Let's be real for a second. There was a time when the red carpet at the Academy of Country Music Awards was, well, a lot of rhinestones and not a lot of restraint. You’d see enough fringe to cover a small village and more denim than a Levi's warehouse. But looking at the recent 60th Anniversary show in Frisco, Texas, something changed. It’s like the Nashville elite collectively decided to hire the same high-fashion stylists used by the Met Gala attendees, yet somehow kept that "dirt road" soul intact.
It’s a weird balance to strike. You want to look like you could command a stage in front of 20,000 screaming fans, but also like you belong in a French fashion house. Honestly, the red carpet acm awards moments we saw this past year finally bridged that gap.
The Night the Bell-Bottoms Went Couture
If we're talking about the current state of country fashion, we have to start with Lainey Wilson. She’s basically the patron saint of the "bell-bottom country" movement. But at the 2025 ACMs, she didn't just wear flares; she wore a statement. Wilson stepped out in an all-black lace jacket that featured intricate floral appliqués and—get this—a train. A lace train on a pantsuit. It sounds like it shouldn't work, right?
But with the plunging neckline and her signature black hat, she looked like a gothic country queen. She wasn't alone in the "black is the new denim" trend. Even the host, the legendary Reba McEntire, leaned into the darkness with a sequined black pantsuit and some seriously impressive sparkling thigh-high boots. It’s a far cry from the colorful, kitschy Reba looks of the 90s. It felt mature. It felt expensive.
When Hollywood Crashes the Party
Then you have the Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman factor. They’re basically the unofficial royalty of the ACMs. Kidman, fresh off a Met Gala appearance just days prior, showed up in a Monse Fall/Winter 2025 look that was essentially a masterclass in "I’m here but I’m cooler than you."
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- The Silhouette: A sleeveless leather turtleneck paired with a draped skirt.
- The Risk: She wore the skirt over trousers, a trend that's been bubbling up in Gen Z circles but rarely makes it to a country music red carpet in Texas.
- The Hair: She swapped her recent Met Gala bob for long, flowing locks, proving that extension magic is alive and well.
Keith, for his part, kept it simple with a black suit and no shirt underneath. It was effortless. It reminded everyone that the red carpet acm awards isn't just for the people singing the songs; it's a legitimate global fashion stage.
The Great Yellow Diamond "Frosting" Incident
One of the more charming moments came from Megan Moroney. She told reporters she’d recently watched How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and became obsessed. Who hasn't, honestly?
She channeled Kate Hudson’s iconic yellow dress in a one-shoulder Cult Gaia gown. She even went as far as "frosting" herself with a massive yellow diamond necklace. It was a literal movie moment brought to life on the carpet. It’s these kinds of specific, personal touches that make the event feel human rather than just a corporate parade of sponsored brands.
Pigs, Snakes, and Fashion Risks
Of course, it wouldn't be a country awards show without at least one "what on earth?" moment. This year, that title went to Jessie Murph. She didn't bring a handbag. She brought a pig. A live baby piglet named Wilbur.
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The pig was wearing a pink harness, and while the internet was divided on whether animal accessories are "in," you can't deny it grabbed the headlines. Murph’s outfit—a fringed top and sparkly flares—was a clear homage to Elvis and Priscilla Presley, though some critics felt the look was a bit "costumy."
Then there was Ella Langley, who absolutely dominated the night both in trophies and in her style choices. She went for a snakeskin gown with black lace details. It was edgy, it was dark, and it perfectly matched the "outlaw" energy that is currently reclaiming the genre.
Best Dressed Hits (and a Couple of Misses)
| Artist | The Vibe | The Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Kelsea Ballerini | Nude sequin gown with a black triangle bra top. | Timeless but edgy. A total win. |
| Shaboozey | Distressed brown leather suit with a ruffled bow. | Modern cowboy perfection. |
| Gabby Barrett | Form-fitting burgundy asymmetrical gown. | Sophisticated and sleek. |
| Lee Ann Womack | Retro icy-blue gown with a red leather bag. | A bit of a "mismatch" for most critics. |
Why This Red Carpet Still Matters
The red carpet acm awards serves as a barometer for where the culture is heading. Right now, we’re seeing a massive influx of outside influences—Shaboozey bringing hip-hop swagger, Post Malone (who has been leaning heavily into his country era) bringing a "come as you are" aesthetic, and stars like Mickey Guyton channeling disco-era gold.
It’s no longer just about who has the biggest belt buckle. It’s about who has the most distinct voice—visually and vocally.
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How to Apply These Trends to Your Wardrobe
You don't need a stylist or a label like Monse to pull off the current country aesthetic. It’s basically "Western Gothic" mixed with 90s minimalism.
- Ditch the Blue Jeans: Opt for black denim or even leather trousers.
- Monochrome is Key: Notice how many stars (Reba, Lainey, Nicole) stuck to a single color palette. It makes even the wilder textures like lace or sequins look cohesive.
- The Power Hat: A high-quality Stetson or a custom-shaped felt hat can elevate a basic suit into something red-carpet-worthy.
- Don't Fear the Fringe: But keep it to one "statement" piece. If the jacket is fringed, keep the pants simple.
The 60th ACMs proved that country music isn't a monolith. It’s a messy, beautiful, evolving world where a baby pig can share a carpet with a million-dollar diamond necklace.
If you're planning a Western-inspired look for an event, focus on one "hero" item—like a structured blazer with subtle embroidery—and build around it. The goal is to look like you're wearing the outfit, not like the outfit is wearing you. Keep your textures varied, keep your confidence high, and maybe, just maybe, leave the farm animals at home.