Here They Are: The Best Oscars Looks Of All Time

For decades, A-listers have glammed up for the Golden Globes, mellowed out for the SAGs, and pulled out almost all the stops for the Grammys. But the mother of all award shows is the Oscars, where the all-star Hollywood glamour always comes out to play.

From couture gowns to custom-made looks, the red carpet at the Oscars showcases the best of fashion, guaranteeing some unforgettable moments. Who can forget Audrey Hepburn's white Givenchy dress in 1954? Or the Dior gown Jennifer Lawrence wore to accept her first Academy Award? Then, there are the outfits that push the limits of red carpet fashion: Take, for example, Sharon Stone's 1998 shirt-and-skirt combo or Ariana De Bose's crop top-and-pants look, which she paired with a long train, in 2022?

In an effort to document Oscars fashion history, we're taking a trip down memory lane and reminiscing on the best red carpets of the past decades. See which celebrities made the cut by clicking through the throwback looks ahead.

Audrey Hepburn, 1954

It never took much to make the late Audrey Hepburn look glamorous, but in this Givenchy gown, Hepburn, glowing from winning an Oscar for Roman Holiday, is nothing short of perfection.

Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy.Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.

Grace Kelly, 1955

Designed by arguably the most famous costumier in history, Edith Head, Grace Kelly's Oscars look was, like most Grace Kelly looks, an absolute winner.

Grace Kelly in Edith Head. Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Madonna, 1991

Dripping in Old Hollywood glamour, there's nothing we'd rather see Madonna wearing to the 63rd Annual Academy Awards than this Bob Mackie ensemble.

Madonna in Bob Mackie.Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage/Getty Images.

Winona Ryder, 1994

Who doesn't love a Gatsby-esque gown at the Oscars? Photo: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.

Elizabeth Hurley, 1995

Head-to-toe white? Sweetheart neckline? Floor-length sequins? Check! Check! Check!

Elizabeth Hurley in Versace.Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage/Getty Images.

Winona Ryder, 1996

While we're used to seeing '90s-era Winona Ryder donning all-black ensembles, it was an unexpected surprise to see her donning this champagne-colored vintage gown.

Winona Ryder in a vintage champagne gown. Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage/Getty Images.

Courtney Love, 1997

The queen of grunge got all dolled up by Versace for the 1997 Academy Awards — and we support it 100%.

Courtney Love in Versace. Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage/Getty Images.

Sharon Stone, 1998

We would normally advise against wearing Gap at the Oscars — but when it's combined with Vera Wang and draped on Sharon Stone, it's hard not to be convinced that the casual brand right where it belongs.

Sharon Stone in Gap and Vera Wang.Photo: Mychal Watts/WireImage/Getty Images.

Celine Dion, 1999

A suit on the red carpet is hardly a nuanced idea in 2021. But, in 1999, and worn backward of all things, well, let's just say our fashion minds were blown upon seeing Celine Dion in this John Galliano set.

Celine Dion in John Galliano.Photo: SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 1999

Pretty In Pink might have starred Molly Ringwald, but Gwyneth Paltrow (that year's Best Actress winner for Shakespeare in Love) looked the part in this bubblegum pink number by Ralph Lauren.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren. Photo: Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty Images.

Queen Latifah, 2000

Blue is definitely Queen Latifah's color.

Queen Latifah in a blue dress. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images.

Renée Zellweger, 2001

A long way from donning PJs all day and micro-minis at work in her role as Bridget Jones, Renée Zellweger classed up for the red carpet in a vintage yellow frock by Jean Dresses.

Renée Zellweger in a vintage dress by Jean Dresses.Photo: Chris Weeks/Getty Images.

Halle Berry, 2002

To become the first Black woman to win Best Actress, Halle Berry eliminated her competition — both on the red carpet and the stage — in this Elie Saab gown.

Halle Berry in Elie Saab.Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images.

Charlize Theron, 2004

Is Charlize Theron ever not glowing?

Charlize Theron in Dior.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Beyoncé Knowles, 2005

There to perform not one, not two, but three songs, Beyoncé went with a black velvet number that was made for her. Thanks, Atelier Versace!

Beyonce Knowles in Atelier Versace. Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images.

Michelle William, 2006

Accompanying her then-boyfriend, the late Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams was a shining ray of light in this yellow number by Vera Wang.

Michelle Williams in Vera Wang.Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Nicole Kidman, 2007

Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga would hardly be our first choice in 2021, but after seeing the Oscar-winning Australian actress in this red hot gown, we promise to never doubt the combination again.

Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga.Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Anne Hathaway, 2009

Is it just us, or does Anne Hathaway look like an actual Oscar in this fitted Armani Privé dress?

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé.Photo: John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images.

Cate Blanchett, 2011

In this lavender Haute Couture gown by Givenchy, Cate Blanchett wasn't just an award-winning actress — she's a damn fashion icon.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture.

Michelle Williams, 2012

Wearing red on the red carpet isn't for the faint of heart. Nonetheless, Michelle Williams, nominated for her role as Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn, made it look like the easiest task in the world, thanks to one hell of a pixie cut and 300 hours of work in the Louis Vuitton Paris atelier.

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton.Photo: Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images.

Angelina Jolie, 2012

No one does a high slit quite like Mrs. Smith herself, Angelina Jolie, who generated one of the greatest Oscar memes ever with this pose.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace. Photo: Donato Sardella/WireImage/Getty Images.

Jennifer Lawrence, 2013

En route to accept her Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence had all eyes on her in this pastel-colored Dior gown. It was pretty chill, even for her.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior. Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images.

Lupita Nyong'o, 2014

Lupita Nyong'o — who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave — lit up the sky in this baby blue Prada gown.

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada.Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Zendaya, 2015

For an Oscars newbie, Zendaya looked anything but out of place in this Vivienne Westwood stunner of a gown.

Zendaya in Vivienne Westwood.Photo: Dan MacMedan/WireImage/Getty Images.

Sienna Miller, 2015

For his red carpet debut designing for Oscar de la Renta, Peter Copping made quite the impression with this bow-embellished, square neck gown on Sienna Miller.

Sienna Miller in Oscar de la Renta.Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images.

Olivia Wilde, 2016

Olivia Wilde going backless in Valentino Haute Couture? We'll take it.

Olivia Wilde in Valentino Haute Couture.Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images.

Taraji P. Henson, 2017

Taraji P. Henson blew us back to the 1950s in this Alberta Ferretti Old Hollywood-esque velvet gown. And that necklace? Whew, we're getting excited just thinking about it.

Taraji P. Henson in Alberta Ferretti. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Naomie Harris, 2017

Of the four Moonlight stars dressed by Raf Simons for Calvin Klein, this white sequin frock on Naomie Harris took home the prize (for best-dressed) in our book.

Naomie Harris in Raf Simons for Calvin Klein.Photo: George Pimentel/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Saoirse Ronan, 2018

A long way from dress shopping at a Sacramento thrift shop! This bubblegum pink frock on Lady Bird lead actress Saoirse Ronan is one for the record books.

Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein By Appointment.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Margot Robbie, 2018

Margot Robbie was a breath of fresh air in this showstopping white gown courtesy of Chanel.

Margot Robbie in Chanel.Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.

Gemma Chan, 2019

Hot pink came out running at the 91st Annual Academy Awards. But if you ask us, Gemma Chan won the marathon in this neon, tiered Versace dress.

Gemma Chan in Versace. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Cynthia Erivo, 2020

From the extra-high slit to the asymmetric neckline, this custom Versace gown includes everything that's good in the world.

Cynthia Erivo in custom Versace.Photo: Rick Rowell/Getty Images.

Scarlett Johansson, 2020

It's the peek-a-boo corset for us.

Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Beanie Feldstein, 2020

We'll never grow tired of Beanie Feldstein wearing Miu Miu on the red carpet.

Beanie Feldstein in custom Miu Miu. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Regina King, 2021

According to styling duo Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, Regina King's winged, custom Louis Vuitton gown includes 6,000 crystals. (Casual.)

Regina King in custom Louis Vuitton.Photo: Chris Pizzello-Pool/Getty Images.

Zendaya, 2021

Between the midriff cut-out, the 183 carats of Bvlgari diamonds, and the homage to Cher, Zendaya's 2021 Oscars look will go down in history. Did we mention that it glows in the dark? Yeah, it's that good.

Zendaya in custom Valentino. Photo: Chris Pizzello-Pool/Getty Images.

Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.

photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images.

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.

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Tinx Is In Her “Rich Mom Athleisure” Fashion Era — But Don’t Expect Her To Stick With It

“Rich Moms love a monochrome moment, like a linen pant and a nice linen blouse. They love a bathing suit with a sarong over it and some amazing statement jewelry.  And then they love a maxi-dress because, when you’re on the yacht, you just need something easy and free-flowing.”

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you would instantly recognize this as the Gospel of Tinx. I am on the phone with the TikTok star (whose real name is Christina Najjar), and we are talking about summer trends, which leads me to ask what fashion we should expect from Rich Moms — the subject of Tinx’s many videos that have earned her 1.5M followers on the social media app  — this season. 

While Tinx is more known for poking fun at the affluent archetypes, dishing out dating advice, and offering recommendations for the best salads in New York (where she lived) and Los Angeles (where she moved almost three years ago), she has become an unofficial fashion influencer — with followers asking just as much about the brands that she wears as they do “box theory.” That can be attributed to how seamlessly she can go from wearing aspirational designer looks to a brand event to a Nirvana T-shirt to make videos from her bed to a puffer from The North Face x Gucci collaboration to stroll around New York City. 

It is this penchant for high-low dressing that likely landed her a leading role in H&M’s new Hôtel Hennes campaign, in which she plays a hotel receptionist who offers dating, summer plans, and fashion advice alongside celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Precious Lee. As I transition to asking Tinx about her personal style, she sheds the Rich Mom persona and becomes the relatable creator who has earned monikers like “TikTok’s big sister” and “advice columnist but on Instagram.” 

“I’ve worn H&M since I can remember,” she says. “I grew up in London, and I remember when it came in. I was just so excited, and I would drag my mom there and have her buy me clothes from there.” 

Ahead, Tinx on her ever-changing fashion aesthetic, the one Y2K trend she will never bring back into her closet, and why you should wear black when you know you’re going to bump into your ex.

This campaign seems very fitting for you. What appeals to you about high-low style?
I have to credit my upbringing in London. High-low dressing was born on High Street, that’s really where it started. I love to mix high-street designers with high-end pieces. I love to get secondhand things. I like to have a big mix of things. And H&M has always been such a big part of my wardrobe. I truly still can’t believe it — it is really cool to go from wearing the clothes to being in a campaign. 

How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
It’s constantly evolving. I like to dress for my surroundings. So if I’m in L.A., I’m more casual. If I’m in New York, I’m a little bit more dressed-up. To me, that makes things fun. Clothes are a way for me to express my feelings, so it’s not always that consistent, because a lot of my fashion is based on how I feel: Am I in a playful mood? Am I in a sexy mood? I really just use clothes as an outward expression of what’s going on with me.

Would you say then that your aesthetic changed over the years?
Oh god, yeah. I mean, I had a phase where I literally told my mom that my aesthetic was “Victorian Pirate.” I’ve gone through many different phases. I went through a phase of being preppy, I went through a phase of kind of dropping a little emo. I went through a phase of dressing like a 60-year-old coastal grandmother. I like to go through phases. I think fashion is fun and playful, and I like to have different eras. So right now, I’m definitely in my “Rich Mom Athleisure” era, where I just wear a lot of matching workout sets.

How did you develop your personal style and start to have fun with fashion?
I wore a [school] uniform until I was 18, and I think that that really developed my personal style. It made me appreciate fashion so much, the little ways that girls would kind of make their outfits stand out. Some girls would wear crazy socks or they would do crazy things with their hair, and I was like, “Wow, this is such a form of self-expression, and it’s something that everybody can do and everybody makes their own. And there’s a way to be unique [even when wearing the same uniform].”

I remember that I ripped off the boring button on my uniform’s skirt and I sewed on this really ornate gold button that I found in my house. The button wasn’t even exposed, but it was just under my sweater, and I knew it was there. 

I think that that’s why I’ve always loved personal style so much. It’s just a way to express yourself on a daily basis. 

Speaking of fashion from younger days. Y2K fashion made a comeback this year. What are some of your favorite ‘00s trends that you are bringing back?
I love the color palette, so the pinks and the purples, the baby blue — those are all my favorite colors! — so that’s been really fun. I love the makeup — the frosted eyeshadow and lip gloss. I love the hair — the space buns. I love the little matching set, I would say that’s my number one trend to come back. Whether it’s a little mini skirt and a crop tank or like a mesh pant and top.

Any aughts trends that you will never wear again?
Low-rise jeans without a shadow of a doubt. For me personally, those are never coming back. I just cannot handle those. We never need to see those again. Those are so scary and bad.

What’s your favorite fashion rule to break?
To wear pink and red together. I think that it is the best color combination. The colors make me so happy, and they remind me of love. 

What are some of your favorite ways to shop?
I find so many cool brands from TikTok. I see all these amazing people on there, and it’s just really cool. I love to just explore there, it’s really fun. I shop a lot secondhand, too. 

Rapid-fire question round. You are the receptionist at Hôtel Hennes. People are calling you to ask you what to wear…

… to live out your best hot girl summer plans?
The first and foremost thing you need to remember is that there are no rules. It’s all about you and your expression of yourself and having fun. 

… to a first date with someone you think you like?
Wear a really fun dress in a bright color so that their eyes are immediately drawn to you. 

… to exude main character energy?
Something like a monochromatic bathing suit with huge gold hoop earrings.

… to an event where you might run into your ex? 
You should wear a really sexy little black dress. Black because you’re in mourning that you ever associated with such a loser. 

… to a rich mom staycation?
Some really amazing, long, relaxed pants with, like, a little crop top. Relaxed but still a luxury, you know? 

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Meet The Colorful, Petite Handbag I’ll Be Wearing All Spring

I’m no Brooklyn expert, but in my two long years of traversing Jay-Z’s former stomping grounds, I’m certain of one thing: it’s bags of the tote, canvas, and even IKEA variety that really run the streets of this stylish borough. Now, 48 months into my New York residency, I’m familiar with all the Bushwick fashion jokes and my collection of cheap cotton sacks is abundant — and multiple seasons of stuffing these non-ergonomic totes with heavy cargo have left my upper body pretty tired. So when a petite, pastel yellow Italian leather purse arrived in my life to lift those $15 canvas weights off my shoulders, I embraced the pared-down handbag lifestyle — and suddenly, tons of unfamiliar compliments were flowing in.

Trust, you’ll still catch me on any given Sunday sporting a frayed shopper chock-full of non-essentials, but thanks to the top-handled tote from luxury handbag brand Behno, I now understand the beauty of smaller, higher-quality bags: they elevate outfits with their sophisticated charm. The accessory that I’ve come to rely on — the Lex Accordion Shoulder Bag — holds a healthy amount of necessities (wallets, IDs, lip glosses, my iPhone, etc.) and is a certified “I love that bag!” magnet whenever I take her out on the town. But, of course, nothing is perfect. Read on for my pros and cons list of this bright geometric gem, and learn why, after one month of wear, I’m submitting this bag for “It” status for spring of 2022.

Behno Lex Accordion Shoulder Bag, $575 $375

The Pros

A scroll through Behno’s inventory quickly reveals that color is one of the brand’s strongest suits. Mood-boosting bubblegum pinks, decadent mocha browns, bright daring reds, of course, trendy pastel-yellows (“buttercream,” in the brand’s parlance), and more rare hues saturate its offerings — which, as the owner of a colorful wardrobe, is a major plus. (While my sunshine-hued top-handle is currently sold out, the accordion silhouette is still available in a rich neutral brown that’s suited for year-round wear.)

Pigments aside, the quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design are equally major selling points. My specific purse features supple Italian pebble leather; cotton twill lining; an impressive amount of internal pockets thanks to the accordion construction; external drop pockets on both sides (ideal for face masks, punch cards, credit cards if you’re brave, and more slim trinkets); and a magnetic snap flap closure at top for easy securing. I may or may not have had a few drunken nights where that quick-locking magnet saved my precious belongings.

Behno Lex Accordion Shoulder Bag, $575 $375

The Cons

Nothing is perfect, and although this bag is my springtime partner in crime, it’s my job to unearth some (very minor) concerns. First, the durability — blame it on the pale yellow hue or my possible rough-housing, but my bag has an odd scrape of color near the bottom that I deduced came from rubbing up against my clothing. Although avoidable, I would hope that this would not happen for the price. The only other annoyance is the outer strap that has a mind of its own and takes pride in flying off my shoulder when I’m in a rush. (However, my canvas bags have been known to engage in the same type of slippage). Another (previously mentioned) con is the buttercream color’s sold-out status — but, if you’re dying for a tote in this spring-y tone, Behno’s “Elizabeth” baguette offers a similar vibe.)

Behno Elizabeth Baguette in Pebble Buttercream, $490

The Verdict

The Lex Accordion is beauty and brains, chic yet functional, and a bright but easily-styled statement accessory. Needless to say, I’ve found my ride-or-die handbag for spring — I think anyone in the market for a vibrant warm-weather accessory couldn’t go wrong with a Behno buy.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Betsey Johnson’s Collab With Knix Includes Y2K Butterflies & Archival Prints

Legendary fashion designer Betsey Johnson, responsible for many prom and Sweet Sixteen dresses, knows a thing or two about what girls want. And, according to her (just as the popular song goes), it’s to have fun. Which is why, on Thursday, the designer — who’s known for her whimsical prints, over-the-top designs, and her cartwheel skills! — announced a collaboration with underwear company Knix.

“It’s all about having a little fun with underwear,” Johnson tells Refinery29 of the collection, arriving on April 12. “When they asked me to work with them, it was more using my prints and getting kind of a personality into the garments.” 

For the collection — which includes 21 items across sleepwear, underwear, and loungewear — Johnson tapped into some of her brand’s most memorable archive prints, including leopard, Y2K-inspired butterflies, and blossoming roses. “If I wear underwear, it’d never be boring,” Johnson says of the design process. 

While taking the call in her house, Johnson is dressed head-to-toe in pieces from the new collection, including a butterfly-printed white nightgown, which she calls “the best version of a Betsey slip dress” as she walks me through the lineup. This is the first time some of these prints have seen the light of day in years, according to Johnson, highlighting how special the collection is for both brands. 

For Knix, which has cemented a reputation for size-inclusive intimates — ranging from an A to H cup in bras and XS to 4X in sleepwear — that prioritize comfort, the partnership is a way to connect their audience with Johnson’s decades-long legacy. Last year, the brand unveiled its first designer collaboration that similarly tapped into Anna Sui’s memorable career with mod-inspired prints and pastel colors. 

The collaboration features some of the brand’s signature pieces like Knix’s leakproof underwear, period intimates that allow menstruating individuals to forgo traditional pads and tampons, and the “Wingwoman” bra, a wireless model that contours the breasts without the pain of constricting bras.

“Knix knows their business,” says Johnson. “They are able to touch any customer, no matter what size, shape, and that they just wanted girls to have a little fun with the underwear.”

As Johnson approaches 80 years young this month, she’s an example to her customers — who she says range from four years old to 70-plus — that muted colors and monochrome looks are not a staple of aging. Instead, she plans to live in her butterfly-printed nightgown “all summer long.” 

“It’s underwear but it’s also outerwear,” she says. “I mean, this is a great summer dress!”

Available on April 12, the collection — retailing from $18 to $60 — will be available on Knix.com. 

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