The 83rd Golden Globe Awards officially launched the 2026 award season with a red carpet that felt less like a traditional ceremony and more like a high-stakes runway. While the night celebrated cinematic achievements, the real story unfolded on the step-and-repeat at the Beverly Hilton. Golden Globes 2026 fashion marked a distinct shift in tone, blending the rebellious, messy-chic nostalgia of "2016 energy" with ultra-refined Old Hollywood glamour. Leading the charge were Selena Gomez, who stunned in a labor-intensive Chanel masterpiece, and Hailee Steinfeld, whose radiant pregnancy reveal became the viral moment of the night.

Selena Gomez’s 320-Hour Chanel Masterpiece

Selena Gomez arrived at the ceremony looking every bit the seasoned nominee, celebrating her fourth consecutive nod for Only Murders in the Building. Moving away from the vibrant reds and metallics of previous years, Gomez opted for a custom black velvet Chanel Haute Couture bustier gown that was a triumph of craftsmanship. The design required over 320 hours of atelier labor—specifically 323 hours according to Chanel insiders—to perfect.

The gown’s off-the-shoulder silhouette featured sculptural white floral embellishments that were not merely printed but constructed from feathers, silk chiffon, and silk organza. With approximately 200 individual embroidered elements, the dress offered a textured, architectural quality that looked stunning under the flashbulbs. Gomez completed the transformation by debuting her shortest haircut to date: a sharp, chin-length bob styled in finger waves that channeled 1920s flapper elegance, proving that the Selena Gomez Chanel gown will go down as one of her all-time best looks.

Hailee Steinfeld’s Viral Prada Pregnancy Reveal

If Selena brought the couture history, Hailee Steinfeld brought the heartwarming headline of the evening. The Sinners actress and presenter made her first red-carpet appearance since announcing her pregnancy with NFL star Josh Allen, and she did so in spectacular fashion. Steinfeld cradled her growing baby bump in a custom peach silk chiffon dress by Prada that felt soft, romantic, and undeniably modern.

The Hailee Steinfeld pregnancy reveal look was detailed with intricate silver sequin criss-cross embroidery that caught the light with every movement. Unlike the structured, corseted looks worn by many of her peers, Steinfeld’s choice focused on fluidity and grace. The sheer, ethereal fabric draped perfectly over her silhouette, creating a "mother goddess" moment that immediately began trending on social media. It was a masterclass in maternity style, proving that comfort and high fashion are not mutually exclusive in 2026.

Ariana Grande and the "Anti-Glinda" Era

For the past two years, Ariana Grande has been synonymous with pink, tulle, and the bubbly aesthetic of Glinda the Good Witch. The 2026 Golden Globes marked the definitive end of that era. Grande arrived in a dramatic, textured black ballgown by Vivienne Westwood Couture that fashion critics are calling "Elphaba Noir." The structural corset bodice and voluminous bubble skirt offered a darker, more gothic edge that signaled a new chapter for the star.

Perhaps even more notable than the dress was the beauty look. The Ariana Grande Vivienne Westwood moment was accompanied by the return of her signature high ponytail, a style she had largely retired during her Wicked press tour. By ditching the blonde curls for her trademark dark, sleek pony, Grande visually reclaimed her pop icon status, blending the night's prevailing "dark romance" theme with her own personal history.

The Return of "2016 Energy" and Red Carpet Trends

Beyond the individual standouts, the collective mood of the carpet pointed toward a specific trend forecast: 2016 energy fashion trend is back, but it grew up. The chaotic layering and chokers of a decade ago have returned, refined by better tailoring and luxury fabrics. We saw this in the abundance of black—a sharp pivot from the dopamine brights of 2025—and the return of the "messy" aesthetic, with stars like Charli XCX and Aimee Lou Wood opting for undone hair and smudged liner.

Standout Style Moments

The night wasn't just about the A-listers. Best dressed Golden Globes 2026 lists were populated by bold risk-takers:

  • Teyana Taylor: Stole the show in a custom Schiaparelli gown featuring daring cutouts and a diamond-encrusted thong detail that paid homage to early 2000s shock-factor fashion.
  • Chase Infiniti: The breakout star dazzled in a mirrored Louis Vuitton creation that looked like liquid mercury.
  • Colman Domingo: Continued his reign as the king of menswear in an embroidered Valentino suit, proving that men's fashion remains as exciting as the women's couture.

As the first major stop of the season, the Golden Globes have set a high bar. The message from the stylist community is clear: playful, costume-y looks are out; serious, architectural, and slightly gothic craftsmanship is in. Whether it's through a 300-hour Chanel gown or a strategic vintage reference, the stars of 2026 are dressing with intention.