Not much fashion inspiration on the 2026 Critics Choice Awards carpet. This year, guests earned second glances just because people had to double check to make sure nothing was going on at all. Sometimes less isn’t more. Still, a few managed to get it right. And in a pool of safe choices that blur together, attention is easily caught.
Erin Doherty
In our books, Erin Doherty wins best dressed of the night. She stepped out in a satin mint-green Louis Vuitton dress with a fitted top and structured skirt. The Internet was quick to compare it to a Sims plumbob, which feels accurate and somehow flattering, Rei Kawakubo, close your ears. In an era obsessed with looking undone, loose, and effortless this kind of structure feels refreshing.
Britt Lower
Britt Lower made an entrance, mostly with her back. She chose a pair of creamy, polished high-waisted trousers and a long textured backless top, from Louise Trotter’s Bottega Veneta SS26 ready-to-wear collection. The internet, of course, did its thing, insisting she’d shown up in what looked like a robe. Which raises a question. Where exactly are these people buying their loungewear? Honestly, if it looks like this, send directions.
Ethan Hawke
There’s nothing quite as boring as a plain suit, which makes Ethan Hawke’s appearance feel like a small relief. Dressed in Bode, he wore a relaxed black suit detailed with the label’s hand crocheted floral appliques. Nothing loud, nothing forced, just enough to make the suit feel alive. Sometimes all it takes is a little embroidery, maybe some long styled gray hair too.
Amy Madigan
Amy Madigan wore denim. But her denim came with Jonathan Anderson’s Dior Pre-Fall 2026 Revolution coat and the matching waistcoat, both covered in detailed floral embroidery. The florals won’t see gender rules, they spill across the silhouette, as at home on a man as on a woman. Blue jeans do have a place on red carpets after all, and a casual glance won’t do them justice.
Jessica Biel
When Jessica Biel moved, you better believe I was watching. Her Lanvin FW25 ready-to-wear dress was dripping in gold sequins that took all the space every time she took a step slightly too big. A halterneck, ruffles, lace, sequins, it had it all, except a back. Basically a small Art Deco furniture store stitched together, in the best way possible.
Teyana Taylor
If there’s one woman to take menswear and make it her own, lights on Teyana Taylor. And she did it again, with Anthony Vaccarello’s Fall 2025 Saint Laurent menswear runway look. Add a feather boa from the same line, and suddenly it looks even better on a woman. I’m half expecting the feathers to start filing complaints with everything going on around.
Danielle Brooks
Black has always been a safe way to walk a red carpet. But Danielle Brooks did it sheer in Monot. Light knit, see-through, off-the-shoulder, fringe hem, sparkling diamonds. Need I say more? With the fringes shifting at every step and catching the light, one thing is clear, black is no friend to anyone expecting it to be boring.
Chase Infiniti
And then there’s Chase Infiniti, who showed up in a buttery yellow Louis Vuitton two-piece. Arms out, abs out, skirt long, collar high, top draped. If she’s this good in LV every time, I’d hand her a contract too, the top will stay in my head for days. I can hear the collective sigh of underdressed humanity.
