Awards season is heating up, and the Oscars 2026 red carpet promises to be one of the most glamorous yet. To break down the trends, we’ve teamed up with Nick Ede, one of the UK’s leading voices in fashion and culture and a guest lecturer at the Vogue Institute, to share his expert predictions on the stars, designers, and standout fashion moments to watch. According to Nick, this year’s Oscars red carpet fashion is moving away from soft, romantic styles toward bold, statement-making glamour.

Oscars 2026 Fashion Trends: Sculpted Couture, Metallics and Architectural Silhouettes

Nick says, “This year’s Oscars feels like a return to high-gloss authority. At the Golden Globes and BAFTAs, we’ve already seen bold, beautiful looks coming through.” Expect sculpted couture, liquid metallics, and silhouettes with architectural precision. “The mood is less whimsical, more ethereal and more commanding,” Nick adds. “After seasons of soft romance, we’re back to statements that feel glamorous, sexy and powerful.”

Best-Dressed Predictions: Women Set to Dominate the Oscars Red Carpet

According to Nick, the best-dressed stars at the Oscars 2026 are those who have built their fashion narrative throughout awards season. Standout predictions include:

• Kate Hudson – a consistent red carpet favourite
• Jessie Buckley – known for her elegant yet daring style
• Rose Byrne – blending modern sophistication with glamour

Nick also hopes to see Emma Stone embrace bold colour, a move that typically earns her top red carpet recognition. Even outside the nominee pool, Kylie Jenner has impressed with vintage archive pieces, proving that the red carpet isn’t just for nominees. And as always, Teyana Taylor is expected to polarise, but Nick praises her bold, fashion-forward choices.

Oscars 2026 Designers: Who Will Own the Red Carpet?

Legacy fashion houses will anchor the Oscars red carpet 2026, but Nick predicts modern relevance will set the night apart. Top designers to watch include:

• • Armani, Chanel, Dior, Prada – for timeless elegance

• Thom Browne – for tailoring and innovative silhouettes
• Versace, Burberry – expected to deliver statement-making glamour
• Vintage Valentino and Gucci – likely worn by Hollywood grande dames

“Designers who combine couture craftsmanship with modern sharpness will dominate,” Nick explains. “It’s not just about beauty anymore; it’s about relevance.”

Oscars 2026 Menswear: Leading Men Take Fashion Seriously

Menswear is no longer an afterthought at the Oscars. Nick says, “The modern leading man understands that tailoring is pure storytelling. We’re seeing richer fabrics, embellishments, and silhouette shifts. It’s no longer just a well-cut tux; it’s about identity.” Stars to watch for bold menswear statements include:

• Timothée Chalamet
• Jacob Elordi
• Jeff Goldblum

While George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio stick to classic tuxedos, Nick expects a few men’s red carpet showstoppers that could redefine Oscars style this year.

Bold Oscars 2026 Fashion Predictions

Every Oscars delivers at least one unexpected moment, and Nick believes 2026 will be no different. “A major nominee will abandon the expected gown formula,” he predicts, “opting for razor-sharp tailoring or directional couture. The defining look will shift the tone of the carpet.” While he doesn’t expect anything as eccentric as Céline Dion or Björk in years past, Nick is confident a true showstopper will emerge and dominate the conversation across fashion media and social platforms.