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A fashion editor weighs in on the best Oscars 2025 after party looks everyone is talking about

Hollywood’s biggest night took over Los Angeles as the 2025 Academy Awards dazzled with show-stopping red carpet fashion. While first-time Academy Award winner Mikey Madison stunned in custom couture at the main event, the style spectacle didn’t end there—some of the most daring and playful looks emerged at the after-parties.

Unlike the ceremony’s refined elegance, the post-awards celebrations allow for a more relaxed, adventurous dress code, making the way for bold sartorial choices. Just take it from Julia Fox, who rocked not one but two avant-garde looks to ring in the 97th Academy Awards. 

As always, the Vanity Fair party was the place to be, drawing the biggest stars in the industry, but Elton John’s annual soiree and the Governor’s Ball were also hot tickets. This year, Zoë Kravitz turned heads in a sultry black satin gown, while Kendall Jenner brought vintage glamour in archival Mugler. Which one’s my favourite? I’m personally still thinking about Kaia’s ethereal dreaminess and Selena’s simple strapless look.

From sheer lace and sparkly chainmail to sleek strapless bodycons and a touch of baby pink, here are all the very best dressed A-Listers who celebrated the awards in style on Sunday evening. 

A fashion editor weighs in on the best Oscars 2025 after party looks everyone is talking about© Getty Images

Selena Gomez

Wearing Armani Privé, Selena Gomez channeled sleek sophistication in a strapless black sequin look, which she paired with a side-parted bob hairstyle and a decadent diamond choker necklace. 

Editor’s opinion: This is timeless elegance done right—sleek, seductive, and undeniably sophisticated. Selena understands that less is sometimes so much more.

Danielle Deadwyler attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA. Picture date: Sunday March 2, 2025© PA Images via Getty Images

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler proved butter-yellow tones are here to stay for spring 2025. The actress opted for an etheral sequin cutout look from Gucci for the evening. 

Editor’s opinion: Pastel yellow tones are one of my favourites and evoke an immense sense of sunshine joy.

Hunter Schafer© Variety via Getty Images

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer served bohemian glamour in a slinky champagne silk gown from 16Arlington, topped with a voluminous faux-fur coat that screamed 1970s rockstar. The deep plunge neckline added a sultry contrast to the oversized texture play, making it both decadent and disheveled in the best way.

Editor’s opinion: It’s cool-girl chic without trying too hard. Like she just rolled out of a rock legend’s bed and threw on couture.

Kendall Jenner at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WWD via Getty Images

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner was all gothic seduction in a sheer black lace gown from Mugler’s archives, hugging her every curve with an ultra-high neck and bell sleeves. The structured corsetry peeked through, creating a sultry, dark romance effect. Slicked-back bob, bold brows, and a smoky stare made it a full-fledged femme fatale moment.

Editor’s opinion: The Morticia Addams-approved look obviously looks incredible on Kendall, especially with her sleek bob hairstyle and supermodel physique. Gothic, dramatic, and just the right amount of sheer. This look whispered regency glamour but with a dangerous edge.

Julia Fox attends Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 02, 2025 in West Hollywood, California© FilmMagic

Julia Fox

Julia Fox didn’t stop at one look this year, she went on to give Marie Antoinette meets punk rebellion at Elton’s bash in a deconstructed corset-and-skirt combo that looked like a fashion history lesson gone rogue. A billowing white button-down clashed brilliantly with distressed lace, while her tousled blonde mane added to the controlled chaos. Black platform boots grounded the look, making it feel both 18th-century and underground club cool.

Editor’s Opinion: This is fashion with a story—chaotic, deconstructed, and utterly fascinating. 

Julia Fox attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© Getty Images

Julia Fox 2.0

Julia Fox, patron saint of shock-value dressing, arrived in a sheer, nude-toned Dilara Findikoglu tulle gown with swirling black hair appliqués strategically placed for modesty-meets-exhibitionism. The look, equal parts art piece and deliberate controversy, blurred the lines between body and garment. Styled with wet-look Botticelli waves and neutral pumps, she once again reminded us that subtlety isn’t in her vocabulary.

Editor’s Opinion:  Love it or hate it, Julia commits. It’s weird, it’s conceptual, and it keeps us talking—which, let’s be real, is the point.

Ana de Armas attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© Getty Images

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas delivered a modern goddess in a white bandeau top and cascading ruffle skirt lined with delicate crystals. The look balanced structured minimalism with playful femininity, making her a vision of effortless glamour. Soft waves and a statement diamond necklace kept things fresh, proving that sometimes, less is more.

Editor’s opinion: The ruffles? Flirty. The bandeau? Risky. The diamonds? Perfectly calculated nonchalance.

Kim Kardashian attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA. Picture date: Sunday March 2, 2025© PA Images via Getty Images

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian gave ‘wedding gown, but make it avant-garde’ in a voluminous white strapless ballgown from Balenciaga. The crinkled fabric added undone elegance, keeping it from feeling too princess-core. Paired with her signature sleek bun and bronzed glow, this was a masterclass in making minimalism feel maximum.

Editor’s opinion: Kim knows how to make a simple silhouette feel grand. It’s dramatic but clean, over-the-top but controlled. 

Olivia Wilde attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WireImage

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde went full boho bride in a sheer, ethereal nightgown-inspired gown, complete with lace trim and polka-dot embroidery from Chloé. The low neckline and delicate ruffle details leaned into free-spirited romance, while her undone hair kept it from being too precious.

Editor’s opinion:  It’s equal parts Edwardian-era and Coachella glam. Dreamy, delicate, and exactly what I’d wear to run through a meadow at golden hour.

Sydney Sweeney attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA. Picture date: Sunday March 2, 2025© PA Images via Getty Images

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney embraced Barbie-core in a stunning blush pink custom Miu Miu gown made with hundreds of delicate pink rhinestones. The subtle keyhole neckline added a hint of seduction, while her long, honey-blonde locks kept it sweet and effortless. She topped the look off by adding diamond jewellery from De Beers.

Editor’s opinion: In my humble opinion, anything Sydney wears instantly goes to the top of my wishlist. I’m just thankful this time around it involves a spring colourway.

Miley Cyrus at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WWD via Getty Images

Miley Cyrus

Letting her micro-bangs do all the talking, Miley Cyrus donned a strapless custom Maison Margiela black dress. 

Editor’s opinion: Miley can do no wrong in my eyes when it comes to red carpet dressing, and this bold, unique and eclectic look proves exactly why. 

Hailey Bieber at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© Variety via Getty Images

Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber kept it quiet luxury in a ruched black strapless Saint Laurent gown, accented with a sleek satin bow at the waist. The sheer bottom half added subtle peek-a-boo drama, while her glossy waves and zero-effort beauty look screamed model off-duty meets movie star.

Editor’s opinion: It’s classic, it’s elegant, and it’s very Hailey- meaning: she makes a simple black dress look unbelievably expensive.

Zoe Kravitz at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WWD via Getty Images

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz, the queen of understated cool, rocked a sleek, high-neck black gown that whispered old-school glamour. With a bold derriere cut out and her signature effortless aura, she proved that sometimes, less is everything.

Editor’s opinion: Zoë’s mastery of the red carpet is unmatched. Daring, sultry, and utterly unforgettable.

Demi Moore at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WWD via Getty Images

Demi Moore

Demi Moore shimmered in a liquid gold fantasy, draped in a body-skimming halter gown with a keyhole cutout that screamed timeless bombshell. With cascading dark waves and minimal accessories, she let the gown do the talking—and talk, it did. The message? Demi is an ageless icon who never not understands the assignment.

Editor’s opinion: No one wears understated sex appeal like Demi. It’s that quiet confidence in a dress that barely tries—because it doesn’t need to.

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom attend the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.© Getty Images

Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom

Katy Perry sparkled in a metallic, Miss Sohee tiled column dress that sculpted her figure like a work of art. The structured yet soft silhouette was pure Old Hollywood—until she paired it with her edgy micro bangs. Meanwhile, Orlando Bloom looked sharp in a classic double-breasted tux, the ultimate best-dressed boyfriend accessory.

Editor’s opinion: Katy’s dress was pure architectural brilliance—shiny, sculptural, and perfectly balanced with effortless styling.

Kaia Gerber attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WireImage

Kaia Gerber

Kaia Gerber floated in a soft, dreamy Victorian-meets-modern gown from Valentino, complete with delicate ruffle edges and a sheer cape that felt like a whisper of romance. A sculptural floral neckline added just the right amount of drama, while her effortless waves kept things from veering too bridal. This was angelic done right.

Editor’s opinion: It’s giving Couture Pre-Raphaelite Muse. Ethereal, yet completely wearable. A masterclass in high fashion.

Zoe Saldana at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.© WWD via Getty Images

Zoe Saldana

Posing with her Oscar, Zoe Saldana stunned in a peachy-hued ruffle mini skirt complete with a long train, a simple sheer black longsleeve, a brown leather belt and a selection of De Beers jewels.

Editor’s opinion: Post-awards ceremony fashion should be fun and personal and Zoe proved that. Love a ruffle and love how she used her Oscar as the ultimate accessory. 

Lily-Rose Depp© WWD via Getty Images

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp proved that the midriff is still one of the fashion sphere’s most notable trending accessories. The actress decided on an ultra-cute Chanel twinset for the occasion.

Editor’s opinion: We all want to be Lily-Rose Depp. This co-ord is epitome of French elegance and I will personally be stealing this exact look come summer.

Ellie Goulding attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.© Getty Images

Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding embodied disco ball chic in a dreamy, draped-off-the-shoulder silver gown.

Editor’s opinion: This is Possibly my favourite look Ellie has ever worn. Not only does it fit her like a glove, but is a subtle statement that feels on brand for the singer. 

Emma Chamberlain attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.© Getty Images

Emma Chamberlain

Emma Chamberlain brought edgy couture in a sculpted, corset-style beige gown with lace-up details daringly slashing up her legs. A lesson in serving fashion-forward risk-taking.

Editor’s opinion: With a punkish platinum pixie cut and bold metallic accessories, she turned bridal-core into dominatrix-chic. 

Mikey Madison at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WWD via Getty Images

Mikey Maddison

The newly minted Oscar-winner oozed gothic elegance in a voluminous black gown with a corseted bodice and opera-length sleeves. Holding her golden statuette? The ultimate accessory.

Editor’s opinion: Topped with sleek dark locks and a jaw-dropping ruby-and-diamond necklace, the look screamed quiet luxury meets moody maximalism. 

 Emily Ratajkowski attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© FilmMagic

Emily Ratajkowski

Everyone’s favourite street style mogul traded in her Puma sneakers for the night, deciding on a dreamy black lace gown with cutouts big enough to see just enough skin. 

Editor’s opinion: Opulent occasion dressing needn’t be uncomfortable or over the top, and EmRata knows that more than anyone.

Raye at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© WWD via Getty Images

Raye

British singer Raye called on Jacquemus for the occasion, stunning in a white look from the French brand’s FW25 RTW collection. She styled the simple yet elegant option to perfection, adding a selection of De Beers diamond jewels and a pair of pointed-toe leather pumps.

Editor’s opinion: Simple yet elegant, I’m obsessed with the low-key energy and even more obsessed with how the square neckline compliments her physique. 

Iris Law attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© Getty Images

Iris Law

Iris Law opted for a cool-girl bridal look, styling a simple ivory-toned slip dress fixed with bow fastenings up the sides.

Editor’s opinion: Iris could wear a potato sack and still look chic. This particular simple slip skims the model in all the right places and feels like her.

Megan Thee Stallion attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 02, 2025 in West Hollywood, California© WireImage

Megan Thee Stallion

In a golden halter gown that shimmered like liquid fire, Serayah delivered Old Hollywood meets modern bombshell energy. The backless silhouette, sheer panels, and cascading train were pure red-carpet royalty. 

Editor’s Opinion: Megan always brings main character vibes, and this look was no exception. This was golden goddess energy at its finest. 

Heidi Klum at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.© WWD via Getty Images

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum went full femme fatale in a sculptural, slit-to-there black gown that looked like it was carved onto her body. With soft blonde waves and diamond accessories, she was part Maleficent, part supermodel off-duty. Barely-there heels completed the look.

Editor’s Opinion: Dramatic, sultry, and effortlessly powerful. Heidi knows how to turn a simple black dress into a full cinematic moment—no CGI needed.

Halle Berry at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© Variety via Getty Images

Halle Berry

Halle Berry looked sleek and chic in a dreamy asymmetrical option. The gilden gown featured a sparkly silver figure hugging underlay and was completed with a white draped layer on top- the perfect merging between partywear and sophisticated dressing.

Editor’s opinion: Obsessed. no notes. Not even one.

Tate McRae attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© FilmMagic

Tate McRae

Pop singer and ultimate It-Girl Tate McRae donned a dreamy silver metal body con for an evening at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She completed her cool-girl look by wearing her hair out in a middle parting.

Editor’s opinion: I mean, this has to be one of the best after-party looks to date. 

(L-R) Elizabeth Hurley, Donatella Versace and Damian Hurley attend Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 02, 2025 in West Hollywood, California© Getty Images for Elton John AIDS

Elizabeth Hurley, Donatella Versace & Damian Hurley

Elizabeth Hurley slayed in a ruched pastel-pink gown with a daring slit, proving once again that she’s aging in reverse. Donatella Versace, ever the rockstar, opted for an asymmetric black gown with metallic accents, radiating Italian glam. Meanwhile, the ever-stylish Damian was stunned in an embroidered velvet jacket, which brought an avant-garde edge to his look. 

Editor’s Opinion: Three icons, three flawless looks. Glamour is in the Hurley DNA, and they proved it with effortless confidence.

Lupita Nyong'o attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© FilmMagic

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o floated through the event in a white ethereal cape dress that was pure goddess energy. The beaded bodice, delicate pleats, and pearl accents made her a vision of grace. 

Editor’s opinion: Paired with a radiant smile and effortless charm, she proved that a minimalist colour palette can be maximal.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild brings Italian style to the red carpet at the 33rd annual EJAF Academy Awards viewing party on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California© Getty Images for Peroni

Nicky Hilton

Nicky Hilton fizzed in a white gown featuring a crystal-embellished neckline, a plunging bodice, and a dramatic slit. Sparkling pumps and diamond bling sealed the deal. The pièce de résistance? A tiny bejeweled bottle-shaped Peroni purse.

Editor’s opinion: After-party dressing should be a fun self-expression, and Nicky’s adorable purse is the perfect accompaniment that proves just that.

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