The Rise of ‘Low Effort’ Red Carpet Fashion.  

The red carpet, once symbolising elegance- is seeing a shift. Celebrities are trading in their catwalk couture, the pinnacle of sophistication, for something more understated. Is this the beginning of a new era- cool minimalism?  

In recent years, celebrities have begun to adorn a more casual look- challenging the expectations pushed by these events. Baggy suits, sneakers, sweatshirts, and off-the-rack dresses are just a few examples of the fashion choices some celebs are bracing the carpet with. Adam Sandler is a frequent participant in this, attending events in shorts and loose-fitting shirts, opting for comfort over formality.  

This shift could be due to the influence of Gen Z’s effortlessly cool aesthetic. We’re in an era of thrifting vintage pieces that give a nod to luxury but in a quiet manner. This is maintained by the presence of social media. Influencers reinforce fashion choices as they shape what’s “cool” for Generation Z. This explains why thrift culture is huge, especially on TikTok, as influencers are pushing for sustainable fashion. 

There was an industry response to this change- designers such as Sandy Liang, The Attico, and Louise Lyngh Bjerregaard are evolving with the new generation and their preferences- resulting in the casualisation of red-carpet fashion. This change, however, is not without critique. An outrage sparked amongst critics who feel that this change destroys the traditional glamour associated with red carpet events. Others, though, praise it for the rebellion against unrealistic beauty standards.  

I believe that this trend is going to be a lasting shift and a necessary one. Everybody should feel comfortable at these events, if it’s not in traditional formalwear, then so be it.