Everything about the 67th Annual Grammy Awards felt different this time around. Maybe it was the energy at the Crypto.com Arena or just the fact that we’re seeing a massive shift in how pop stars want to be perceived. When you look back at the grammy 2025 red carpet looks, you aren't just seeing expensive fabric. You're seeing a weird, beautiful collision of archival obsession and high-concept drama.
Honestly, the "safe" era of red carpet fashion feels kinda dead.
The Rise of the Archival Queen
If you were watching the arrivals, there was one name everyone kept whispering: Chappell Roan. She didn't just show up; she staged an intervention for our collective boredom. Wearing a 2003 Jean Paul Gaultier couture piece that featured Edgar Degas’s ballerinas, she basically proved that vintage isn't just a trend anymore—it’s the new gold standard.
The dress was older than some of the TikTokers in the press pen!
Olivia Rodrigo played a similar game. She dug into the Versace archives for a black, backless, double-strap gown from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection. It was sleek, slightly dangerous, and felt way more "her" than any modern custom piece could have. People usually expect the big stars to demand something "new," but the coolest kids in the room are all looking backward.
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Taylor Swift and the Red Carpet "Easter Eggs"
You can't talk about grammy 2025 red carpet looks without Taylor. She’s built an entire career on "clues," and her outfit was no exception. She walked out in a custom ruby-red Vivienne Westwood Couture dress. The color was an obvious nod to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the real kicker was the custom leg chain.
A "T" charm.
Collaborating with stylist Joseph Cassell and jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, she wore over 60 carats of diamonds. It was flashy, sure, but it felt remarkably personal. Some critics argued it was too "on the nose," but since when has Taylor Swift ever been subtle?
When Goth Met the Grammys
Lady Gaga went full Victorian-goth in Samuel Lewis, and honestly, we needed that. After her "Joker" press run, people expected something theatrical, but this was refined chaos. High necks, puffed sleeves, and sharp micro-bangs—it was a mood.
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Then you had Miley Cyrus.
Miley took the "cutout" trend to a place where only Miley can go. Her black leather Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello was basically three strips of leather held together by sheer willpower and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. It was the absolute opposite of Gaga’s coverage, yet both felt like they belonged to the same dark, moody sisterhood.
The Guys Who Actually Tried
We’ve spent decades seeing men show up in boring black tuxedos. Not this year.
- Benson Boone: Showed up in a custom Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo that was barely buttoned. It was very "70s rockstar meets modern country."
- Kendrick Lamar: He wore denim. Not just a little denim, but a full Maison Margiela denim-on-denim-on-denim look, including a denim hat.
- Troye Sivan: He leaned into the sheer trend with a lavender and lilac Prada ensemble that looked like a watercolor painting come to life.
The "Espresso" Aesthetic
Sabrina Carpenter stayed true to the "Old Hollywood but make it miniature" vibe she’s perfected lately. Her sky-blue JW Anderson gown was covered in feathers at the waist and hem. It was angelic. It was romantic. It also featured a massive 50-carat Chopard diamond hanging down her back.
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Her makeup artist, Carolina Gonzalez, used SK-II and Armani Beauty to get that specific "blushy" look. It’s a very specific brand of femininity—soft but calculated. It stood in stark contrast to Charli xcx, who ditched the "Brat" green for a slate gray Jean Paul Gaultier bustier dress that looked like it had been through a very glamorous shipwreck.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Looks
People think these outfits are just about who looks "best." That's not the point. The Grammys red carpet is a branding exercise.
When Doechii shows up in a pinstriped Thom Browne pinstripe look with artful cornrows, she isn't just trying to look pretty. She's signaling that she is a serious artist who understands structure and subversion. When Jaden Smith walks out with a castle-shaped headpiece, he’s intentionally being "unhinged." It’s meant to be a conversation starter, not a "Best Dressed" winner.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own Style
You don't need a Vivienne Westwood budget to take notes from these pros. If you're looking to upgrade your own aesthetic based on these trends:
- Stop ignoring the "Old": Check local vintage shops for unique silhouettes rather than buying fast-fashion copies of what's "in."
- Monochrome is a cheat code: Whether it’s Taylor’s red or Miley’s black, sticking to one color family creates instant impact.
- Texture over everything: Feathers (Sabrina), leather (Miley), and denim (Kendrick) were the real stars. Mix your fabrics to add depth to your look.
- Accessories as the main event: Sometimes a leg chain or a statement headpiece is the only thing people will actually remember.
The most important thing to remember about the grammy 2025 red carpet looks is that the stars who "won" were the ones who looked like they were having the most fun. In a world of curated perfection, a little bit of weirdness goes a long way.
To stay ahead of the next big fashion wave, start looking at early 2000s couture collections—because clearly, the stylists for the world's biggest stars already are.