Just when we were catching our breath after the wild looks at the Met Gala, the Cannes Film Festival is getting ready to take over the fashion spotlight. But this year? It’s looking like things might be a little more toned down.
Cannes officially kicks off on Tuesday, May 13, and runs through Saturday, May 24. But before you get excited for another parade of jaw-dropping red carpet looks, there’s a twist: the festival is tightening its dress code. Yep, Cannes is getting strict about what people can (and can’t) wear.
According to the official FAQ on the festival’s website, they’re drawing a hard line when it comes to outfit choices. First up: no nudity — on the red carpet or anywhere else around the festival. They cite “decency reasons,” so we can probably say goodbye to the ultra-revealing, headline-grabbing gowns that sometimes steal the show.
Also getting the axe? Those giant, dramatic gowns with long trains. You know the ones that take up half the carpet and make walking (and sitting) a logistical nightmare? Yeah, those are out too. Cannes says they mess with the flow of traffic and make it hard for people to get to their seats.
In short, they want people to look classy—but also be able to move.
If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket to one of the festival’s big evening screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière (the real red carpet moment), the dress code is crystal clear: formal eveningwear only. Think tuxedos and long dresses.
Still, there’s a bit of wiggle room. Women can opt for a little black dress, a cocktail dress, a dark pantsuit, or a dressy top with black pants. Men can go for a black or navy suit with a bow tie—or even a regular tie, as long as it’s dark.
Even shoes have rules. Only elegant shoes or sandals are allowed—heels optional, but sneakers are definitely not invited. Cannes has a bit of a reputation when it comes to shoes. Back in 2015, some women were actually turned away from a premiere because they were wearing flats. And last year, when Jennifer Lawrence ditched her heels for flip-flops on the carpet, it made headlines—even though she swore it was just for comfort, not to make a statement.
This time around, Cannes is making it extra clear: if you’re not following the dress code, you’re not getting on that carpet. The site literally says that staff will stop people from entering if they don’t meet the outfit standards. For other screenings, you can be a bit more relaxed—but still dress “properly.”
So what does all this mean for fashion at Cannes in 2025?
Honestly, it sets the stage for a more polished, refined vibe—but there’s still room for creativity. We’ll see how stars play within the rules and maybe even find ways to bend them just enough. Will someone dare to push the envelope? Probably. Cannes has always been as much about fashion drama as it is about the films.
One thing’s for sure: we’re about to witness a new chapter in Cannes style history. And whether it’s subtle elegance or bold rebellion (within limits), the red carpet will still be a spectacle to watch.