Celebrities were once the epitome of glamour and sophistication, dazzling fans with their impeccable style on red carpets, in public, and even in casual settings. The likes of Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Princess Diana set high standards for elegance, making fashion an essential part of their persona.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has drastically changed. Once polished and refined, many celebrities now opt for oversized hoodies, baggy sweatpants, and even pyjamas in public, with some even carrying this trend onto prestigious red carpets.

The decline of formal dress codes has sparked heated debates among fashion critics and fans alike. Has the glamour of Hollywood truly faded, or is this simply an evolution in fashion?

The Fall of Red Carpet Elegance

Not too long ago, red carpet events were the pinnacle of high fashion. Celebrities arrived in custom-tailored gowns, sleek tuxedos, and designer ensembles that took months to create. These events weren’t just about awards; they were showcases of art and craftsmanship in fashion.

Now, it’s a different story. While some celebrities still embrace the tradition of dressing up, many have taken a more casual approach.

At last year’s Met Gala, some high-profile stars ditched high fashion for sneakers, casual attire, and uninspired outfits. What was once a grand display of creative couture has, in some cases, turned into a platform for making anti-fashion statements.

Fashion critic Laura Bennett commented, “There’s a fine line between personal style and outright disregard for elegance. While fashion is meant to evolve, it should still respect the essence of the event it represents.”

From Tailored Suits to Tracksuits: The Casual Revolution

This shift in celebrity fashion isn’t just confined to red carpets. A quick glance at paparazzi photos shows that many celebrities have abandoned effort altogether.

Gone are the days when stars like David Beckham, George Clooney, and Charlize Theron would step out looking polished, even for a quick coffee run. Today, it’s common to see A-listers in mismatched loungewear, Crocs, and ill-fitted streetwear.

Justin Bieber is perhaps the most well-known advocate of casual dressing, frequently appearing in oversized sweatpants and hoodies, regardless of the occasion. Similarly, Kanye West has built an entire fashion empire based on minimalism and baggy silhouettes, influencing a wave of streetwear trends.

But is this decline in dress code a sign of evolving fashion or a reflection of growing laziness?

The Influence of Comfort Culture

One of the biggest contributors to this fashion shift is the rise of comfort culture. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way people dress, making loungewear and athleisure the new norm.

Work-from-home lifestyles eliminated the need for formalwear, and once the world reopened, many saw no reason to return to structured suits and dresses. High-end brands have even adapted, with major designers now featuring oversized, casual, and unstructured looks on the runway.

However, many believe that comfort shouldn’t come at the cost of style. Fashion historian Dr. Emily Hayes remarked, “There is a difference between embracing comfort and completely disregarding the importance of dressing well. Fashion should be about balance, not extremes.”

The Backlash Against Dressing Down

Not everyone is on board with this new wave of ultra-casual fashion. Some critics argue that dressing well is not just about appearance—it’s about respect, professionalism, and self-presentation.

Many luxury restaurants, clubs, and events have started enforcing stricter dress codes again, refusing entry to guests who show up in overly casual attire. Even some fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, continue to champion high fashion, proving that style and elegance still have a place in modern culture.

Public sentiment is also divided. While some fans appreciate the “relatable” nature of casual celebrity dressing, others miss the days when celebrities set trends by embracing glamour rather than abandoning it.

Is the Era of Formal Dressing Over?

Despite the current wave of casual dressing, fashion is cyclical. History shows that trends always come back, and the glamour of classic Hollywood could see a resurgence.

Some designers are already making efforts to restore the lost elegance, bringing structured silhouettes and bold, luxurious pieces back into mainstream fashion. Events like the Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival still uphold strict dress codes, proving that there are places where fashion remains an art form rather than an afterthought.

Fashion stylist Rachel Clarke stated, “We are seeing a slow but steady return to structured tailoring and statement pieces. While streetwear remains popular, there’s still an appreciation for timeless elegance. The key is balance.”

Conclusion

The way celebrities dress has undoubtedly changed over the years, with many embracing comfort over class. While self-expression is an essential part of fashion, there is growing concern that the art of dressing well is disappearing.

Whether this trend will continue or if glamour will make a full comeback remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: when a celebrity steps out looking polished and sophisticated, it’s still a breath of fresh air in a sea of oversized hoodies and sweatpants.

As fashion evolves, perhaps it’s time for celebrities to rethink their approach to dressing, remembering that style is not just about comfort—it’s about making an impact.

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