Does Old Hollywood Style Still Resonate in 2026? Top Stylists Say Yes

Red carpet lovers, rejoice: The 2026 awards season is officially here. With the Critics Choice Awards last weekend, the Golden Globes, and the National Board of Review Gala just a few days away, Hollywood stars are kicking off the grand race to the Oscars in March. This season already has plenty of exciting acting talents to spot on the red carpets—including frontrunners such as Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Rose Byrne. And better yet, all of these actors are going to be bringing stellar fashions along with them these next few months.

Glitzy is as glitzy does, for any star‑studded awards season, and one enduringly popular move for stars has been to embrace more of an Old Hollywood aesthetic during their relentless campaign for a little statuette. Survey any red carpet—the Globes, the SAG Awards, the Oscars—and you are bound to see a sea of strapless gowns, sequin embellishments, and long, sweeping trains, all of which could easily be situated smack bang in the 1950s, when stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn were in their heyday. The question is: in the year 2026, does Old Hollywood dressing still feel…resonant? Relevant? Invigorating?

Red Carpet 2026: A New Era of Glamour

Beyond the glitz, the 2026 red‑carpet scene is evolving. Designers are blending vintage silhouettes with contemporary textures, and stylists are re‑imagining classic Hollywood glamour with a fresh, eco‑friendly twist. The new wave of stylists—Jason Bolden, Micaela Erlanger, Fabio Immediato, and Chloe Takayanagi—are all championing a modern Old Hollywood style that feels both nostalgic and forward‑thinking.

Old Hollywood Meets Modern Chic

Old Hollywood is more than a throwback; it’s a living, breathing aesthetic that adapts to the times. The current trend is to keep the classic silhouette—strapless gowns, mermaid trains, tailored tuxedos—while infusing them with contemporary fabrics, bold prints, and unexpected detailing. Stylists are drawing inspiration from late‑80s runway, early‑90s couture, and even the avant‑garde of the 2000s.

Designers and Stylists Leading the Charge

• Jason Bolden: Known for his work with Cynthia Erivo and Michael B. Jordan, Bolden is eyeing looks that combine classic shapes with bold details or prints. He cites Chanel’s pre‑fall 2026 collection as a major influence.
• Micaela Erlanger: Dressing stars like Ego Nwodim and Lupita Nyong’o, Erlanger emphasizes soft, romantic silhouettes that emphasize fluid drape and ease of wear.
• Fabio Immediato: With a focus on exquisite fabrics, Immediato brings a subtle nod to eras‑gone glamour with unexpected choices—stealthy wool, divine jersey, or delicate knit.
• Chloe Takayanagi: On the menswear front, Takayanagi blends classic tuxedos with modern accessories such as bowties, cummerbunds, and fabric belts.

Key Trends for 2026 Red Carpet Looks

The 2026 season is marked by several key trends that will define the red‑carpet aesthetic. From the choice of fabrics to the color palette, these elements are shaping how Old Hollywood is interpreted today.

Silhouettes & Silks

In 2026, the focus is on versatile silhouettes that balance the elegance of Old Hollywood with the comfort of modern wear.

• Strapless chiffon gowns with intricate beadwork or 3‑dimensional prints.
• Mermaid‑style dresses with a high waist and sweeping train.
• Tailored tuxedos with a modern twist—soft cummerbunds and adjustable ties.
• Jumpsuits and sheath dresses for the more daring star.

Color Palettes & Prints

Color choices are moving beyond the traditional gold and silver. Stylists are embracing muted neutrals, pastel hues, and bold jewel tones.

• Soft ivory and pearl‑white for a timeless look.
• Deep emerald green for a modern twist.
• Bold metallics—copper, rose gold, or silver—added as accents.
• Prints ranging from subtle floral to geometric patterns.

Accessories & Finishing Touches

Accessories are the secret weapon of 2026 red‑carpet styling கே.

• Shawls made of silk or velvet to complement a gown.
• Fabric belts and waist‑bands to cinch the dress.
• Jewelry—clutches, statement necklaces, or vintage brooches.
• Footwear—strappy heels, pointed pumps, or classic Oxfords.

How to Make Old Hollywood Resonate Today

Stylists are not only drawing inspiration from past trends—they are also incorporating new technologies and sustainability practices. Here’s how you can make Old Hollywood resonate today.

Styling Secrets from the Top Stylists

• Jason Bolden: “Use a high‑waist corset under a strapless gown to create a defined silhouette. Add a 3‑dimensional print to the back or train for a modern twist.”
• Micaela Erlanger: “Choose a lightweight, breathable fabric such as silk or satin. Emphasize fluid drape with a high‑waist line and a long train.”
• Fabio Immediato: “Mix materials—wool and jersey—for a subtle contrast. Add a metallic bead or a subtle floral print to the hem.”
• Chloe Takayanagi: “Pair a tailored tuxedo with a cummerbund, a fabric belt, and a vintage brooch for an added flourish.”

Conclusion: A Timeless Fashion Future

Old Hollywood is not just a style of the past—it’s a dynamic aesthetic that continues to evolve. In 2026, the red‑carpet scene is embracing vintage silhouettes with modern textures, bold prints, and unexpected detailing. Stylists are bridging the gap between the classic and the contemporary, creating a fashion narrative that feels both nostalgic and forward‑thinking.