Not just high notes: Breaking down the best and worst looks at the Grammys

With Los Angeles still reeling from the devastating wildfires, the mood at the 2025 Grammys, held at the city’s Crypto.com Arena, was more sombre – everywhere except the red carpet.

Returning as host for the fifth consecutive year, South African comedian-presenter Trevor Noah set the gold standard for red-carpet dressing. Looking effortlessly sharp, he commanded the evening in a midnight-blue Giorgio Armani evening jacket, woven with a subtle chevron tone-on-tone pattern.

But restraint was not always on the agenda, as a number of attendees embraced bold choices.

American actor-rapper Jaden Smith, son of Hollywood star Will Smith, took fashion architecture to a new level by topping off his Louis Vuitton suit with a castle helmet – because, apparently, regular headwear is too mainstream.

Never one to shy away from a bold statement, Italian-American media personality Julia Fox arrived in a sheer dress and a wig cap – without the wig. As if that was not enough, she finished the look with yellow rubber cleaning gloves, as if trying to convince the audience that high fashion and household chores are a vibe.

While Smith and Fox set the red carpet abuzz, their looks at least possessed the kind of calculated absurdity that makes for a headline-grabbing moment. Other celebs took daring swings and missed the mark entirely, landing not in the realm of avant-garde, but squarely in fashion disaster territory.

Whether they were serving iconic moments or fashion missteps, these stars made sure there was plenty to talk about. Here are the best – and the worst – looks of music’s biggest night.

Best

Paris Hilton

Sheer outfits have taken over the red carpet this season, but the American socialite and reality TV star wins the showdown effortlessly. Her sequinned gold gown from Chrome Hearts exudes Old Hollywood glamour, while the plunging neckline, matching sheer gloves and flowing cape add just the right amount of heiress-level drama.

Sabrina Carpenter

The American pop star looks like she just stepped out of a modern fairy tale, ready to turn heads and maybe a pumpkin into a carriage. Her backless, powder-blue gown by JW Anderson, adorned with whimsical feather trim, is pure retro glamour with a sprinkle of modern sass.

Cardi B

American rap queen Cardi B shows that more can sometimes be, well, more. The shimmering one-shoulder, tiger-striped Roberto Cavalli mermaid gown with a feather train hugs her curves like a glove, and makes her look like a mythical creature rising from the ashes of boring fashion choices.

Cynthia Erivo

If the Oscar-nominated star of the hit fantasy musical movie Wicked (2024) came to cast a spell on the red carpet, consider us fully enchanted. The English actress-singer’s navy Louis Vuitton gown and metallic vinyl bustier are the perfect mix of regal and futuristic, like a space empress who rules with elegance and an iron – but very chic – fist.

Gracie Abrams

Here comes Gracie Abrams, who floats onto the red carpet looking like a runaway bride. Draped in an ivory chiffon gown by Chanel complete with veil, the rising American singer radiates Main Character Energy – no groom required – with an off-the-shoulder neckline and the fashion house’s signature camellia detail.

J Balvin

Colombian singer J Balvin left the ’hood behind – literally and figuratively – by trading his usual streetwear swagger for something far more refined: a silk Dior Men suit. The look was further elevated by a voluminous operatic overcoat.

Worst

Norah Jones

The American singer’s dress feels less red carpet and more do-it-yourself craft project gone wrong. The chaotic mix of sparkles, lace and that inexplicably oversized belt creates a look that is frumpy, fussy and utterly perplexing. The Grammy darling deserves a much better fashion remix.

Alexander James Rodriguez

Rising British actor-singer Alexander James Rodriguez, who is only 17, went all in on blue satin – and unfortunately, satin won. Did the shiny, oversized shirt and flocked brocade trousers come straight from a Shein partywear haul? Return them to the discount bin where they belong, child.

Clairo

While we appreciate a vintage aesthetic, the American singer-songwriter’s frock – courtesy of New York-based fashion designer Claire Sullivan – feels more suited for a countryside tea party than the biggest night in music. Clairo, you should be serving glamour, not scones and Earl Grey.

Chrissy Teigen

This “naked” dress worn by the American model, TV personality and author is giving more exposure than a wardrobe malfunction. With sheer mesh panels, corset-like boning and a lot of transparency, this look leaves nothing to the imagination – and some things are better left unseen.

Chappell Roan

The American pop star and newly minted Best New Artist Grammy winner looks like she fell straight out of a Rococo fever dream, and not in a good way. Between the clashing pastel accents, dramatic feathered headpiece and the frills, the vintage gown from Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2003 Spring/Summer couture collection is conveying “let them eat cake... and confusion”.