The 2026 awards season is officially in full swing, having kicked off with the star-studded Critics Choice Awards on January 4 and continuing through a packed calendar that will culminate in the 98th Academy Awards on March 15. This year, the red carpet has been transformed into a high-fashion laboratory where “friends of the house” and new brand ambassadors are debuting daring sartorial shifts. From the glitz of the Grammys and BAFTAs to the traditional elegance of the Golden Globes, celebrities are navigating a season defined by a healthy dose of excitement and a renewed interest in dramatic, architectural silhouettes. As “Magazine World” explores, the trends dominating 2026 reflect a unique blend of metallic futurism, nostalgic textures, and a return to the “immaculate” minimalism of a new era.
Luminous Silvers and Metallic Neutrals
While metallic hues are often considered red carpet staples, silver has emerged as the definitive shade of the 2026 season. No longer just a secondary accent, silver is being treated as a “new neutral,” as seen on stars like Elle Fanning in a feminine Gucci gown at the Golden Globes and Kate Hudson in custom Armani Privé. The trend moves beyond simple satin to include high-shine textures and intricate beadwork, such as Odessa A’zion’s striking Ott Dubai dress drenched in silver sequins. This shift toward “Dazzling Silvers” reflects an industry-wide fascination with light-reflective materials that command attention under the intense flash of the paparazzi.
This metallic dominance is further fueled by high-jewelry houses like Cartier and Chopard, which are leaning into white gold and platinum settings to complement the silver palette. Designers like Valentino and Louis Vuitton have leaned into this futuristic aesthetic, creating custom pieces for stars like Natasha Lyonne and Renate Reinsve that feel both ethereal and grounded. For the 2026 circuit, silver is the color of choice for those looking to project a sense of modern, high-fashion brilliance that feels both polished and undeniably powerful.
Feathered Textures and Sculptural Fuzz
One of the more unexpected trends to migrate from the Spring/Summer 2026 runways to the Hollywood spotlight is the use of fuzzy textures and feathered details. Brands like Saint Laurent and Chanel have taken flight on this year’s red carpets, incorporating these tactile elements into everything from sculptural bodices to tailored evening sets. Charli XCX made a significant statement at the Golden Globes in a feathered Saint Laurent design, while Teyana Taylor brought a sense of drama to the Critics Choice Awards in a textured ensemble that pushed the boundaries of traditional formalwear.
These “Feathered Touches” represent a move away from the sleek, flat surfaces of previous seasons toward more dimensional and experimental silhouettes. By embracing these voluminous and soft textures, celebrities are challenging the idea that red carpet fashion must always be rigid or strictly tailored. Whether used as a bold focal point or a delicate trim, feathers have become the go-to tool for stars seeking to add a layer of playful eccentricity to their awards season rotation. It is a trend that celebrates the tactile nature of couture, proving that in 2026, fashion is meant to be felt as much as it is seen.
The Rise of the Straight Neckline and Deep V
In terms of silhouette, two extremes have dominated the 2026 red carpet: the elegant straight neckline and the dramatic plunging V. The straight neckline, often featured in off-the-shoulder or strapless designs, has been championed by fashion favorites like Ayo Edebiri, Maura Higgins, and Tessa Thompson. This silhouette, utilized by houses like Balenciaga and Miu Miu, portrays a sense of timeless sophistication and allows for the display of high-jewelry necklaces. It is a wining choice for those aiming for a clean, architectural look that emphasizes the shoulders and collarbone.
Conversely, the “Deep V” is channeling Gatsby-inspired energy to bring a sense of glitz and elongated allure to the season’s soirées. Rose Byrne stunned in an emerald green Chanel gown with a plunging neckline, while Jennifer Lawrence made headlines in a barely-there Givenchy ensemble. For stars like Julia Roberts and Erin Doherty, the V-neck serves as a tool for “sophistication and timeless allure,” offering a more provocative yet still refined alternative to the season’s more modest trends. Whether architectural or daring, these necklines are defining the structural language of the 2026 awards circuit.
Goth Energy and Brooch Mania
The “Goth Energy” trend, initially sparked by Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams, continues to evolve into a broader movement of “darkly romantic” red carpet dressing. From Lisa in a sheer Jacquemus gown to Audrey Nuna in a Thom Browne piece complete with a netted veil, black ensembles are being used to make courageous, avant-garde statements. This trend moves away from the traditional “little black dress” toward complex, layered looks that incorporate sheer fabrics, corsetry, and noir-inspired accessories. It is a celebration of the rebellious spirit of fashion, where the red carpet becomes a space for noir-inspired storytelling.
Meanwhile, the “Brooch Mania” sweeping the men’s red carpet marks a bold new era of masculine accessorizing. Men like Colman Domingo and Chris Perfetti are moving beyond subtle pins toward maximalist, cascading designs by Boucheron and Christian Cowan. Even Dwayne Johnson and Jeremy Allen White have embraced the trend, utilizing Chopard and Louis Vuitton brooches to add a touch of individuality to their dapper suits. This shift toward high-jewelry for men suggests that the traditional tuxedo is being reimagined as a canvas for high-jewelry art, proving that in 2026, the details truly matter more than ever.
