The 2025 Grammy Awards delivered a red carpet filled with high notes, fashion risks, and a few style choices that had us hitting the proverbial skip button. Starting with the best-dressed stars, Gracie Abrams floated in like an ethereal dream in a Chanel bridal-inspired gown—delicate, soft, and perfectly balanced, much like her music. Madison Beer stunned in a beaded Miss Sohee creation with a mint duster that whispered luxury and elegance, proving she’s not just hitting high notes in her recovery journey but also in haute couture.
Chrissy Teigen—two years alcohol-free and absolutely thriving—turned heads in a custom Christian Siriano mesh gown that sculpted her figure like a living artwork. And let’s not forget Doechii, who showed us how sobriety can be fierce and fashionable in a pinstripe Thom Browne masterpiece, complete with exaggerated hips and corset illusions that screamed, “I’m here, I’m sober, and I’m serving.”
On the flip side, the worst-dressed list had us questioning some style choices harder than we questioned Y2K fashion trends. Julia Fox showed up looking like a rebellious lunch lady with latex gloves that screamed “aisle five clean up” rather than couture. Shakira’s Etro gown was a near miss; while her music had us dancing, her dress left us wondering if her stylist had taken an early lunch break. Bless his bold heart, Teddy Swims looked ready for a Broadway finale rather than a red carpet, and Chrishell Stause’s bridal-inspired look felt more like David’s Bridal clearance rack than Grammy glam.
Lastly, Brittany Howard served us an Ursula-from-The-Little-Mermaid vibe that was more “under-the-sea cosplay” than high fashion. As always, the Grammy’s fashion is a mixed tape—some hits, some misses, but always unforgettable. ????✨
Honorable Mentions:
Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake is an award-winning conductor, composer/arranger, vocal contractor, singer, and music activist. He has been recognized for his work in diversity and anti-racism within classical music. When I saw this look on the red carpet, it literally took my breath away. I have always been a fan of an asymmetrical blazer moment, and the way this garment was styled with the oversized flower in his lapel matched the mesh undershirt sent to me!
Muni Long won the best R&B award for her live performance of “Made for Me on BET.” She wore a custom navy velvet Sergio Hudson gown. I love how the faux fur shawl gives major old Hollywood glamour vibes.
Avery Wilson recently performed in the Broadway production of “The Wiz,” which concluded its run on August 18, 2024. While I am not a fan of his shoes, they honestly remind me of a horse and disturb me to my core. I appreciate the metallic accent and how it picks up on the small silvery gems in the center of the floral appliques. The floral moment would overwhelm many others, but Wilson makes the look and holds his own.
Best Dressed:
Gracie Abrams, who is in recovery for her mental health and anxiety disorder, was nominated for Best Pop Duo for her song “Us” with Taylor Swift. Her look is inspired by Chanel and is bridal-inspired. The look is ethereal and dreamy.
Madison Beer, who is in recovery for her mental health, wore this beaded gown by the up-and-coming London-based couture label Miss Sohee. The mint duster paired with the nude/mint-toned gown is a divine pairing.
Chrissy Teigen, who is two years alcohol-free, wore a stunning custom mesh gown made by Christian Siriano, one of my favorite modern-day designers. This sculptural look compliments Teigen’s figure and transforms her into a work of art.
Alicia Keys, who is in recovery for her mental health, attended the Grammy Awards after being nominated for her work as the composer and lyricist of “Hell’s Kitchen,” which won Best Musical Theater Album. She wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown with a gold, jeweled corset.
Miley Cyrus, who won the Grammy for best country duo with Beyoncé for “II Most Wanted,” wore a black leather gown made by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. Cyrus has been in recovery since 2020.
Doechii dedicated herself to sobriety while creating her Grammy-winning album Alligator Bites Never Heal, quitting alcohol, tobacco, and even caffeine, and proudly describing herself as “high on life.” During her heartfelt Grammy acceptance speech, she credited her sobriety as a key factor in her success, stating, “I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me that I would be rewarded and He would show me just how good it would get.”
Doechii arrived in a pinstripe corset-like Thom Browne outfit, complete with a matching necktie and shirt bearing the designer’s signature stripe motif. The exaggerated hips and illusion of a corset absolutely sent me. The tailoring and structure of this gown are why Thom Browne is one of the best designers of his generation.
Kelsea Ballerini, who is in recovery for her mental health, was nominated for best country duo/group performance with Mr. Kahan for “Cowboys Cry Too”. She wore a beaded mini-dress paired with a cream duster. The way the garment plays with proportions is what makes this outfit sing.
Worst Dressed:
Julia Fox is sober from opiates and hard drugs, crediting Suboxone with saving her life after surviving multiple overdoses and swearing off opiates in 2019, the year Uncut Gems catapulted her to fame. Open about her complex sobriety journey, Fox aims to reduce the stigma around maintenance medications, stating, “I have tunnel vision. I’m on a mission. I can’t get caught up… It’s just not worth it.”
This look is a disaster, from the makeup to the latex gloves that she probably purchased from the nearest Stop & Shop. She looks like a lunch lady who got fired for dressing inappropriately for the last time.
Shakira, who has abstained from alcohol since losing her older brother to a drunk driver at the age of two, won best Latin pop album for “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.” Unfortunately, her triumphant win didn’t land her on the best-dressed list. She wore a custom Etro mermaid-style gown that, had it been styled differently with either a body suit that matched her skin tone or a black body suit, would’ve at least landed her in the middle of the road regarding her look. In my opinion, the beading around the bust is lacking and is too sparse to match the intricacy of the lower half of the gown.
Teddy Swims, a person in recovery, wore a pearl-embroidered suit and jewelry from Kay Jewelers. While I admire Swims for making a bold choice… it falls flat for me. This looks more like something worn for a Broadway showstopping number instead of a red carpet. And while I am a HUGE Broadway fan… there is a time and place for outfits that are more costume than fashion (i.e., Halloween).
Chrishell Stause, a family member to a person seeking recovery, wore a bridal-inspired look that, while pretty, missed the mark. The look looks like it came from David’s Bridal, and the exaggerated pants make her hips and legs look too wide and disproportional to the rest of her body.
Brittany Howard, in recovery from mental health issues and nominated for best alternative music album for “What Now,” seems to have found a fashion muse from under the sea. This look reminded me instantly of Ursula from The Little Mermaid. All Howard would have to do is dye their hair white, and they would be the spitting image of a couture Ursula.
What did you think? Did we hit or miss on our best and worst dress selections for the 2025 Grammy Awards?
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