The 2026 Grammys red carpet was giving everything it needed to give. Feathers were FLYING, archive fashion was being pulled left and right, and half the attendees showed up in some version of a sheer dress while the other half said “corset detailing on menswear, actually.” Between the coordinated couples, the political statement pins, and Lady Gaga looking like she crawled out of an Edgar Allan Poe fever dream, this was easily the most iconic carpet of awards season. Here’s my completely biased ranking of the 15 looks that understood the assignment.
1. Olivia Dean – Chanel Princess Era
Designer: Custom Chanel with Cartier jewelry
Olivia Dean walked in wearing a black-and-white custom Chanel gown with a full feathered skirt and two-tone Chanel heels, and I genuinely gasped. The sequins, the feathers, the voluminous waves cascading down her back, the Tiffany diamond earrings – this British neo-soul queen understood the assignment on a molecular level.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe then won Best New Artist (extending that nine-year streak of women taking the category, we love to see it) and came back out in a red Chanel mini with camellia embroidery for her performance. The duality. Olivia Dean is the moment, and her Chanel contract should be renewed immediately.
2. Sabrina Carpenter – Pearls, Ruffles, and Sheer Audacity
Designer: Custom Valentino by Alessandro Michele
Three months. Four fittings. And the result? A sheer ivory gown dripping with pearls, crystals, and tiered ruffles that somehow managed to be both Old Hollywood and fairy-tale princess simultaneously. Sabrina said “I’m nominated for six Grammys and I will look like every single one of them.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThis was the sheer dress trend done RIGHT – vulnerable but not vulgar, delicate but still dramatic. Alessandro Michele really said “let me make her look like she just emerged from a Renaissance painting but make it fashion.” And then she performed “Manchild” as a sparkly airline pilot in white shorts and matching bedazzled jacket.
3. Lady Gaga – The Raven Has Landed
Designer: Custom Matières Fécales
Mother Monster said “I’m going to show up looking like an Edgar Allan Poe poem” and absolutely did that. This all-black feathered gown with a structured Victorian collar framing her face, jutted hips, and a mermaid train trailing behind her – Gothic perfection.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe wore Matières Fécales (yes, that’s “Fecal Matter” in French, the indie Paris label is having a moment) – a brand she’s been championing throughout her album promo. Seven nominations, seven feathered reasons to pay attention. This is why Gaga remains the red carpet G.O.A.T. – she commits to the VISION.
4. Addison Rae – The Marilyn Moment
Designer: Custom Alaïa by Pieter Mulier
The TikTok-to-Grammy-nominee pipeline is real and Addison Rae walked it in the most gorgeous white Alaïa gown. The plunging U-shaped neckline, the sculptural oversized hips, the asymmetrical high-low hem – she told E! she wanted “something that made me feel really beautiful” and reader, she ATE that beauty up.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis is how you make a first Grammys impression. She went demure but playful, Old Hollywood but very now. The Diet Pepsi girl served Diet Coke because she was zero sugar and all fizz. Best New Artist nominee status: EARNED.
5. Bad Bunny – The Man Who Made History (and Fashion)
Designer: Custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Cartier jewelry
First Spanish-language artist nominated in the big four categories at the same ceremony. First men’s haute couture look from Schiaparelli. Benito is out here making history while looking like an absolute king in a black velvet tuxedo with measuring-tape numbers embroidered on the shoulder and crisscross corset lacing down the back.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe white flower boutonniere and single diamond hoop earring were perfect touches. He won Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos and dedicated it to everyone who had to leave their homeland to chase dreams. The fit matched the moment – elegant, groundbreaking, and completely unforgettable.
6. Tyla – The Golden Goddess
Designer: Vintage Dsquared2 (Fall/Winter 2013) with Pandora lab-grown diamonds
Tyla really said “I’m going to raid the archives and show everyone how it’s done.” This nude-colored slip gown from Dsquared2’s 2013 collection featured crystals, gold embellishments across the bust, and then – THE FEATHER TRAIN. That train took up its own zip code on the red carpet.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe accessorized with over 100 lab-grown diamonds from Pandora (11.6 carats across a custom choker necklace alone), a diamond ankle chain, bronzed makeup, and side-swept waves. Then she won Best African Music Performance for “Push 2 Start” – her second Grammy after making history with “Water” in 2024. The South African queen doesn’t miss.
7. KATSEYE – Coordinated Outfits Done RIGHT
Designer: Ludovic de Saint Sernin
Six girls. Six different versions of the same sheer white dress with silver studs and electric glitter. Destiny’s Child walked so KATSEYE could absolutely run. Yoonchae, Megan, Lara, Manon, Sophia, and Daniela understood that group coordination is an art – they didn’t do matchy-matchy, they did variations on a theme, and it worked SO well.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe chokers on four of them, the crisscrossing halter necks on the other two acting as necklaces – the attention to detail was immaculate. Ludovic de Saint Sernin is known for racy aesthetics and these girls took that energy and made it Grammy-appropriate while still being fashion-forward. Best New Artist nominees who actually looked like the future of pop. Check.
8. Justin & Hailey Bieber – The Power Couple Returns
Designers: Balenciaga (Justin) and Alaïa (Hailey), both with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry
The first official red carpet appearance from these two in years and they chose coordinated all-black. Strategic. Sophisticated. And the political statement? Both wore “ICE OUT” pins, making their stance on immigration clear while looking absolutely impeccable. Hailey in that strapless black Alaïa gown with sheer panels down the sides and a diamond choker. Justin in a loose black Balenciaga suit with a diamond chain.
Embed from Getty ImagesThey understood the assignment was “power couple but make it conscious.” And then Justin performed in literally just silky boxers and socks, which is… a choice. A choice that somehow worked. The man has range. The couple has IT.
9. Rosé – K-pop Meets High Fashion
Designer: Custom Giambattista Valli Couture with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and Le Silla heels
The BLACKPINK member came to open the show with Bruno Mars performing “APT.” and she dressed for the moment. A fitted black strapless bodice, a ruched waist, and then a voluminous powder pink parted balloon skirt creating this stunning black-and-white contrast. The curly bob echoing her “APT.” music video styling showed her attention to visual branding.
Embed from Getty ImagesThree Grammy nominations and she looked like she was ready to accept all of them. This dress was fun, elegant, and very Rosé – bold but sophisticated, playful but polished. Plus the high-low hem trend was ALL over this carpet and she wore it better than most.
10. Sombr – Disco Ball Personified
Designer: Custom Valentino by Alessandro Michele
A first-time Grammy nominee who showed up looking like the physical embodiment of his track “12 to 12.” THAT’S how you make an entrance. Sombr wore a sparkling silver and purple sequined Valentino suit over a whisper-thin gold lace shirt with seafoam studded slippers.
Embed from Getty Images“Valentino is my favorite,” he told E! – “They did their big one.” And then for his performance, he changed into a shirtless mirrored suit. The 20-year-old walked in an unknown and left a certified fashion star. Disco-era glamour for a TikTok-era rock star. Absolutely iconic.
11. Michelle Williams – Gospel Glamour
Designer: Sheer black gown with gold floral appliqués
The former Destiny’s Child member was nominated for Best Gospel Album for The Sound of Victory and she showed up looking absolutely sizzling. A sheer black gown with a structured bodice, delicate straps, and a dramatic black tulle train – but the gold floral appliqués trailing down the length of the dress gave it that heavenly touch.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe sleek updo and statement drop earrings completed what was genuinely one of the most elegant looks of the night. Gospel category representation that UNDERSTOOD red carpet drama. Michelle Williams proving she’s been doing this fashion thing since “Say My Name” and she’s only getting better.
12. Kelsea Ballerini – Country Princess In Etro
Designer: Custom Etro with Sabyasachi jewelry and Jimmy Choo shoes
“Look at the back! I’m so obsessed with it. I love it so much. I feel like a princess in it.” That’s Kelsea Ballerini describing her custom Etro halter gown and honestly – SAME. The intricate metallic beadwork in gold, bronze, and olive, the paisley patterns, the fringe detailing cascading from the skirt and train – all paying tribute to her Grammy-nominated album “Patterns.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe sleek updo showing off that backless moment, the Sabyasachi jewelry adding even more sparkle – Kelsea understood that Best Contemporary Country Album nominations deserve looks that shine. 10/10 execution.
13. Halle Bailey – Burgundy Sequin Perfection
Halle Bailey came to the Grammys looking classy and chic in a strapless burgundy sequined dress with intricate beading that caught the light beautifully. The soft pink blush and matching lipstick paired perfectly with glitter eyeshadow, and pink nails plus diamond earrings completed the look.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe understood that sometimes you don’t need a dramatic train or wild silhouette – sometimes you just need a PERFECT color on a PERFECT fit that makes you look like the Disney princess-turned-R&B star that you are. The burgundy tone is SO right for this awards season and Halle wore it better than anyone.
14. Miley Cyrus – Rock Star Energy Only
Designer: Custom Celine
Miley said “I will not be wearing a gown” and showed up in a black leather jacket with an oversized gold “CM” brooch, balloon trousers, a crisp white shirt, patent leather heels, black gloves, sunglasses, and Pomellato jewelry. Rock star behavior. Nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album for “Something Beautiful”, she leaned FULLY into that Celine rock aesthetic.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe brooches and pins adorning the leather jacket, the editorial sunglasses on a red carpet at NIGHT – this is giving “I’ve won my Grammys, I have nothing left to prove, I’m just here to look impossibly cool.” And look cool she absolutely did.
15. Zara Larsson – Swedish Sunshine on a Winter Night
Designer: Custom Germanier (Kevin Germanier)
First-ever Grammy nomination for “Midnight Sun” in Best Dance Pop Recording, and Zara showed up looking like ACTUAL sunshine. A golden-yellow bra top with an asymmetrical strap and a low-slung maxi skirt – both covered in sequins and beads shaped into flowers.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe abs were OUT and they were ABS-olutely incredible. This look was giving early 2000s Britney in the best possible way. “It’s so incredible,” she said of her nomination. “This is my biggest dream.” Well, Zara, your dream came with a LOOK and we thank you for blessing our feeds with it.
The Final Verdict
The 2026 Grammys red carpet was a FEAST. From Olivia Dean’s Chanel perfection to Lady Gaga’s raven fantasy, from Bad Bunny making Schiaparelli menswear history to the Biebers making a statement in every sense of the word – this was fashion as art, expression, and pure entertainment.
The standout trend? Black was everywhere, but so were feathers, sequins, and sheer elements. Political statements on accessories showed that artists are using their platforms. Coordinated couples and girl groups proved that styling together hits different.
Every single person on this list understood that the Grammys aren’t just music’s biggest night – they’re fashion’s permission slip to go WILD.
And honestly? They all ate. Left no crumbs. Now tell me, what was YOUR favorite look? Let me know in the comments!
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