James Johnson
As the 77th Cannes Film Festival opens amid heightened fashion restrictions, stars are challenged to strike the perfect balance between elegance and expression — without breaking the new rules.
With awards season behind and the glitter of the Met Gala barely settled, the 77th Cannes Film Festival has returned to the French Riviera — not just as a cinematic landmark, but also as fashion’s most refined stage. Kicking off on May 13, 2025, the festival will run until May 24, drawing A-list celebrities, auteurs, and style-watchers from around the world. But this year, all eyes are not only on the films and stars, but on the red carpet itself — and the rules that now govern it.
Cannes, long known for its iconic staircases and headline-grabbing ensembles, is turning a page. In an effort to maintain decorum and ease the logistical challenges of seating and crowd movement, the festival has issued updated and noticeably stricter dress code policies. According to the official FAQ on the festival’s website, “nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival,” citing “decency reasons” for the firm directive.
New Limits on Red Carpet Glamour
Voluminous gowns — especially those with large trains — are also on the no-go list this year. Organizers say such styles disrupt the flow of guests and complicate seating in the Grand Théâtre Lumière, where most high-profile screenings and premieres take place between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Instead, attendees are now “required” to don traditional eveningwear: tuxedos for men and long dresses for women. While the rules may seem rigid, the festival does provide alternative style options. For women, acceptable attire includes cocktail dresses, little black dresses, dark-colored pantsuits, or a dressy top paired with black trousers. For men, a black or navy-blue suit with a bow-tie or dark tie is allowed in place of a tux.
Shoes Make a Statement — Or Not
Footwear, too, is facing its own set of boundaries. Only elegant shoes and sandals — with or without heels — are allowed. Sneakers are expressly prohibited. The footwear rules have sparked particular interest due to Cannes’ history with shoe-related controversy.
In 2015, women were reportedly turned away from the Carol premiere for wearing flats, igniting backlash against the high-heel policy. And in 2023, Jennifer Lawrence turned heads — and headlines — when she stepped onto the red carpet in flip-flops, swapping out her heels for comfort. Though Lawrence later clarified she wasn’t making a political statement, her moment remains etched in Cannes history as one of fashion’s boldest acts of quiet defiance.
A Legacy of Provocative Style Now Checked
Cannes has always walked a fine line between cinematic celebration and sartorial spectacle. From Milla Jovovich’s sheer Jean Paul Gaultier gown in 1997 to Bella Hadid’s daring Saint Laurent ensemble in 2024, the red carpet has often served as a stage for boundary-pushing fashion statements.
Yet with the 2025 rules, the festival seems to be reclaiming a more conservative aesthetic, albeit without fully dimming the glamour. A statement from organizers to The Hollywood Reporter emphasized the rules are not about stifling creativity but about prohibiting full nudity “in accordance with the event and French law.”
A Challenge for Stars and Stylists Alike
This year’s guidelines set a new precedent, raising a key question: how will stars and stylists toe the line between doing too little and doing too much? The boundaries are clear, but the artistry lies in navigating them — creating red carpet moments that captivate without causing controversy.
As the world watches, the fashion at Cannes 2025 promises to be a different kind of drama — one that plays out not just in cinematic storytelling, but in elegant tailoring, subtle flair, and strategic styling. Because while the films will shine on screen, the red carpet remains an ever-evolving stage where tradition meets transformation.
