Dresses

Historically, the MTV Video Music Awards are known to be a little wild so, of course, the VMAs 2022 red carpet promises some major moments.

Chloe Bailey
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That Girl Lay Lay
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BLACKPINK
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Khalid
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Tayshia Adams
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Jack Harlow
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Trina Njoroge
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Dove Cameron
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Lizzo
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Chloe Flower
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Betty Who
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Sabrina Carpenter
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Anitta
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Mae Muller
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Sofia Carson
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Bebe Rexha
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Lil Nas X
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Shenseea
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Becky G
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Dixie D’Amelio
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Lili Reinhart
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Taylor Swift
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Avril Lavigne
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Originally published in Teenvogue.com
Read next: Bold and Joyful Dressing Returns to the MTV VMAs 2021 Red Carpet

Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten
It seems like every time one thinks Dries Van Noten can’t be topped, the Belgian luxury brand ups the stakes in a novel way. The latest news? DVN has now partnered up with luxury online retailer Mytheresa.com to launch a capsule collection—both womenswear and menswear—which drops today.
“I am honored to launch this exclusive collection with Mytheresa, a treasured longstanding partner,” the designer said. “With this collection that amplifies the vivacity and strength of expert traditional crafts from across the globe, we seek to encourage joyful optimism and abandon and spark carefree fun.”
Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten
You need only glance through the latest line to agree that Mr Van Noten has hit the nail on the head with this launch. Joyful? Yes it is. Optimistic? Very much. Carefree? In copious amounts. With its jewel color palette, ikat-inspired patterns, and bursting blooms, the special summer capsule line is all about vibrance. While lightweight, flowy fabrics characterize the pieces for women, the menswear creations use similarly cheery prints and hues in camp-collar shirts and laidback trousers, all of which can be freely mixed and matched to create brand new looks. “[This collection] was a natural continuation of the spring/summer 2022 collection, which was very colorful, free, and festive. It was about [the Indian] Holi festival, it was about Burning Man, about really enjoying life, and especially enjoying that freedom we have been craving for such a long time,” he explains. “In addition, it was another opportunity to include that incredible craftsmanship from India,” he continues. “The people in India really needed the support, Covid-19 was very hard on India. In that way, for me, it was having the possibility to work with them and to see what they could do, that was really fantastic.”
Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten
To capture its essence, the collection was shot by Bruna Kazinoti to create an editorial story, which was directed by none other than Mytheresa’s Chief Creative Officer, Julian Paul. The exclusive line hasn’t just been limited to clothing, however. Enthusiastic shoppers will also find resort-ready accessories in the fresh Dries Van Noten drop, including striped sandals, floral tote and chest bags, bucket hats, sunglasses and edgy cuff bracelets. Below, the designer reveals more about his freshest creations, what inspires him, and much more.

What is the story behind the capsule collection, and what inspired it?
The idea was combining prints, colors, flowers… tropical flowers, leaves, sunsets… all the things that make you think about the perfect summer and the perfect summer outfit. That, mixed with handmade and hand embroidered fabrics, made completely using these beautiful techniques in celebration of Indian artistry.
Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten
As the third generation of a Belgian tailoring family, what are the biggest lessons you have learnt from your father and grandfather?
I inherited a sensibility for garment making, its traditions and rituals. They immersed me in the fashion business by making me accompany them to Paris or Milan on their many buying trips for collections. This was the spark behind my love of fashion and dressing. At that time, I knew that I was meant to create rather than sell, as I already had this unconditional passion for fabrics, which still drives me in my creative process today.

If you were a young designer starting out in the industry today, what advice would you give your younger self?
Persistence, patience, perseverance, and passion… Passion fuels creativity!
Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten
Your headquarters and studio are located on the swaying waters of the Antwerp harbor, you have a beautiful house in the countryside of Antwerp with a large flowering garden, and you are in the process of building a house in Italy. How does nature balance all the different aspects of your life? Do you have a different take on your new house in Italy, especially after times of Covid and lockdowns?
I think my love of gardening influences my designs for the sole reason that I absolutely love the aspect of the unknown with nature. You plant the seed and hopefully something beautiful will grow! It could be said that it’s the lack of control we have over the earth which intrigues me.
It is the same thing for my houses in Lier and in Italy. Working on this new home calms me down and it is something I look forward to every vacation. Far away from the metropolises where I can keep my feet on the ground and hands in the earth.

Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten
You are a passionate gardener. For previous collections, you combined your two passions and created floral prints using photographs of flowers you’d grown in your garden. Did your style of gardening change during the pandemic—and if so, can this be seen in your collections?
I love all colors, even the “strange” ones and it is always a challenge for me to use them, either in my collections or in my garden. When I’m gardening, I can say that in a certain way I’m building a collection, there are different trends and so many different shapes!
The enormity of the cloud that is Covid-19 was new and dark in our lives. It dictated a new way of working and a time for reflection. Our collective instinct was that our work needed to be very simple, fresh, and optimistic. I was seeking inspiration from a beauty devoid of nostalgia, an energetic and optimistic beauty.

What kind of flower did you choose for the exclusive capsule collection for Mytheresa?
Anemone, daisy, chrysanthemum, alstroemeria, anthurium. Flowers that stand for summer, fun, carelessness.
Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten
What are you most excited about when you think of post-Covid times?
Hugging people, seeing friends… the whole thing. Professionally, I believe our role is to inspire, excite and bring a spark of excellence to the lives of those we are lucky enough to dress. It’s difficult to predict what the future holds for fashion in general, yet the specifics of our motivation are crystal clear. All we can do is not lose sight of what it is that makes us happy in our endeavor. That said, I believe we must continue to distill our creative expression to the essential core and inspire.
What does luxury mean to you?
The heightened quality of what is not immediately necessary, existential.
If you weren’t into designing, what do you think your profession would have been?
Without any doubt, gardener! My other passion is gardening, it keeps my feet and hands in the ground. Flowers are a symbol of elegance and femininity, and when I take this into account, gardening for me is not so far from fashion, but more of a continuation.

Photo: Courtesy Dries Van Noten

With stars often channelling Old Hollywood glamour at the Oscars, it’s no surprise that vintage has been a popular choice on the red carpet over the years. In fact, it could be considered a good-luck charm: Julia Roberts won her Oscar for Best Actress in 2001 while wearing a black and white gown from Valentino’s autumn/winter 1992 couture collection; Reese Witherspoon wore a vintage Dior dress dating back to 1957 when she won Best Actress in 2006; while Penélope Cruz won Best Supporting Actress in 2009 in a 1950s Balmain gown.
Vintage also sends a powerful message from a sustainability perspective, with environmental campaigners Natalie Portman and Jane Fonda among those to have worn pre-loved pieces on the Oscars red carpet.
Below, see 17 of the best vintage dresses at the Oscars to date.
Winona Ryder, 2000 

In a black strapless Pauline Trigère dress from the 1940s.

Photo: Getty

Julia Roberts, 2001

In a black and white gown from Valentino’s autumn/winter 1992 couture collection.

Photo: Getty

Renée Zellweger, 2001

In a lemon yellow Jean Dessès gown from the 1950s.

Photo: Getty

Chloë Sevigny, 2002

In a 1970s Holly Harp dress at Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party.

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Jennifer Garner, 2004

In a striking one-shouldered gown by Valentino from the 1970s.

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Beyoncé, 2005

In a vintage Versace gown.

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Reese Witherspoon, 2006

In a 1950s Balmain gown.
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Jennifer Lopez, 2006

In an olive green Jean Dessès gown dating back to 1959.
Photo: Getty
Penélope Cruz, 2009 

In a strapless white Balmain gown from the 1950s.
Photo: Getty
Anne Hathaway, 2011

In a strapless red dress from Valentino’s autumn/winter 2002 couture collection.
Photo: Getty
Marisa Tomei, 2011 

In a navy Charles James gown from the 1950s.
Photo: Getty
Natalie Portman, 2012

In a red polka-dot gown from Christian Dior’s spring/summer 1954 collection.
Photo: Getty
Emma Roberts, 2017

In a monochrome Armani Privé gown from spring/summer 2005.
Photo: Getty
Rita Moreno, 2018

In a brocade dress that she originally wore to the 1962 Oscars, when she won Best Supporting Actress.
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Margot Robbie, 2020 

In a 1990s Chanel couture gown.
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Jane Fonda, 2020 

In a red Elie Saab gown that she originally wore at Cannes Film Festival in 2014.

Photo: Getty
Kim Kardashian, 2020

I loved Chanel’s new interpretation of a classic column gown that Tessa Thompson wore to the 2019 Oscars. Its sequin panels and subtle ruffles added a little bit of fun to the classic LBD. — Christian Allaire, Vogue Fashion & Style Writer
While Audrey Hepburn is best known for her gamine style through the 1950s (think: Funny Face and Roman Holiday) her ’60s and ’70s style has a permanent place on my mood board for its playful sophistication. This gown is just beautiful, and by her longtime collaborator Givenchy. You wouldn’t think midriff cutouts and Audrey Hepburn would go together, but the effect is just stunning. — Sarah Spellings, Vogue Fashion News Editor
Julia Roberts in Valentino, 2001
Photo: Getty
I’ll never forget it and neither has the fashion world: Julia Roberts in her vintage Valentino gown for her first-time Oscars win for Erin Brockovich. The black and white, velvet and satin Valentino gown was classic and elegant then—and it’s still timeless today. — Julie Tong, Vogue Commerce Editor
Jessica Alba in Versace, 2006
Photo: Getty
I remember seeing this dress growing up and feeling stunned. Looking at it now, I still feel that way. It’s such a timeless dress that elegantly accentuates her figure. The details on the bottom half of the dress are subtle and beautiful. I love that she paired it with minimalist jewelry (I’m an earring girl!) and a classy updo. The color makes her look like she’s glowing—a ray of sunshine. I love pieces that I can move around freely in, but are still form-fitting without being too constricting at the same time. This looks like one of those dresses. I hope to one day have a reason to wear a dress like this! — Akili King, Vogue Beauty Assistant 
Charlize Theron in Gucci, 2004
Photo: Getty
Charlize Theron’s glittering silver Gucci gown is a prime example that less is often way more on the red carpet. Despite its simple shape, it’s one of the Oscars’s most memorable dresses in history: you can thank its flawless fit for that. When Theron went on to collect her Best Actress trophy for Monster that year, she definitely looked the part of a true Hollywood movie star. —Christian Allaire, Vogue Fashion & Style Writer 
Grace Kelly in Edith Head, 1955
Photo: Getty
The celadon satin gown that Grace Kelly wore to collect her 1955 Oscar for The Country Girl will always be my all-time favorite. And designed by Edith Head, no less! —Chloe Malle, Vogue Contributing Editor
Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, 2014
Photo: Getty
I’m not the kind who subscribes to the notion of Disney princess red carpet moments, but there was something truly magical about the Prada dress that Lupita Nyong’o wore to the Oscars in 2014. First off, the pale sky blue color was such a great match for the actress, and a shade you don’t see too often in Hollywood. The silhouette was pretty special, too; seeing Nyong’o climb the steps to receive her award with a trail of pleated silk chiffon behind her was amazing. I had been rooting for her all season long, and the fact that she seemed to be poised and at ease in the dress made the moment extra special—the tiara was a nice finishing touch as well. It was just the right look for such a historic moment. —Chioma Nnadi, Vogue Fashion News Director
Marion Cotillard in Jean Paul Gaultier, 2008
Photo: Getty
To this day, Marion Cotillard in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture at the 2008 Oscars is one of my favorite fashion moments of all time. Winning for Best Actress for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose, it was her big moment—and her gown couldn’t have suited it more perfectly. The form-fitting fishtail shape was both sexy and demure at the same time, and the intricate scallop detail was just so beautiful. I also love how she layered on the golden, navel-grazing strand necklaces. Such a cool laissez-faire touch. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue Senior Beauty Editor
Lauren Hutton in Halston, 1975
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Lauren Hutton in Halston with a huge fur on top! Needs no explanation! —Catherine Piercy, Vogue Beauty Director
Natalie Portman in Dior, 2020
Photo: Getty
Natalie Portman and Dior is already a winning combination, but for the 2020 Oscars, she raised the bar for award show fashion with a powerful statement. She wore a Dior gown with a matching cape embroidered with the names of snubbed female directors. Fashion, but make it feminist! — Clarissa Schmidt, Vogue Associate Producer.
Viola Davis in Armani Privé, 2017
Photo: Getty Images
Viola Davis’s 2017 Oscar win spoke volumes about the direction of cinema—her red Armani Privé gown spoke even louder. She was a force to be reckoned with in every step, a true vision. — Cassandra Pintro, Vogue Editorial Producer
Salma Hayek in Armani, 1997
Photo: Getty
Salma Hayek in Armani, complete with a tiara. A modern day princess. —Puja Prakash, Vogue Senior Manager, Social Media
Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture, 2011
Photo: Getty
I remember the first time I saw the Givenchy Spring 2011 Haute Couture collection so well; shown inside the gilded Place Vendôme, the gowns’ juxtaposition of soft falling textures and armor-like tailoring evoked the terrifying beauty of angels. In this lilac and chartreuse look, Cate Blanchett simply confirmed that impression. —Estelle Tang, Vogue Senior Culture Editor
Elsie Fisher in Thom Browne, 2019
Photo: Getty
When I think about my favorite Oscars outfits, I’m really thinking about how happy—or unhappy—I’d be if it were me wearing them down the red carpet on Hollywood’s biggest night. That’s probably why I loved Elsie Fisher’s Thom Browne suit from 2019; it’s polished, it’s classic, and she looks like a lil’ baby Margot Tenenbaum with her barrette and purse. Most of all, though, she looks comfortable, which is exactly what I would have wanted to project if I had been the one attending the Oscars at 15 (perish the thought). — Emma Specter, Vogue Culture Writer
Jane Fonda in Yves Saint Laurent, 1972
Photo: Getty
Jane Fonda at the 1972 Academy Awards where she won Best Actress for Klute. In the spirit of those similarly dystopian days of Vietnam and Nixon, she wore a black wool Yves Saint Laurent couture tunic and pantsuit (from her Roger Vadim Paris days) with the shag haircut of her call girl character, Bree, in the movie. Perfection and enduringly modern and makes today’s prom mermaids look like, well, prom mermaids. Mum, a Fonda fanatic, had that same haircut and gave them to my sister and I.—Hamish Bowles, Vogue International Editor at Large
Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2002
Photo: Getty
My obsession with Oscars fashion begins with Halle Berry in this Elie Saab gown at the 2002 Academy Awards. There’s just something so iconic and powerful about the dress—from the shape to the detailed embroidering, it remains my absolute favorite. And the fact that she wore it while accepting Best Actress, the first Black woman to win that category, just makes it all the more iconic. — Atalie Gimmel, Vogue Associate Manager, Social Media
Michelle Williams in Vera Wang, 2006
Photo: Getty
Michelle Williams in canary yellow Vera Wang at the 2006 ceremony goes down as best dressed in my book. On paper, everything about that color and the dress’s complicated draping should be wrong, but Williams pulled it off like a champ, finding the perfect shade of deep red lipstick to complement her dress. I also have to call out Scarlett Johansson at the 2005 Oscars, who topped off her simple black Roland Mouret dress with a tiara. Both looks edge more editorial, which is why I like them over the standard fare you typically see at the Oscars. I remember growing up, watching both red carpets and thinking Williams and Johansson looked like they stepped out of the pages of Vogue (specifically, the February 2004 issue with Natalie Portman on the cover with her new ’20s bob).—Steff Yotka, Vogue Fashion News and Emerging Platforms Editor
Winona Ryder in Chanel, 1997
Photo: Getty
Winona Ryder in Chanel in 1997—because she was and is the coolest thing in town and there is such a sartorial nonchalance about her. —Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis, Vogue Style Editor at Large
Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior Couture, 2013
Photo: Getty
Jennifer Lawrence’s Dior Couture in 2013 was like a fantasy wedding dress, and the delicate necklace she wore down her back was so feminine and fresh. Yes, she fell going up the stairs to accept the big prize, but boy did she look fabulous. —Alexandra Macon, Vogue Contributing Living Editor
Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga, 2007
Photo: Getty
Nicole Kidman’s cherry red Balenciaga gown from 2007! It still looks so modern and elegant. Someone could wear it this year and you’d never guess it was 11 years old. And I love anything with a bow! —Emily Farra, Vogue Fashion News Writer
Angelina Jolie in Marc Bouwer, 2004
Photo: Getty
Angelina Jolie can do no wrong in my book. Her leg-baring moment in Atelier Versace in 2012 was one of her most buzz-worthy red carpet looks, while her 2014 Elie Saab Couture dress was a lesson in mildly sheer elegance, but her best look of all time has to be the Marc Bouwer in 2004. In the most unforgiving combination of satin and white, it hugged her curves in all the right places with the right amount of décolletage revealed—Hollywood glam at its best. —Christina Liao, Vogue Contributor
Zendaya in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, 2018
Photo: Getty
Brown is perhaps the trickiest color to pull off on a red carpet, but leave it to Zendaya to make it ultra-glam. I love the gown’s asymmetrical sleeve and soft draping. Super timeless and elegant. — Christian Allaire, Vogue Fashion & Style Writer
Hilary Swank in Guy Laroche, 2005
Photo: Getty
Business in the front, party in the back! That was the message behind the Guy Laroche dress Hilary Swank wore in 2005. The midnight blue hue was a cool alternative to black, and the derriere-skimming backless design made for a strong statement from every angle. Nominated for her role in Million Dollar Baby (for which she took home the Best Actress statue that night), a perfectly chiseled Swank proved that cleavage isn’t the only way to flash some skin on the Oscars red carpet.  —Maria Ward, Vogue Fashion News Writer
Faye Dunaway in Theadora Van Runkle, 1968
Photo: Getty
Faye Dunaway’s Oscars outfit in 1968. I don’t even know if it’s a dress or a coat, but I love anything with a feather-y trim. —Nikola Jocic, Vogue Graphic Designer
Björk in Marjan Pejoski, 2001
Photo: Getty
When Björk wore Marjan Pejoski’s Swan dress to the 2001 Oscars, Joan Rivers said, “This girl should be put in an asylum”—but I don’t think she was the slightest bit crazy. Although, maybe leaving those ostrich eggs on the red carpet was a little eccentric.—Luke Leitch, Vogue Contributing Editor
Cher in Bob Mackie, 1974
Photo: Getty Images
Cher has had her fair share of iconic Oscars looks. Whether it’s the golden bejeweled Bob Mackie two-piece set that she wore to the 1973 ceremony or the ornate black gown that she wore to the Academy Awards in 1986 (also a Mackie creation), which really seemed like more of an excuse for her to wear that matching, massive, spiky jewel-encrusted headpiece on her head, she’s always walked that esteemed red carpet in something truly memorable. But it’s the 1974 Mackie-designed look that I feel has retrospectively gotten less attention than is deserved—it’s a watercolor-esque print of pastel colors on a flattering tube top of sorts, with a matching, flowing skirt. Cher finished off the look with matching eyeshadow, a sparkly flower neckpiece, and, of course, a headpiece. —Rachel Hahn, Vogue Fashion News Writer
Céline Dion in Christian Dior, 1999
Photo: Getty
I love the pre-stylist, who-gives-about-the-worst-dressed-list era of the Oscars—before everyone wore boring, perfect, off-the-shoulder mermaid dresses. In this sphere, nothing beats Björk’s swan dress, or Céline Dion’s backward tuxedo and top hat. But in more sane choices that still felt iconic and daring, Nicole Kidman’s Galliano for Dior in 1997: The color, the neckline, and the way she towered over Tom Cruise cannot be beat. —Michelle Ruiz, Vogue Contributing Editor
Martha Plimpton in vintage, 1989
Photo: Getty Images
When a plus-one outshines them all . . . Martha Plimpton in a vintage cream satin bias-cut dress in 1989—Old Hollywood elegance but somehow capturing a pre-grunge coolness (best accessory: River Phoenix). Uncontrived and charming. —Emma Elwick-Bates, Vogue Contributor
Diahann Carroll, 1969
Photo: Getty
The image of Diahann Carroll wearing this blush gown and glorious, jewel-adorned cape in 1969 will forever be my favorite Oscar moment. To me, she is the epitome of elegance, glamour, and regality. — Alexis Bennett, Vogue Commerce Writer 
Anjelica Huston in Halston, 1975
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Halston and the 1975 Oscars made for quite the match. Anjelica Huston—on the arm of Jack Nicholson—seemed like a modern-day mermaid in a fish scale–patterned iridescent number by the designer, while Lauren Hutton paired a pastel-hued gown with a fur chubby and bare, bronzed skin—two looks that proved glamour and ease can, in fact, go hand in hand. —Zoe Ruffner, Vogue Associate Beauty Editor
Claire Danes in Cerutti by Narciso Rodriguez, 1997
Photo: Getty
I remember watching this! The bias-cut-skirt-plus-tee silhouette was an ultramodern take on ingenue dressing that still feels fresh (and ageless) today, and the color is just perfection—especially worn with matching eye makeup. – Eviana Hartman, Vogue Contributing Editor
Cameron Diaz in Emanuel Ungaro Couture, 2002
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I was struggling between Uma Thurman in fresh white Christian Lacroix (2004) and Cameron Diaz in Ungaro Couture (2002), and have decided on the latter, in part because of the Fred Leighton necklace/belt, but mostly because it’s refreshing to see glamour with a boho rather than a glitzy edge—not to mention that the easy beauty of this look jives with who I understand the actress to be.—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue Archive Editor
Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford, 2012
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Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford at the 2012 Academy Awards: immaculate and uncluttered, and straight from Marge Sherwood’s steamer trunk. —Jane Chun, Vogue Copy Chief
Uma Thurman in Prada designed by Barbar Tfank , 1995
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A true ’90s minimalist princess moment. Need I say more? —Anny Choi, Vogue Market Editor
Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein Collection, 2015
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She’s dripping pearls—need I say more? Despite the fact that this gown was probably very heavy, I love its streamlined shape, which fits her to perfection. The unfussy design makes the texture of the pearls shine. And boy, did she ever shine that night! — Christian Allaire, Vogue Fashion & Style Writer
Reese Witherspoon in vintage Christian Dior, 2006
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This was the year she won Best Actress for her role in Walk the Line, and she really shone all night, from the red carpet to the stage. And while it’s a far cry from anything Legally Blonde, I love that the ribbons on the dress still have a hint of pink. —Ella Riley-Adams, Vogue Living Editor
Barbra Streisand in Arnold Scaasi, 1969
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In a sea of princess gowns and Grecian flou, it’s hard to imagine anything chicer than turning up in a sheer sequined suit on the red carpet. Barbra Streisand’s winning 1969 Academy Awards look (she picked up Best Actress, for Funny Girl) may have raised eyebrows at the time, but these days, the ensemble feels like proof that having fun with fashion—and standing out in a crowd—is always the best choice in the long run. —Alessandra Codinha, Vogue Culture Editor
Madonna in Olivier Theyskens, 1998
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Madonna’s 1998 Oscars gown by Olivier Theyskens was the perfect balance of punk and Pre-Raphaelite allure. The look was cool, and even though it came with a corseted bodice and full taffeta skirt, Madge made it seem effortless. —Brooke Bobb, Vogue Fashion News Writer
Natalie Portman in vintage Christian Dior, 2012
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The only thing better than Natalie Portman in a Christian Dior ball gown is Natalie Portman in a vintage Christian Dior ball gown. My heart skipped a beat when the actress graced the 2012 Oscars red carpet in a polka-dotted couture confection from the brand’s 1954 printemps-été collection. J’adior, indeed. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue Assistant Features Editor
Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton, 2016
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Alicia Vikander accepted her first Oscar in a pale yellow Louis Vuitton gown that did suggest Belle from Beauty and the Beast, but reimagined by Nicolas Ghesquière with a few fun details: the slight bubble hem and the uneven rain of silver sequins falling diagonally down the skirt. She looked incredibly cool and thrilled to be wearing it—a killer combo. —Monica Kim, Vogue Fashion News Editor
Tilda Swinton in Lanvin, 2009
Photo: Getty
I respect and appreciate nothing more than a sartorial risk-taker, especially when on a main stage like the Oscars. Tilda Swinton always seems to go against the grain on the red carpet and one of my favorite boundary-pushing looks of hers was her 2009 appearance in Lanvin. Though some dubbed this look worthy of a “worst dressed” list, I found Swinton to look regal, elegant, and statuesque. —Kirby Marzec, Vogue Senior Market Editor
Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton, 2012
Photo: Getty
It takes a certain kind of woman to do red right on the red carpet, and Michelle Williams is that woman. This vibrant Louis Vuitton peplum gown remains one of my favorites year after year—and matching a lipstick to your dress is always a yes in my book. —Jenna Rennert, Vogue Associate Beauty Editor
Winona Ryder in vintage, 1996
Winona Ryder in vintage at the 1996 Oscars was incredible. Few people do Old Hollywood glamour as well as Ryder, and her love of vintage often means that she’s wearing pieces from the eras she references. Her delicately beaded Champagne-hued gown would have been wonderful all on its own, but worn with marcel waves and diamonds, it was a flapper moment that remains one of her best. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue Fashion News WriterBefore there was Jennifer Lawrence of Red Sparrow, Mother!, or even Silver Linings Playbook, there was Jennifer Lawrence of Winter’s Bone—a small indie film that got the then-20-year-old actress her first Academy Award nomination. While many may want to make their Oscars debut with a splash, Lawrence donned a minimalistic, figure-hugging red dress instead. Its slinky simplicity made the whole look red-hot and showed that Lawrence was a sartorial star in the making. —Elise Taylor, Vogue Living WriterOne of the most iconic moments in fashion or red carpet history has to be Nicole Kidman in John Galliano’s chartreuse Christian Dior Couture dress in 1997. The elegant Asian-inspired silhouette and motif when paired with a frosted blue satin slingback and ladylike chinoiserie-inspired purse was the ideal combination. Kidman’s dress became the new benchmark in red carpet style, prompting countless others to make their mark in fashion-forward looks for years to come. —Edward Barsamian, Vogue Style Editor

Photo: Getty
Trees are blooming, days are longer, and there’s a fresh energy in the air. Your vitamin-D-deficient wardrobe can feel it too, as the best spring dresses are calling. With designers introducing fresh styles on the daily, now’s the perfect time to round out your closet with versatile options you can wear on repeat.
Street style looks from Fashion Month have caused a number of spring fashion dress trends to take off, from cutout styles that blur the lines between elegant and edgy to vibrant shirtdresses that added a pop of color on wintry streets. Tried-and-true silhouettes like flirty minis and slip dresses made appearances too, with subtle tweaks in styling (like pairing with thigh-high boots or puddle-proof shoes) to bring them into the now.
After an endless winter, the best spring dresses feel like a breath of fresh air—and the fashion trends dominating offer a little something for everyone. Check them out below.

The Cut-Out Midi
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Designers have taken “hole punching” to new heights, with midi dresses featuring all kinds of cutouts, slits, and unique twists for a next-level ab reveal. We’re especially fond of Reformation’s long-sleeve midi dress (the strappy detailing on the neckline is everything), which hits the sweet spot of being both sexy and transitional-weather appropriate. Andrea Iyamah’s plum midi dress is another best seller that’s perfect for a summer wedding.
The Shirtdress
Photo: Getty
Equal parts easygoing and elegant, shirtdresses are an undefeated spring classic. Longer styles work well on their own, but you can also nail the look with just an oversized button-up—add a belt if you want to give an A-line silhouette. Plus, thanks to its inherent versatility, a roomy long-sleeve shirt can also be tucked into jeans or worn open over a swimsuit as a beach cover-up.
The Effortless Slip Dress
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Slip dresses are to spring what knits are to winter—essential and a no-brainer to style, whether you’re wearing yours with a cropped jacket and rain boots or with a blazer and sneakers. If you already have a classic black slip dress, introduce some color to your wardrobe by way of a pretty pastel that’s great for tonal dressing. With the right accessories, slip dresses can also work for summer or early fall weddings.
The Everyday Mini
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Minidresses may be your typical summer fare, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ease them into your spring wardrobe. The key to making a shorter hemline work during cooler days is by pairing it with taller boots—knee- and thigh-high boots are both great choices—then topping off with some kind of versatile jacket, like a trench coat or oversized blazer that allows you to secretly wear thinner layers underneath. Opt for a short-sleeve chiffon mini, a strapless or sleeveless number, or a V-neck silhouette with sweet puffed sleeves.
The Party Dress
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Blame it on the “vibe shift,” the Euphoria craze, or the night luxe aesthetic, but miniskirts are back, and so are micro-mini dresses. Halter styles, cowl necklines, and open-back numbers are dominating right now, especially in bold neons—think vibrant, outgoing colors that lean into the dopamine dressing trend and are perfect for releasing some pent-up fashion energy. Complete your party ’fit with sky-high heels for the ultimate night-out look.
The Jacket-as-Dress
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For springtime days when all you really need is a light jacket, why not wear actually your jacket as a dress? A-listers like Hailey Bieber are all about the no-pants look since it requires minimal effort to make you feel put together. It works with so many spring shoe trends, from boots to retro sneakers, and is also a clever way to get more mileage out of any sleeveless vest or oversized blazer you already own.
The Floral Midi
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Parting thoughts: No spring wardrobe is complete without a floral dress. Embrace the season of blooming trees with ditsy floral prints—Dôen and Christy Dawn’s size-inclusive options are Glamour-editor favorites—or opt for more bold, graphic versions, like Free People’s best-selling maxi dress, or Sézane’s pleated off-the-shoulder dress that has the tiniest shimmer throughout the fabric, making it a great spring wedding guest dress.
Originally published in Glamour.com