Minimalist Looks Dominate Oscars Red Carpet

From Bella Hadid in Prada to Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton, stars channeled Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's iconic style.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:04pm

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At the 2026 Oscars, many celebrities opted for streamlined, minimalist looks that evoked the style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Actress Sarah Pidgeon wore a Calvin Klein gown that paid homage to Bessette Kennedy's association with the brand, while others like Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana, and Bella Hadid chose simple yet elegant dresses from designers like Louis Vuitton and Prada. The trend highlighted how minimalism in fashion has evolved, with modern takes featuring unique silhouettes, textures, and sensual vibes.

Why it matters

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's minimalist aesthetic has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many looking to recreate her iconic style. The prevalence of these looks at the Oscars showcases how this trend has permeated Hollywood and high-fashion, proving that understated elegance can make a powerful statement on the red carpet.

The details

Actress Sarah Pidgeon wore a silver sequin and crystal column gown by Calvin Klein, a brand closely associated with Bessette Kennedy. Emma Stone stunned in a simple yet exquisitely cut white gown by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton, while Zoe Saldana opted for a black lace-and-satin slip dress from Saint Laurent. Other minimalist looks included Renate Reinsve in a sharp red strapless Louis Vuitton gown and a sheer black bodycon dress, as well as Bella Hadid in Prada's white two-piece skirt and scarf tank.

  • The 2026 Oscars ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.

The players

Sarah Pidgeon

An actress currently starring in a television show where she is playing a character associated with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

Emma Stone

An acclaimed actress who wore a simple yet elegant white gown by Louis Vuitton to the Oscars.

Zoe Saldana

An actress who chose a minimalist black lace-and-satin slip dress from Saint Laurent for the Oscars red carpet.

Renate Reinsve

An actress who wore minimalist looks from Louis Vuitton for both the main Oscars event and the Vanity Fair Oscars party.

Bella Hadid

A model who attended the Vanity Fair Oscars party in a white two-piece skirt and scarf tank from Prada.

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What they’re saying

“Minimalist fashion, especially on such a starry red carpet, can be powerful.”

— Sarah Pidgeon, Actress

The takeaway

The prevalence of minimalist looks at the 2026 Oscars showcases how Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's understated elegance has become a major fashion influence, with celebrities embracing streamlined silhouettes and natural styling to make powerful statements on the red carpet.