With the 2026 Oscars in the rearview, the first wave of this year's awards shows has officially come to an end. As always, we were scouring red carpet photos for inspiration for prom season (AKA the red carpet of high school), and what we found were styling hacks that can make for a one-of-a-kind moment this year.
Unexpected Separates
Emma Chamberlain hit the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty wearing separates, but not in the way you might think. She wore a burgundy cotton camisole, yellow leather opera gloves, and a low-waist silver skirt. The combo was unexpected but made for a fun and frankly, quite different approach to red carpet dressing. Plus, it's a great way to wear something you might already own and punch it up with something new (or vintage).
Dramatic Details
Rei Ami proves that a short dress can have the same drama as a full gown with her Oscars 2026 red carpet moment. The Huntr/x singer wore a Rahul Mishra mini dress, pairing it with an embroidered overcoat complete with a train. Perhaps this is a way to repurpose your less formal homecoming look for the big dance?
Accessories As the Look
Milo Manheim took a classic black tux from GapStudio by Zac Posen and made it a moment, adding sunglasses, brooches, and of course a bow tie. For prom, you can always go simple, all black everything, and really let your accessories do all the talking.
Vintage Vintage Vintage
Ariana Greeblatt wore a vintage John Galliano piece, showing how a secondhand or vintage piece can be the best way to make the moment your own. Now with dozens of resale sites like eBay, The Real Real, the options are endless.
Workwear
Who says blazers and structure have to be reserved for a desk job? Like Marisa Abela at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, a black cropped blazer and a pencil skirt, at the right length and volume, can be an interesting option for formal dressing.
