The Price Tag of Epic Red Carpet Fashion Mistakes
Red carpet events are known for their glitz, glamour, and eye-catching fashion statements. However, sometimes the quest for the perfect look can go awry, leading to some of the most expensive red carpet fails in history. From wardrobe malfunctions to questionable fashion choices, we’ve rounded up some of the most unforgettable fashion missteps that stole the spotlight from the stars themselves.
Following your example, here’s a continuation of the list of expensive red carpet fails:
Whoopi Goldberg
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 1993
Est. Cost: $9,000*
Whoopi Goldberg’s look at the 1993 Oscars is one of the most memorable red carpet moments in history. The actress and comedian wore a purple and green jumpsuit with a matching, oversized coat. The outfit was designed by Ritta Ramey and was widely criticized for its bizarre color combination and unflattering silhouette.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Event: Met Gala
Year: 2015
Est. Cost: $12,000*
Sarah Jessica Parker’s look at the 2015 Met Gala was a nod to the theme “China: Through the Looking Glass.” The actress wore a custom-made H&M gown paired with an elaborate Philip Treacy headdress. The fiery headdress was a showstopper, but it received mixed reviews, with some considering it a fashion faux-pas and others praising its boldness.
Cher
Event: 60th Academy Awards
Year: 1988
Est. Cost: $20,000*
Cher has always been known for her bold and avant-garde fashion choices, but her outfit at the 1988 Oscars took things to a whole new level. Wearing a Bob Mackie creation, Cher’s outfit consisted of a black sequined two-piece set with a huge feathered headdress. While the ensemble was a perfect representation of Cher’s eclectic style, it was widely considered a fashion fail and too outlandish for the Oscars.
Demi Moore
Event: 62nd Academy Awards
Year: 1990
Est. Cost: $5,000*
Demi Moore’s outfit at the 1990 Oscars was a DIY disaster. She chose a metallic and black bike shorts ensemble that she co-designed with a friend. The odd combination of fabrics, the unflattering cut, and the sheer randomness of the outfit made it a red carpet fail that is still remembered today.
Whoopi Goldberg
Event: 74th Academy Awards
Year: 2002
Est. Cost: $15,000*
Whoopi Goldberg’s choice of a lime green satin pantsuit for the 2002 Oscars raised many eyebrows. The outfit, designed by Chloé, was an odd choice for the red carpet and did not complement Whoopi’s figure or skin tone. The outfit’s fit and fabric made it one of the most expensive red carpet fails in history.
Bjork
Event: 73rd Academy Awards
Year: 2001
Est. Cost: $5,000
The infamous “swan dress” that Bjork wore to the 2001 Oscars is one of the most talked-about fashion fails in history. The dress, estimated at $5,000, featured a faux swan draped around her neck, and it landed her on many worst-dressed lists.
Bai Ling
Event: MTV Movie Awards
Year: 2015
Est. Cost: $3,000*
Actress Bai Ling turned heads at the 2015 MTV Movie Awards when she appeared in a dragon-themed outfit. The dress, designed by herself, featured a dragon wrapped around her body with a tail that extended from her shoulder to her leg. The look was widely criticized for its over-the-top design and was dubbed one of the worst red carpet outfits of all time.
Vanessa Williams
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 1992
Est. Cost: $6,500*
Vanessa Williams’ look at the 1992 Oscars is often cited as one of the most bizarre red carpet outfits of all time. The singer and actress wore a metallic gold gown with an oversized, bejeweled collar. Critics panned the look for being too gaudy and unflattering.
Lizzy Gardiner
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 1995
Est. Cost: $2,000*
Lizzy Gardiner, a costume designer, shocked the red carpet when she showed up in a dress made entirely of gold American Express credit cards. The outfit was widely criticized for its unconventional material choice, but it also garnered attention for its uniqueness.
Aja Naomi King
Event: Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Year: 2018
Est. Cost: $6,000*
Actress Aja Naomi King wore a neon green Pamella Roland gown to the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. While some praised the bold color choice, others criticized the gown’s too-bright hue and ill-fitting bodice.
Anne Hathaway
Event: 85th Academy Awards
Year: 2013
Est. Cost: $10,000*
Anne Hathaway’s 2013 Oscars dress became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the year for all the wrong reasons. The blush pink Prada gown, while elegant in its simplicity, drew criticism for the awkwardly placed seams at the bust. Despite the controversy, Hathaway still managed to take home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Angelina Jolie
Event: 72nd Academy Awards
Year: 2000
Est. Cost: $5,000*
Angelina Jolie’s choice of outfit for the 2000 Oscars raised many eyebrows. The actress opted for a gothic-inspired Versace gown, complete with a floor-length cape and an abundance of black leather. Although Jolie won the Best Supporting Actress award that night, her fashion choice was met with mixed reviews, and the look remains one of the most memorable in Oscars history.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Event: 74th Academy Awards
Year: 2002
Est. Cost: $7,000*
Gwyneth Paltrow made her bold fashion statements at the 2002 Oscars in an Alexander McQueen gown that left many critics puzzled. The sheer black top paired with a full, multi-colored skirt was considered an unusual and unflattering combination. Although Paltrow is known for her impeccable fashion sense, this look remains a rare misstep in her red carpet history.
Jennifer Lawrence
Event: 90th Academy Awards
Year: 2018
Est. Cost: $9,000*
Jennifer Lawrence’s appearance at the 2018 Oscars in a metallic Dior gown was met with mixed reactions. While some praised the unique and daring design, others criticized it for looking too heavy and uncomfortable. In Spite Of the backlash, Lawrence owned the look and confidently strutted down the red carpet, proving that even fashion fails can be carried off with the right attitude.
Helena Bonham Carter
Event: 83rd Academy Awards
Year: 2011
Est. Cost: $6,000*
Helena Bonham Carter is famous for her quirky and eccentric fashion choices, and her appearance at the 2011 Oscars was no exception. The actress wore a custom-made Colleen Atwood gown, complete with mismatched shoes and wild hair. Although the outfit was undoubtedly unique, it was met with mixed reviews, with some praising its originality and others finding it too over-the-top.
Kim Kardashian
Event: Met Gala
Year: 2013
Est. Cost: $10,000*
Kim Kardashian’s floral Givenchy gown at the 2013 Met Gala drew a lot of attention, but not all of it was positive. The dress, designed by Riccardo Tisci, featured long sleeves, a high neck, and even incorporated gloves. The print was compared to a couch or curtains by some, and the fit was criticized as well. Despite the backlash, Kardashian confidently owned the look, and it remains one of the most memorable Met Gala outfits to date.
Lupita Nyong’o
Event: Met Gala
Year: 2016
Est. Cost: $9,000*
Lupita Nyong’o made headlines with her Met Gala look in 2016. The actress wore a sparkly green Calvin Klein dress with an unusually high hairstyle, which she said was inspired by African art. The daring look divided opinions, with some praising its originality and others finding it too extreme.
Katy Perry
Event: Met Gala
Year: 2017
Est. Cost: $15,000*
Katy Perry’s look at the 2017 Met Gala was one of the most talked-about of the night. The singer wore a custom-made Maison Margiela ensemble by John Galliano, complete with a red tulle dress, embroidered coat, and a veil with a headpiece that spelled “Witness.” The look was criticized by some for being too over-the-top, but it undoubtedly made a statement.
Nicole Kidman
Event: 89th Academy Awards
Year: 2017
Est. Cost: $7,000*
Nicole Kidman’s dress at the 2017 Oscars became the subject of internet memes due to its unusual design. The actress wore an Armani Privé gown with a high neckline and puffy sleeves that many compared to a parrot. The dress divided opinions, with some praising its uniqueness and others finding it too unconventional.
Charlize Theron
Event: 82nd Academy Awards
Year: 2010
Est. Cost: $8,000
Charlize Theron is known for her impeccable fashion sense, but the 2010 Oscars saw an unfortunate slip. She donned a custom-made gown by John Galliano, which many critics called a mess. Though the dress was estimated to cost around $8,000, it failed to impress.
Jennifer Lawrence
Event: 83rd Academy Awards
Year: 2011
Est. Cost: $25,000
The fiery red Calvin Klein dress Jennifer Lawrence wore to the 2011 Oscars was a fashion fail. The dress, which reportedly cost around $25,000, looked underwhelming on the red carpet, considering Lawrence’s usually impressive fashion game.
Julianne Moore
Event: 72nd Golden Globe Awards
Year: 2015
Est. Cost: $30,000
Julianne Moore’s Givenchy Haute Couture gown at the 2015 Golden Globes was considered a failure by many. The silver ombre, the feathered gown had an estimated price of $30,000 but was slammed for being too busy and unflattering.
Lady Gaga
Event: MTV Video Music Awards
Year: 2010
Est. Cost: $100,000
Lady Gaga’s meat dress from the 2010 VMAs is hard to forget. The dress, made entirely of raw meat, was estimated to cost around $100,000. It was widely criticized for its controversial nature and short-lived appeal.
Sofia Vergara
Event: 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards
Year: 2014
Est. Cost: $6,000
Sofia Vergara’s black Zac Posen gown at the 2014 Golden Globes was criticized for its unflattering shape. The dress, estimated at $6,000, made the actress look heavier than she is.
Diane Keaton
Event: 76th Academy Awards
Year: 2004
Est. Cost: $12,000*
Diane Keaton’s Ralph Lauren outfit at the 2004 Oscars was a departure from the glamorous gowns usually seen on the red carpet. The menswear-inspired ensemble consisted of a tuxedo, a bowler hat, and gloves. While the outfit was true to Keaton’s signature style, it was deemed inappropriate for the occasion and considered a red carpet fail.
Sally Kirkland
Event: 79th Academy Awards
Year: 2007
Est. Cost: $7,000*
Sally Kirkland’s appearance at the 2007 Oscars left many people scratching their heads. The actress wore a shiny gold dress that looked more like a costume than a red carpet-outfit. The dress, paired with a matching headpiece, was criticized for being too over-the-top and not fitting the occasion.
Kim Basinger
Event: 62nd Academy Awards
Year: 1990
Est. Cost: $8,000*
Kim Basinger’s self-designed dress at the 1990 Oscars was a misfire—the ensemble, which featured a half-tuxedo, half-gown look, confused many fashion critics. The odd cut of the dress and the strange combination of elements left many questioning her design choices.
Geena Davis
Event: 64th Academy Awards
Year: 1992
Est. Cost: $10,000*
Geena Davis’s choice for the 1992 Oscars was a ruffled satin dress with a large bow at the back. The gown, which featured a short front and a long train, was criticized for its strange cut and proportions. The overly voluminous skirt and the unflattering neckline made it one of the most expensive red carpet fails in history.
Faith Hill
Event: 74th Academy Awards
Year: 2002
Est. Cost: $9,000*
Country singer Faith Hill’s rainbow-colored dress at the 2002 Oscars raised eyebrows. The Versace gown, which featured layers of bright pastel chiffon, was criticized for looking more like a prom dress than a red carpet-ensemble. The overly fluffy skirt and the ill-fitting bodice made it a fashion fail.
Uma Thurman
Event: 77th Academy Awards
Year: 2005
Est. Cost: $15,000*
Uma Thurman’s Christian Lacroix dress at the 2005 Oscars was widely criticized for its odd proportions and unflattering design. The gown featured a loose, flowing skirt paired with a tight, frilly bodice that did not complement the actress’s figure. The oversized sleeves and the intricate pattern on the dress only added to the confusion.
Farrah Fawcett
Event: 50th Academy Awards
Year: 1978
Est. Cost: $5,000*
Farrah Fawcett’s chainmail dress at the 1978 Oscars was considered a fashion misstep by many critics. The metallic gold gown, designed by Stephen Burrows, featured a low neckline and an odd asymmetrical cut that did not flatter the actress’s figure. The heavy fabric and the shiny finish made it one of the most expensive red carpet fails.
Tyra Banks
Event: 72nd Academy Awards
Year: 2000
Est. Cost: $12,000*
Supermodel Tyra Banks’s appearance at the 2000 Oscars left many fashion critics puzzled. The lilac gown with a voluminous skirt, designed by Vera Wang, was criticized for its excessive ruffles and unflattering proportions. The overly frilly design and the too-puffy skirt made it a red carpet fail to remember.
Celine Dion
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 1999
Est. Cost: $25,000*
Celine Dion is known for her powerful voice and glamorous style, but her outfit at the 1999 Oscars was a miss. The singer wore a white Dior suit backward, with a fedora and sunglasses. Critics didn’t love the look, and it’s often cited as one of the most bizarre red carpet outfits of all time.
Geena Davis
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 1992
Est. Cost: $8,000*
Geena Davis indeed turned heads at the 1992 Oscars when she appeared in a ruffled, satin gown that featured a miniskirt at the front and a full-length train at the back. The gown, designed by Ruth Meyers and Bill Hargate, was widely criticized for its over-the-top design and is often cited as one of the worst red carpet looks of all time.
Uma Thurman
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 2004
Est. Cost: $15,000*
Uma Thurman is no stranger to bold fashion choices, but her outfit at the 2004 Oscars was a miss. The actress wore a Christian Lacroix gown that featured a billowing white skirt, a fitted bodice, and lace sleeves. Critics dubbed it a “Swiss Miss” look and it was panned for its odd design.
Elizabeth Hurley
Event: Four Weddings and a Funeral Premiere
Year: 1994
Est. Cost: $6,000*
Elizabeth Hurley made headlines when she appeared at the premiere of “Four Weddings and a Funeral” in a black Versace dress held together by gold safety pins. The outfit was widely criticized for being too revealing, but it also helped catapult Hurley to international stardom.
Farrah Fawcett
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 1978
Est. Cost: $5,000*
Farrah Fawcett’s look at the 1978 Oscars is often cited as one of the most bizarre red carpet outfits of all time. The actress wore a gold chainmail dress designed by Stephen Burrows that left little to the imagination. Critics panned the look for being too risqué and it is still talked about today.
Tyra Banks
Event: Emmy Awards
Year: 2000
Est. Cost: $7,000*
Supermodel and television host Tyra Banks is known for her daring fashion choices, but her outfit at the 2000 Emmy Awards was a miss. She wore a purple ballgown with a voluminous skirt that was widely criticized for its overwhelming size and color.
Juliette Lewis
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 1992
Est. Cost: $5,000*
Actress Juliette Lewis turned heads at the 1992 Oscars when she appeared in a white sequined gown with a matching headpiece that resembled cornrows. The outfit was widely criticized for its cultural appropriation and odd design.
Sofia Carson
Event: Golden Globe Awards
Year: 2020
Est. Cost: $10,000*
Actress and singer Sofia Carson made a statement at the 2020 Golden Globes in a pink Giambattista Valli gown. The dress featured a massive train and oversized bow, and while some praised the boldness of the look, others felt it was too extravagant and overwhelming.
Diane Keaton
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 2004
Est. Cost: $7,000*
Diane Keaton is known for her unique sense of style, and her outfit at the 2004 Oscars was no exception. The actress wore a Ralph Lauren tuxedo with a bowler hat and gloves, a look that was widely criticized for being too androgynous and ill-fitting.
Lara Flynn Boyle
Event: Golden Globe Awards
Year: 2003
Est. Cost: $5,000*
Actress Lara Flynn Boyle turned heads at the 2003 Golden Globes when she appeared in a ballerina-inspired tutu dress. The pink, strapless dress was widely criticized for its childish design and was dubbed one of the worst red carpet looks of all time.
Julianne Hough
Event: Golden Globe Awards
Year: 2013
Est. Cost: $7,000*
Actress and dancer Julianne Hough appeared at the 2013 Golden Globes in a Monique Lhuillier gown that featured a sparkly bodice and a voluminous tulle skirt. Critics felt the dress was too over-the-top and detracted from her natural beauty.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 2002
Est. Cost: $10,000*
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s look at the 2002 Oscars was widely criticized. She wore a sheer Alexander McQueen gown that featured a gothic design. Critics felt the dress was too revealing and ill-fitting.
Blanca Blanco
Event: Academy Awards
Year: 2017
Est. Cost: $7,000*
Actress Blanca Blanco wore a revealing red gown with a thigh-high slit and deep plunging neckline at the 2017 Oscars. Critics felt the dress was too revealing and inappropriate for the event.