The Best 2025 CFDA Awards Looks Are an Expert Lesson in American Luxury

The annual CFDA Fashion Awards always supply one of the best red carpets of the year. Hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, A-list guests come ready to impress the famed panel while dressed head-to-toe in the night's designer nominees.

The 2025 event lived up to the hype, with stars like Rihanna, Jennifer Lawrence, Olandria Carthen, Lily Allen, and Angel Reese lining up to serve their best looks by familiar labels like The Row and Alaïa, plus upstart names including Brandon Blackwood and Colleen Allen. While last year's red carpet looks highlighted all-American glamour, the evening's attendees took that same concept and turned it up to full volume.

On Monday, November 3, dozens of celebrities turned up in elegant evening wear, with a focus on minimalism. While there were several stand-out details (Rihanna's Alaïa suit, Allen's daring bralette, Teyana Taylor's skirt chain, etc.), these additions merely complemented more streamlined, mostly black-and-white designs. Those of us who cover fashion for a living know that understated outfits are the most difficult to pull off.

Yet those on the elite guest list accomplished this with ease, serving up one of the most noteworthy red carpets of the year. Ahead, the CFDA Awards red carpet looks that warrant your full attention.

Rihanna wearing Alaïa

The pop star attended this year's event, not as an honoree, but as a plus-one. She coordinated outfits with her partner A$AP Rocky, who is being presented with the Fashion Icon Award. The couple both came dressed in vintage-inspired suiting. The Fenty Beauty founder chose a black and white set from Alaïa, complete with billowing pants. She called the look "timeless, chic" and "postpartum forward," in conversation with Marie Claire.

Jennifer Lawrence wearing The Row

Jennifer Lawrence paused her press tour for Die, My Love to honor Sara Moonves, the editor-in-chief of W Magazine, with the CFDA Media Award. She skipped the pre-event red carpet, but her The Row Spring 2026 set still had its time to shine. Stylist Jamie Mizrahi outfitted J.Law in a black T-shirt and matching maxi skirt. A five-figure brooch, courtesy of Sotheby's upcoming auction, added some dimension to the monochrome moment.

Teyana Taylor wearing Thom Browne

Teyana Taylor's CFDAs look was a master class in coordination. The model walked the white carpet in custom by Thom Browne—her first of several outfits she'd wear while hosting the awards ceremony. The colorblocked 'fit featured a skintight column skirt and an oversize jacket—both with long, necklace-like chains.

Lily Allen wearing Colleen Allen

Allen used the CFDA Fashion Awards red carpet to kick off her revenge dressing era. The newly-separated singer looked absolutely stunning in a risqué bralette, maxi skirt, and draped kimono from Colleen Allen—all made of creamy satin.

Angel Reese wearing Sergio Hudson

Reese effectively proved that with the right additions (read: a dramatic cape and a bleach blonde blowout), even the simplest little black dress can feel high-fashion.

Michelle Williams wearing Proenza Schouler

While Michelle Wiliams's Proenza Schouler gown was undoubtedly chic, her jewelry is truly what set the look apart from her fellows. She wore a dazzling, cuff-style statement necklace from fine jewelry designer Ana Khouri, which acted as the look's sparkling focal point.

Olandria Carthen wearing Brandon Blackwood

For Carthen's first-ever CFDAs, the Love Island star worked with designer Brandon Blackwood. Together the two concocted one of the best looks of the entire evening. Carthen wore a burgundy gown covered in glossy pony hair. The number featured a sweetheart neckline and daring thigh-high slit.

Ciara wearing Sergio Hudson

Ciara went with a suiting look of her own, sporting a double-breasted Sergio Hudson set. The singer elevated her ivory co-ords with a matching faux fur coat, embracing the brisk NYC temps.

Laura Harrier wearing Diotima

Harrier also embraced the all-white aesthetic, arriving to the event in a decadent textured number. The fitted gown featured three-dimensional florals throughout, culminating into a puffy, bubble skirt. The etherial creation was designed by Diotima's Rachel Scott.

Dove Cameron wearing Carolina Herrera

As always, Dove Cameron served up edgy elegance. She embraced golden glamour, in a black mermaid gown with a gilded bodice. She finished the high-impact look with matching opera-length gloves.

Alex Consani wearing Michael Kors

Faux fur was a theme of the evening, with Alex Consani arriving carrying her own plush accessory. The model sported a simple, low-cut black gown by Michael Kors, styled with a fluffy, yeti coat.