From Glinda pink to butter yellow, red carpet style shines
Awards season officially began on January 4, and the 2026 Critics Choice Awards wasted no time setting the fashion tone. Held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and hosted by Chelsea Handler, the night delivered a red carpet filled with confident colour, archival fashion moments, and silhouettes that leaned both romantic and sharp.
Pink ruled. Butter yellow made its case. Tailoring had a strong showing. These were the stars who stood out most.
1. Ariana Grande — Custom Alberta Ferretti
Grande stayed firmly in her Wicked era, arriving in a blush pink satin gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline. The embroidered tulle cape, detailed with silver florals, felt like a thoughtful nod to classic Hollywood glamour rather than a costume moment.
Image Source: Critics' Choice Awards 2026
2. Elle Fanning — Archival Ralph Lauren
Fanning dipped into the archives, wearing a liquid-gold gown from Ralph Lauren’s Fall/Winter 2003 collection. The deep cowl neckline and Cartier jewellery made it one of the night’s most timeless looks.
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Image Source: Critics' Choice Awards 2026
3. Teyana Taylor — Saint Laurent
Tailoring took center stage. Taylor’s double-breasted suit from Saint Laurent’s menswear line, paired with thigh-high boots and a feathered wrap, was sharp, confident, and unapologetically cool.
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Image Source: Critics' Choice Awards 2026
4. Chase Infiniti — Louis Vuitton
Butter yellow continued its quiet takeover. Infiniti’s custom Louis Vuitton look — a draped, midriff-baring top and flowing skirt — felt modern and easy, elevated by Messika diamonds.
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Image Source: Critics' Choice Awards 2026
5. Jessie Buckley — Dior
Fresh off her Best Actress win, Buckley wore Jonathan Anderson’s debut Pre-Fall Dior design. The oversized bows and ivory satin added drama without overpowering her.
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Image Source: Critics' Choice Awards 2026
6. Jacob Elordi — Bottega Veneta
Minimalism done right. Elordi’s black double-breasted suit was clean, sharp, and modern, with ruby-tinted glasses adding just enough personality.
7. Leighton Meester — Carolina Herrera
Meester went soft and ethereal in a lilac strapless gown with delicate beading. The bold red lip kept it from feeling overly sweet.
8. Michael B. Jordan — Louis Vuitton
Jordan leaned into colour, choosing a deep burgundy suit styled head-to-toe in tonal shades. Polished, confident, and impeccably tailored.
9. Mia Goth — Dior
Quiet luxury had a strong moment here. Goth’s white strapless gown with champagne-toned sleeves felt restrained, elegant, and intentionally simple.
10. Britt Lower — Bottega Veneta
Straight from the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, Lower’s sculptural top and tailored trousers balanced volume with structure.
11. Amanda Seyfried — Valentino
Seyfried’s velvet-and-pink combination felt playful yet refined, finished with a dramatic bow and vintage Tiffany diamonds.
12. Bella Ramsey — Prada
Ramsey delivered one of the night’s most daring looks — a layered Prada outfit featuring sequins, feathers, and a fashion-forward edge.
13. Erin Doherty — Louis Vuitton
Bright teal satin and a pleated skirt gave Doherty one of the most architectural silhouettes of the evening.
14. Jessica Biel — Lanvin
Biel stepped outside her usual minimal style with a tiered black-and-gold lace gown, finished with yellow gold Cartier jewellery.
15. Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme-inspired Suiting
Chalamet balanced classic tailoring with youth, wearing a blue pinstripe suit and multicoloured tie while matching the energy of partner Kylie Jenner.
