Why the red carpet look is always a lesson in styling, not design

Every red carpet look is a fashion production in two acts. The designer delivers the pitch, crafting the silhouette, fabric, and artistry. But it is the stylist who directs the performance, shaping how the story unfolds. The right jewellery, the perfect hair, the confidence in every step—that is what turns a dress into a moment. This season, Cardi B’s vintage Cavalli at the Grammys proved that even couture can fall flat without sharp styling, while Alia Bhatt’s Sabyasachi ensemble at the Met Gala stood out because the styling amplified its regal elegance. For the red carpet is never just about the dress—it is about the vision that brings it to life.

At the Oscars, styling made all the difference. Speaking with stylist Anshika Verma, we discussed the moments that aced the brief. “Ariana Grande embraced structure in Schiaparelli, keeping jewelry minimal and hair sleek, let the design shine. Zoë Kravitz took on the risqué naked trend in YSL—something that could have gone wrong, but her elegant, understated styling made it work. And then there was Sidney Sweeney, who simply brought herself to the carpet. In a glistening pink gown, bronze makeup, and soft side-parted waves, she looked both hot and graceful—proof that sometimes, authenticity is the best styling choice,” noted Verma.

Styling: More than just a dress

Great styling tells a story. It is not about picking a designer piece itself but making it a moment. The look is meant to reflect the mood of the event, the personality of the wearer, and the broader cultural conversation around fashion. It is why two people can wear the same designer but only one ends up making the best-dressed list.

Eka Lakhani, the stylist behind some of Bollywood’s most memorable red carpet looks, believes that approach is everything. “I feel it’s very important for me to first understand what the red carpet event is, whether it's a party, an awards function, or a premiere,” she explains. “I like to keep the look classic so that, years down the line, it still feels timeless and doesn’t lead to regret.”

For Verma, styling needs a balance. “What is the mood? What do we want to say? Once the outfit is decided, everything else—hair, makeup, accessories, even the attitude—should complement that narrative,” she says. “A look should never wear them; they should own it.”  The best stylists understand the power of restraint. Sometimes, a statement necklace is unnecessary. Other times, the absence of accessories can make a look feel unfinished. The challenge lies in knowing when to add and when to subtract.

The golden rule: Fit over everything

One of the most overlooked aspects of a great red carpet moment is movement. Verma believes tailoring is everything. “No matter how exquisite the garment is, if the fit is even slightly off, the entire look suffers,” she says. “An outfit that looks great when you stand may lose its charm in motion or while sitting.”

Another aspect often overlooked in red carpet styling is posture and presence. The way an outfit is carried—whether through a power stance, a relaxed pose, or a playful strut—can change how it is perceived. A confident wearer can elevate an average outfit, while poor styling can diminish even the most beautiful design.

What 2025 red carpets need more of

The red carpet is evolving, and stylists want to see bigger risks. Lakhani leans toward sleek, timeless palettes. “I personally am going through a phase of monotone, neutral, and metallic shades, and I’d love to see more of that on the red carpet,” she says. “I do love statement looks, but I also love something sexy, and I feel that going neutral and metallic is the way to not only look good but also make the look evergreen.”

Verma, however, wants to see a shift in mindset. “More risks! Red carpets are about creating a moment, and that comes from pushing boundaries, whether through unexpected accessories, unique silhouettes, or fresh takes on glamour,” she says. “I’d love to see more thought put into styling as a whole—how a piece is presented rather than just relying on its brand name. Having said that, I’d definitely like to see more emerging brand names on the carpet and have people trust the process of styling more.”

While the past few years have leaned heavily into safe, classic glamour, there is a growing appetite for bold, personal styling. The best red carpet moments are the ones that spark conversation, inspire trends, and redefine the boundaries of fashion. As Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.” A perfectly tailored gown may set the foundation, but styling is what turns fashion into legacy.

 

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