It's that time of year again – the awards season has officially kicked off with the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, held in sunny Santa Monica, California on January 4. Hollywood's elite gathered for a night of celebration and style, but not everyone hit the right fashion notes. While many stars dazzled, some took risks that landed them on the worst-dressed list.
The event was a chance for celebrities to make bold fashion statements and set the tone for the year ahead. But as the stars from hit shows like "Hacks," "Severance," and "KPop Demon Hunters" graced the red carpet, a few fell into the trap of overdoing it. Their attempts to mix multiple fashion aesthetics resulted in chaotic and overwhelming looks.
“Fashion is about balance – sometimes less really is more,” commented a fashion critic at the event.
The ladies of Hollywood brought their A-game with flawless makeup and hair, but some outfits were a different story. Instead of choosing a singular, cohesive style, many celebrities opted to blend contrasting elements, which clashed rather than complimented.
It's normal to appreciate various styles, but combining them all at once can lead to fashion disasters. This year's Critics Choice Awards taught us an invaluable lesson: sticking to classic styles is often a safe bet. Unfortunately, even stars from acclaimed projects weren't immune to the pitfalls of mixing too many trends.
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 served as a reminder that fashion risks can either pay off or flop spectacularly. For those who didn't quite hit the mark, it's a chance to reflect and refine their style choices for future events.
In the world of red carpet fashion, less is often more. By embracing simplicity and cohesion, celebrities can avoid the dreaded worst-dressed list next time. Here's hoping the next awards show brings more hits and fewer misses.