It's time to press play on the 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet. As Marie Claire's senior fashion news editor, I can say it's bound to be one of the most exciting of the year.
Nominees from Sabrina Carpenter and Addison Rae to Olivia Dean and Chappell Roan are making their way Los Angeles's Crypto.com Arena for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Before trophies are handed out for sought-after awards like Album of the Year and Record of the Year, I'm watching the red carpet to catch every fashion moment as it unfolds. (The Marie Claire beauty team is keeping tabs on all the hair, makeup, and nail art updates, too.) Music's current ruling class has a knack for matching their sound to a distinct aesthetic, whether it's Roan's drag-inspired vintage looks or Carpenter's modernized pin-up style. They're also more prone to take risks than their peers on the film and TV awards circuit—so daring cut-outs and naked dresses galore are definitely headed our way. (Alas, a Taylor Swift Grammys dress isn't in the cards this time around.)
The night is also shaping up to be a meaningful one. As mass protests against ICE rock cities across the United States, guests including Kehlani, Helen J. Shen, and both Justin and Hailey Bieber are pairing their red carpet dresses with "Ice Out" pins, in support of demonstrators. The list of participating celebrities will only grow as the 2026 Grammys red carpet rolls on.
Now that the 8 p.m. broadcast is underway on CBS, guests are giving Marie Claire editors no choice but to run to our keyboards to discuss every look. (Carpenter's custom Valentino gown is an early best-dressed red carpet contender for me, while the team collectively swooned over Dean's custom Chanel.) As the show goes on, keep reading for my of-the-moment updates on all the 2026 Grammys red carpet fashion. I'm tapping my fellow Marie Claire fashion editors for more insights (and honest reactions) as music's biggest night unfolds. I have a feeling some of these looks will be stuck in all our heads by tomorrow...
How to Watch the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet Live
We've still got some time until the 2026 Grammys air live on CBS on Sunday, February 1, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. But for a closer look at the A-list fashion taking over the red carpet, tune into the Recording Academy's Grammys Live From the Red Carpet special at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. ET on every major social platform (that's YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.) Meanwhile, on E!, Keltie Knight and Zuri Hall are hosting Live from E! until the red carpet closes for the official show.
Our First Look at 2026 Grammys Red Carpet Fashion
You're not imagining things: The 2026 Grammys red carpet got off to an early start. But frankly, I'm grateful for an excuse to kick-off Marie Claire's coverage ahead of schedule. Here are a few of the first looks that hit the step-and-repeat.
Lola Young, nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance, skipped the red carpet gown for a cozy Vivienne Westwood suit. A collar and tie peeking out from underneath kept things professional.
FKA Twigs reminded me of a modern woodland fairy, in her drapey Paolo Carzana dress and leaf-shaped clutch.
No word yet on the designer behind Kehlani's 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet dress, but the cut-out feels apropros for the usual dress code. Peek at the top of her dress—she's also wearing an "Ice Out" pin, likely the first of many to appear at tonight's awards.
PinkPantheress's Grammys Red Carpet Is Already a Wrap
When she stopped by Marie Claire's "Listen Up" column, PinkPantheress revealed her favorite piece of music merch: "A faded Burial hoodie that’s definitely not aesthetic anymore, but I still wear it because it makes me feel cool, TBH." She's upgraded her wardrobe by several notches, arriving at the 2026 Grammys in a Vivienne Westwood gown. The cinched-in corset and mixed materials are a combination that feels very "cool, TBH" to me.
Stars Protest Against ICE at the 2026 Grammy Awards
Early arrivals at the 2026 Grammy Awards weren't just showing up for their music—they were sending a message. In light of protests against ICE across the U.S., guests like Helen J. Shen added an "Ice Out" pin to their red carpet looks. Kehlani, accepting her Best R&B Performance Award for "Folded" in pre-broadcast awards, also wore her "Ice Out" pin onstage.
What Else Can We Expect at the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet?
Glad you asked. While I'm waiting for more stars to arrive, I tapped Marie Claire's expert fashion editors for their 2026 Grammys red carpet predictions. Here's what we're expecting...
Old Hollywood Versus Modern Personal Style:
"Award season is just heating up, but I’m already noticing a few red carpet trends—chief among them being Old Hollywood glamour. Several weeks ago at the Golden Globes, stars dazzled in a range of black off-the-shoulder dresses and embellished floor-length gowns, and I think we’ll see a similar hint of timeless elegance tonight at the 2026 Grammys." —Lauren Tappan, fashion editor
"Call it wishful thinking, but I think personality-packed red-carpet fashion is back—less simplicity and Old Hollywood glamour; more unique self-expression as artists. With creative beasts like Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, and Sarah Burton at Givenchy, it’s a fantastic time for high fashion, which lends itself to a lot of fresh experimentation on the celebrity side, too." —Emma Childs, fashion features editor
More Couture Is More: The 2026 Grammys came fresh off the heels of Paris Haute Couture Week, meaning there’s no shortage of new couture right now. I must say, couture gowns from leading ateliers like Chanel, Dior, and Schiaparelli tend to dominate the Oscars red carpet, where the dress code reads more glamourous and less glitzy. But tonight could be the night that Grammys guests trade party-ready for polished picks. I mean, wouldn’t it be a treat to see Sabrina Carpenter in Dior Spring 2026 Couture? She is a JW Anderson girl, after all. (Jonathan Anderson, Dior’s new creative director, dressed the winner at last year’s Grammys in his eponymous label, JW Anderson.) —Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
A Country Welcome to the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet
Margo Price is up for two trophies at tonight's Grammys: Best Traditional Country Album for Hard Headed Woman and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Love Me Like You Used To Do." She also turned my head in a tiered, blush pink gown with fluttering, scarf-like details along her arms—plus, an "Ice Out" pin.
My Early Votes for Best-Dressed Status? The Best New Artist Nominees
This year's class of Best New Artist nominees really knows how to turn a look. I'm not the only member of team Marie Claire who thinks so—here are their takes on the new faces set to light up the red carpet in just a few moments.
"I’ve loved following Addison Rae’s style evolution because she’s always making interesting, surprising choices, especially since she started collaborating with Dara Allen. Together, they’ve managed to build a record with a vast, unexpected mix of designers, from the high luxury (think Thom Browne and Versace) to the emerging (Miss Claire Sullivan and Giovanna Flores) to the archival. I’m curious to see what they pull out for her first Grammys red carpet as a nominee." —Ana Colón, interim style director
"Echoing Ana, here: Addison Rae, without competition. Her work with stylist Dara Allen is irreverent, sometimes strange, and always interesting. As much as she clearly appreciates and pays respect to pop greats like Britney Spears and Madonna, Addison’s style is setting her up for a career that’s as singular as she is. Case in point: When she wore a custom Miss Claire Sullivan look consisting of a ginormous white tutu and feather-fringed cone bra.
"That said, I also need to give some love to María Zardoya’s style, the lead singer of The Marias. Everything she wears looks like it’s been pulled from an incredibly chic dreamstate, from gothic-inspired frilly nightgowns and harlequin-striped silk jackets to archival Tom Ford Gucci and off-the-runway Alexander McQueen." —Emma Childs, fashion features editor
"I’d steal Olivia Dean’s on-stage wardrobe in a heartbeat. From fringed Feben dresses to sequined Coperni slips, her outfits embrace a strong sense of vintage elegance. While the star’s velvety vocals speak for themselves, her style enhances the retro undertones of her songs. Dean’s clothes and music are constantly in conversation with one another, and we can thank stylist Simone Beyene for that." —Lauren Tappan, fashion editor
"Lauren and I have waxed poetic about our love for Olivia Dean before, so I’m not surprised our Best New Artist frontrunner aligned. You can tell her stylist, Simone Beyene, loves her, as evidenced by her charming performance outfits from British brands Stella McCartney, 16Arlington, and David Koma. (She is the ultimate London It girl if I’ve ever seen one.) I, for one, am over-the-moon excited to see her performance tonight. This weekend, she prepped for her Grammys debut with not one, but four stage looks, ranging from a 16Arlington sequin shift, a Herve Leger Spring 2026 striped slip, a little black Conner Ives dress with plunging side cutouts, and a label-less tiger-print maxi. Needless to say, Dean is more than ready for the 2026 Grammys." —Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
Zara Larsson Honors a Grammys Red Carpet Fashion Tradition...
If there's one thing pop stars at a Grammys red carpet are going to do, it's wear a sparkly crop top and skirt in lieu of a dress. For Zara Larsson, who's a student of Y2K style and musical influences, this floral gold set makes perfect sense.
Girl Group Fashion Returns to the 2026 Grammys
"This year's girl group convention is off to a fabulous start thanks to Flo," staff writer Meguire Hennes told the team Marie Claire slack. I have to agree: the unified colors tweaked for each member to wear it her own way works in perfect harmony.
An Update for the Swifties...
If you've been waiting for music's leading showgirl, I have some bad news: a 2026 Grammys red carpet dress isn't on Taylor Swift's radar tonight. Reports including an interview with one of the broadcast's executive producers suggest she isn't attending. It tracks: Her album wasn't eligible for nominations this year. (That said, I would have loved to see a vintage Bob Mackie moment on the red carpet.)
Where Grammys Fashion Meets Broadway Glamour
"Michelle Williams's semi-naked Jean-Louis Sabaji dress is a win for the musical theatre girlies," staff writer Meguire Hennes tells me. "She took a night off from Broadway's Death Becomes Her as it's nominated for Best Musical Theatre Album." It was worth the cross-country trip, IMO—just look at that train!
Will the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet Fashion Feel Like History Repeating?
Some of the night's biggest nominees have yet to walk the Crypto.com step-and-repeat. So in the meantime, I've asked Marie Claire's fashion editors to weigh in on their favorite looks from the 2025 rendition. Here's what made an impression.
"Sabrina Carpenter’s custom JW Anderson dress, styled by Jared Ellner, from last year’s Grammys was an all-timer for me. Referencing Shirley Maclaine’s costumes by Edith Head in 1964’s “What a Way to Go!”, the Jonathan Anderson-designed baby blue gown featured a halter neckline with embellished straps that turned into a Chopard diamond necklace that dangled down the open back, and was accented by feathers encircling the hips and hem. It was fun and playful, with Old Hollywood charm." —Ana Colón, interim style director
"Doechii was such a breakout at last year’s Grammys, and her Thom Browne looks (styled by Sam Woolf) really solidified her fashion girl status. She wore the brand throughout the night: an off-the-shoulder grey wool corset dress with exaggerated hips over a white button-down and matching tie on the red carpet; a grey sportcoat and shorts set (accented by the signature red, white, and blue striping) that then revealed a white cotton bra and brief underneath; and a cropped short-sleeve grey wool jacket over a corset with matching tie and pannier trousers to accept her award for Best Rap Album." —Ana Colón, interim style director
"Chappell Roan, styled by Genesis Webb, in Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2003 Couture—I mean, showing up to her first-ever Grammy Awards in a dress that’s almost as old as she is? Iconic. The gown featured an illustration of the late master painter Edgar Degas’s “Dancer With a Bouquet” and was accented with nests of sticks, blue flowers, and fruit ornaments along the neckline, waist, and bust (details that called Zendaya’s 2024 Met Gala gown to mind).
"On the live red carpet pre-show, E!'s fashion correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi said that Webb had that specific gown and matching feathered headpiece on her vision board for 10 years, and once she procured it for Roan, she 'slept with it in her room because it’s that precious.' You can certainly tell the look, which featured an illustration of late master painter Edgar Degas’s "Dancer With a Bouquet," meant a lot to both Roan and her fearless stylist." —Emma Childs, fashion features editor
"For me, the answer to this question is simple: Beyoncé. Queen B won Album of the Year in a custom gold Schiaparelli number styled to perfection by Shiona Turini. Her shimmering gown featured a sculpted silhouette, a scoop neckline, and a floor-grazing hem. What stood out the most, though, were the crystal embellishments that took the shape of paisley prints. The dazzling design served as a symbolic reference to B’s Cowboy Carter album." —Lauren Tappan, fashion editor
"I was still very much in my brat era during the 2025 Grammys, so my eyes lit up when Charli xcx graced the red carpet. I expected my livestream to turn neon green (the 2024 album’s signature color), but instead, she surprised me and my fellow brats in a custom Jean Paul Gaultier x Ludovic De Saint Sernin ballgown. Don’t be fooled: It had various indie-sleaze elements, including distressed tulle sleeves and a matching high-low train. However, its basque-waist corset polished the look in a way I couldn’t have predicted.
"Once the curtain closed on last year’s Grammys, I expected never to see that under-bust corset again. (Usually celebrities waste no time adding designer looks to their archives.) Just a few days ago, at the premiere of her mockumentary, The Moment, she re-wore the bespoke bustier alongside (what else?) her vintage Alexander McQueen wedding bra. If that’s not the ultimate brat move, I don’t know what is." —Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
Like I was saying: two-pieces are a staple in Grammys fashion. Between the silver embellishments and swirling chiffon fabric, Rhea Raj's feels reminiscent of an early-aughts Britney Spears in the best way.
One of the biggest red carpet trends I've tracked throughout my time at Marie Claire? How celebrities use rare vintage fashion to flex their style prowess. 2025's red carpets were filled with early-aughts and Old Hollywood vintage pieces. Now, the trend continues into 2026 with Tyla's peachy-pink, feathered gown. It's courtesy of Dsquared2, from its Fall 2013 ready-to-wear collection.
Sabrina Carpenter Sparkles at the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet
Sabrina Carpenter is toasting her nominations for Man's Best Friend in a custom Valentino gown that shimmers like a freshly-popped bottle of champagne. The flutter sleeves? The beaded bodice? The tiered skirt? It all strikes me as a maturation of her red carpet style—and an easy contender for best dressed.
Model Kelsey Merritt proved my naked dressing theory correct. Her take involves a slightly-sheer, beaded slip over matching black undergarments and sleek sandals. It's understated, but very Grammys appropriate.
I've never seen a Grammy Awards red carpet go by without a twist on corset dressing. Coco Jones delivered one of this year's most ethereal entries with this blush gown. Tulle drapes from an over-the-top flower to a train down her side. Note the extra structure around her hips—a callback to the pannier trend major designers have been playing with for the past two seasons.
Model Heidi Klum never stops pushing the envelope. This year, she arrived at the Grammys in a latex dress that looked like it had been poured directly onto her body—or made from an exacting mold.
Olivia Dean Is the Woman the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet Needs
She may be a Best New Artist nominee, but Olivia Dean is already dressing like a seasoned Grammys red carpet pro. She arrived at her first-ever ceremony in custom Chanel by Matthieu Blazy, featuring a gorgeous beaded bodice that dripped onto her white skirt.
I don't often see sunglasses on the red carpet, but I have to commend Charlotte Lawrence for bringing her Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-coded pair. Those flashing paparazzi lights are bright! And, these amplify the glamour of her diamond necklace.
KATSEYE's Grammys Red Carpet Fashion Debut
Just days ago, Marie Claire editors called KATSEYE "It girls to watch" ahead of the 2026 Grammys. They joined the canon of well-dressed girl groups on this year's red carpet in five takes on bohemian lace by Ludovic de Saint Sernin. I can't pick which one I like best—they're all so close-up worthy.
Addison Rae Stuns in Alaïa
I'll leave this one to interim style director Ana Colón, who's one of the team's biggest Addison Rae fans. She tells me this look is major not only for its high-low train, but because it's one of Pieter Mulier's final designs for Alaïa before he departs the famed French house later this year.
You'll always see flashes of gold on an awards show red carpet: It's celebrities' favorite way to try manifesting a win. Still, I fell in love with the time-honored metallic again when I saw this Kelsea Ballerini look. The paisley beading reads to me like a clever nod to her country roots.
"The Nakedest Naked Dress in Grammys Red Carpet History...."
That's the accolade Marie Claire editors wanted to hand Chappell Roan, whose Mugler hooded gown unfurled to render her (nearly) topless on the Grammys red carpet. The fabric of her dress was only held in place by strategically-placed jewelry—and it didn't cover much.
Miley Cyrus Makes a Case for the Statement Brooch
Miley Cyrus stepped back from her marathon of recent Saint Laurent dresses at the 2026 Grammys red carpet. Instead, I was surprised to see the Something Beautiful nominee in a leather bomber jacket–affixed with objectively enormous brooches—and leather joggers. With this look, courtesy of Celine's new creative director, Michael Rider, she's already going home with gold.
They Don't Need Gold to Be "Golden"
It's Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami's "Golden" year. They already have a Golden Globe for the smash hit from Kpop Demon Hunters—and with looks from the likes of Dior and Thom Browne on their side, a Grammy might be up next.
No one exemplified the concept of "taking up space" better than Doechii at the 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet. She went all-in on a tiered purple train featuring a smattering of crystal embellishments by Roberto Cavalli—a regal entrance for the former Best Rap Album winner.
"As a statement socks advocate, I felt represented by Billie Eilish on the red carpet," fashion staff writer Meguire Hennes tells me. "Pairing her white knee-highs with the coin-purse trend was a move straight off my 2026 fashion mood board."
Two Emerging Trends at the 2026 Grammy Awards
Marie Claire editors are spotting quite a few patterns among this year's Grammy attendees. High-low hems are making a comeback on Doechii, Rosé, Coco Jones, and Addison Rae, according to contributing fashion writer Kelsey Stiegman.
Then, there's the polarizing color trend that's already sending Grammys guests into another orbit. "Cloud dancer (Pantone's divisive color of the year) is having a moment at the 2026 Grammys," Meguire Hennes tells me. "Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, and Katseye all gave it a proper close-up, but I don't expect the trend to stop here."
Mr. and Mrs. Bieber Arrive at the 2026 Grammy Awards Red Carpet
Fashion people love to dissect Justin and Hailey Bieber's couples' style. Oftentimes, the pair is addressing different dress codes when they're heading to the same location. (See: the time Mrs. Bieber wore a red mini dress and heels to a Rhode event, while Justin kept it casual in baggy sweats.) For the 2026 Grammys, they showed a united front in sleek, all-black outfits, plus "Ice Out" protest pins.
Mother Monster Swoops Into the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet
Abracadabra! Sorry, but I have to say it: Lady Gaga's return to the Grammys red carpet really is spellbinding. The all-over feathers harken back to the start of her Mother Monster styling, yet she's showing a bit of restraint without an outfit change or exaggerated accessory. It's the best of both worlds.
The Final Countdown on the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet...
I'm getting ready to put on my fashion critic hat and decide on Marie Claire's best dressed-list for the night. But first, here are a few double-take worthy looks from throughout the red carpet to catch up on.
Grammy Alums Love an Outfit Change
Well! The ceremony is underway, but the fashion moments haven't stopped. Both Doechii and Chappell Roan decided to keep things interesting by pulling off a mid-show outfit change. Roan, for her part, switched into an ethereal Rodarte gown to present Olivia Dean with her Best New Artist Award. I haven't yet tracked down the designer behind Doechii's second look, but just know I'm obsessed with the jewelry-adjacent sculpture of her top.
Grammys Performance Style Hits the High Notes
Several of the night's nominees are playing their top tracks for the Crypto.com Arena crowd tonight. Sabrina Carpenter channeled the world's chicest pilot in a white, lace-up bodysuit and matching knee-high boots. A few moments later, KATSEYE took the stage in coordinating looks by Off-White.
And the Best-Dressed Stars at the 2026 Grammys Are...
I've poured over every arrival and kept meticulous tabs on who's wearing who. Now, with contributions from Ana Colón, Marie Claire's interim style director, I'm here to present the best-dressed stars at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Here's a sneak peek below—who made your list?
Last Thoughts (and Looks)
Well! The night is wrapping up on the fashion front. But Marie Claire's culture editors are sharing real-time thoughts on the biggest moments from inside the ceremony. Thanks for tuning in! Up next, we'll be back for the Super Bowl next Sunday.
