The 2025 Academy Awards were, as expected, a glittering spectacle of Hollywood’s finest parading down the red carpet in their most extravagant ensembles. But for all the dazzling gowns and sharp suits, there were some fashion choices that left us scratching our heads—or worse, outright cringing. While many celebrities shone like stars, others seemed to have taken a detour into questionable territory. Let’s break down these puzzling outfits and explore why they didn’t quite hit the mark.
Timothée Chalamet: Tennis Ball Tribute or Costume Malfunction?
Kicking things off is none other than Timothée Chalamet, who has become somewhat infamous for his bold sartorial statements on the red carpet. This year was no exception—but not necessarily in a good way. Clad in what appeared to be an homage to a “different film entirely,” Chalamet’s outfit raised eyebrows. Fans quickly speculated that he might have been paying tribute to Challengers , the tennis drama starring Zendaya that somehow missed out on Oscar nominations despite being one of the year’s standout films.
His ensemble looked suspiciously like…a tennis ball. Yes, you read that right. The oversized, neon-green accents paired with textured fabrics gave the impression that someone had rolled him across the court before sending him backstage to change. Unfortunately, this attempt at avant-garde dressing fell flat—literally. Instead of celebrating athleticism or cinematic excellence, it came off as more whimsical than intentional. For a star known for pushing boundaries, this felt less like innovation and more like confusion wrapped in fabric.
S: Underwhelming Elegance
Next up is S, whose name alone deserves applause given how forgettable her dress turned out to be. Dressed in a shiny deep maroon gown, she exuded graduate-level simplicity rather than Oscar-worthy elegance. The color wasn’t the issue—it was rich and regal—but everything else about the outfit screamed “repurposed graduation gown.” Mesh gloves added a bizarre touch, while a tan top underneath only served to make the entire look feel disjointed.
What really sealed the deal, though, were the poofy tiers cascading down her skirt. Rather than enhancing her stunning figure, they swallowed it whole, leaving viewers wondering if she’d accidentally stepped into a giant silk balloon. It’s hard to believe this is the same actress who wowed audiences earlier in the season with sleek, tailored looks. Perhaps her stylist got distracted by too many Pinterest boards?
Lily-Rose Depp: A Timeline Collision
Lily-Rose Depp is no stranger to making waves on the red carpet, but this year, her fashion prayers went unanswered. Her dress—a mishmash of eras—left critics scrambling to place its inspiration. The bikini-style top screamed early 2000s beachwear, while the drop waist and voluminous skirt evoked memories of 1980s prom dresses. And then there were those random ruffles around her knees, which seemed plucked straight from a craft store clearance bin.
According to reports, this chaotic creation took over 500 hours to make—a testament to the dedication of designers, sure, but also proof that time investment doesn’t always equate to style success. If anything, Depp’s look proved that even the best intentions can go awry when trying to blend multiple decades into one outfit.
Ariana Grande: Glinda Who?
As the star of Wicked , Ariana Grande had the perfect opportunity to channel her character Glinda the Good Witch and truly dazzle on the red carpet. Alas, her choice left much to be desired. Wearing a dress reminiscent of the monstrous antagonist from Jordan Peele’s Nope , Grande opted for something far darker and moodier than her bubbly persona would suggest. While this could have worked in theory, the execution felt lackluster.
Her co-star Cynthia Erivo stunned in a radiant ensemble that perfectly captured the spirit of Elphaba, leaving Grande looking underprepared by comparison. For someone portraying such an iconic role, this was a missed chance to push creative limits and embrace theatrical flair. Instead, Grande blended into the background—a rare feat for someone so accustomed to standing out.
Storm Reid: Little Red Riding Hood Meets Mismatched Gown
Euphoria star Storm Reid arrived ready to make a statement—but unfortunately, her cape-and-dress combo left us scratching our heads. At first glance, it seemed she was channeling Little Red Riding Hood, complete with a dramatic train trailing behind her. However, the shortness of the dress threw the entire aesthetic off balance. Without a matching hood to tie the look together, the cape felt out of place, almost like an afterthought.
While capes are notoriously tricky to pull off, Reid’s styling team might have benefited from rethinking the proportions. A longer dress or a more structured silhouette could have elevated this daring choice. As it stood, the overall effect was cacophonous rather than cohesive.
Michelle Yeoh: Draping Drama
Even legends aren’t immune to fashion missteps, as evidenced by Michelle Yeoh’s royal blue gown. Known for her ability to rock any look, Yeoh stumbled slightly this time around. While the color flattered her complexion beautifully, the draping was chaotic, with fabric pooling awkwardly in places it shouldn’t. The hemline, too, appeared uneven, as though it needed another round with a steam iron—or perhaps a different material altogether.
It’s worth noting that Yeoh typically nails every red-carpet appearance, so this minor hiccup felt especially surprising. Still, her confidence carried her through, proving once again that attitude often trumps attire.
Gal Gadot: Curtain Call Gone Wrong
Gal Gadot’s gown resembled something pulled straight from a 1980s living room curtain rod. Shiny, angular, and utterly baffling, her dress attempted to modernize retro glamour but ended up feeling cheap and uninspired. The angled drop waist and tube top offered little excitement, while the lack of accessories or a standout hairstyle further dampened the impact.
In fairness, Gadot has rocked similar silhouettes in the past—but this particular iteration lacked polish. With just a few tweaks—statement earrings, a bold lip, or even a daring slit—she could have redeemed the look entirely. Sadly, none of those elements made an appearance.
Andrew Garfield: Sad Brown Suit Saga Continues
Andrew Garfield seems determined to keep wearing sad brown suits to major events, much to everyone’s dismay. Fresh off his ill-fated Golden Globes appearance, Garfield returned to the Oscars in yet another muted ensemble. While the silk details provided a touch of class, the overall palette clashed horribly with the golden trophies handed out throughout the evening. His glasses, meanwhile, added an unnecessary layer of nerdiness that detracted from his natural charm.
Could his recent split from ex-girlfriend X Kate Thomas explain this somber streak? Whatever the reason, Garfield needs to revisit his wardrobe pronto if he hopes to reclaim his status as a style icon.
Joe Locke: Too Many Pieces, Not Enough Cohesion
Rounding out our list is Joe Locke, star of Agatha All Along . Determined to make an entrance, Locke showed up in a jarring combination of white shirt, jacket, golden vest, and gray pants. Individually, each piece had potential—but together, they created utter chaos. Was he aiming for vintage Hollywood? Modern minimalism? Something in between? It was impossible to tell.
Ultimately, Locke’s look reminded us that sometimes less really is more. Simplifying his ensemble—or sticking to a single theme—might have saved him from landing on this list.
Final Thoughts
Fashion is subjective, and what works for one person may not resonate with another. That said, the 2025 Oscars highlighted both the highs and lows of celebrity style. While some stars soared to new heights, others stumbled spectacularly. Here’s hoping next year brings fewer confusing moments and more cohesive couture!
