look, Nicole Kidman in a peachy feathered Chanel gown and Jessie Buckley, winner of the Best Actress for her role in "Hamnet," in a pink and red Chanel gown. 

Although this is the end of the 2026 award season, fashion fans don’t have to wait too long to see their favorite stars walk the carpet again. We are a little more than a month out from The Met Gala, one of the biggest nights in fashion. But for now, the Oscar for best dressed goes to…

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