The best Oscars dresses and looks of all time

Billy Porter in Christian Siriano, 2019
Chosen by Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer

Dan MacMedan/Getty Images

‘I gasped when I saw this look from Billy. I love everything he wears anyway, but I feel like he took the standard black tux men are expected to wear to these events and put a him spin on it. One which actually felt deeply personal and meaningful and came at the perfect time.’

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, 2013
Chosen by Dominic Cadogan, Acting Beauty Editor

Frank Trapper/Getty Images

‘I love it when the stars align perfectly and the universe had a plan in store for Jennifer Lawrence at the 85th Oscars in 2013. Wearing a cream embroidered confection from Raf Simons' spring/summer 2013 Christian Dior couture collection, the craftsmanship is impeccable and there's a reason it's still the most expensive Oscars dress of all time. But, what I love most about it, is the fact that she tripped on the way to accepting her accolade. The image of J-Law sprawled across the stairs, her face pressed into her palm, is burned into my brain forever!'

Céline Dion in Christian Dior, 1999
Chosen by Louisa Bryant, Associate Visuals Editor

Steve Granitz/Getty Images

‘She simply wore a suit back to front – not to mention she rejected the extravagant evening dresses that many other celebrities chose for the red carpet. Always one step ahead. An icon.’

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford, 2012
Chosen by Fleurine Tideman, Entertainment Contributor

Can we be honest? The actress and Goop founder smashed red carpet standards and all but shut.it.down. in this Tom Ford column gown. Of course it would make our list of best Oscar gowns ever!Getty Images

'I love how it toys with both masculine and feminine energy, especially from a designer like Tom Ford. It's so simple and elegant, and I can just imagine how the cape fluttered as she walked. The lack of jewellery, except a bracelet and one large ring, really lets the dress do the talking for her.'

Björk in Marjan Pejoski, 2001
Chosen by Lucy Morgan, Digital Director and Purpose Director

Björk, in Marjan Pejoski, Oscars 2001
Why It Didn't Work: If you've seen Swan Lake, then this outfit wouldn't be funny! We're all for fashion bravery but this is a step too far.Rex Features

'As a former goth, I've always had a soft spot for eccentric looks. And it doesn't get more eccentric than Björk's dress at the 2001 Oscars. The image of a swan – known for their beauty and elegance, as well as their irritability – with it's neck draped backwards along Björk's chest is so unnerving yet striking. No wonder it's gone down in history as one of the most controversial Oscars' looks of all time.'

Grace Kelly in Edith Head, 1956
Chosen by Sophie Donovan, Senior Commerce Writer

Bettmann/Getty Images

'Grace Kelly is my forever fashion inspo, but this Oscars look? Iconic and incredibly chic. Also, what better sign that fashion is cyclical, considering we're seeing a strong resurgence of the cape. See me taking this pic to my first wedding dress try-on sesh."

Zendaya in Valentino, 2021
Chosen by Luca Wetherby-Matthews, Freelance Social Manager

Pool/Getty Images

‘When I think of the Oscars red carpet, the first outfit that always pops into my mind is Zendaya’s sunshine yellow Valentino look from 2021. The waist-length mermaid hair? The Bvlgari jewels? The Cher reference? Come on, people! It’s peak Zendaya and peak Oscars for me.'

Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy, 1954
Chosen by Emma Clarke, Acting Senior Audience Development Manager

Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy, Oscars 1954
Why We Loved It: Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn were a match made in fashion heaven – what other dress could have done justice to the actress’ gamine beauty so well?PA Photos

'I am such an Audrey Hepburn girl and always try to emulate her elevated, uber-elegant style where I can. For me, this look from 1954 is so different from red carpet gowns these days – not just because it's short, but because it's just so simple and chic. Her natural beauty and striking features take centre stage because the outfit is so pared back. It also reminds me of the wedding dress she wore in the film Funny Face. And I love the high neckline!'

Amanda Seyfried in Valentino, 2021
Chosen by Fiona Embleton, Associate Beauty Director

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., Amanda Seyfried attends the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station on April 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Sayles/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images)Handout/Getty Images

‘The colour! The pleats! The dramatic silhouette! I love that this dress by the late Giorgio Armani blurs the lines between conceptually modern and Old Hollywood. It's red carpet glamour at its best.'

Lizzy Gardiner in American Express cards, 1995
Chosen by Dino Bonačić, Fashion Contributor

Steven D Starr/Getty Images

‘Before there was Margot Robbie and her method dressing, there was Lizzy Gardiner. The Oscar-winning costume designer of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert arrived to the award show in a Paco Rabanne-esque dress concocted out of 254 adjoining gold American Express cards. She completed the look with a pair of spray-painted (?) gold heels and a sparkly tiara. A commentary on capitalism and a fab homage to the wildly wonderful looks the queens wore in the film, this look will always be the first place my mind goes when someone mentions Oscars red carpets.'

But of course, we couldn't just stop there. Below are some of our other faves throughout the years. Will someone from the 2026 Oscars be added to this list? You'll have to check back after this Sunday to find out.