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E! Illustration/Everlane
Celebrity stylist Molly Levin predicts one of the biggest red carpet trends will be a major throwback to polished ’90s elegance, complete with sleek silhouettes and neutral hues.
The stylist, who dressed Chelsea Handler for the Critics Choice Awards, says bold jewel tones are so last year, with clean lines and understated colors taking Sunday's 2026 red carpet by storm.
"People are going back to neutrals. We're gonna see a lot of black. We're gonna see a lot of creams. We're gonna see whites, and we are going to see shades of navy, and it's gonna be less jewel tones and more neutrals," she told E!.
Levin explained this is due to the 1990s trending in a major way. "I definitely think that a lot of people are bringing in vintage, and certain decades of vintage, which really didn't use bright colors and jewel tones, also less beading," she explained.
"It's going to be really dialed down and just about fit and fabric. We always see a lot of strapless, so I think that goes without saying. And then I think we're going to see a lot of spaghetti straps, and square necks, very '90s inspired."
We’ve selected a range of ’90s-inspired dresses below that work for everything from a red carpet–worthy moment to a special date night or your next friend’s wedding.
Lulus Glamorous Disposition Navy Ruched Maxi Dress
Lightweight woven chiffon shapes this sophisticated dress that has a seamed bodice with slender straps and a square neckline. Choose from many colors.
Aritzia Babaton '90s Slit Satin Midi Dress
Aritzia calls this dress, "'90s supermodel attire." The squareneck design features a darted waist, thigh slit and adjustable shoulder straps. It's cut from drapey matte satin with a touch of stretch.
But the ultimate ’90s-inspired look Levin expects to see everywhere is the iconic slip dress.
"You're gonna see a lot of slip dresses, because people are wanting to be Carolyn Bessette Kennedy right now. That '90s, Calvin Klein slipdress," she said.
Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
This super flattering slip is made from 100% mulberry silk, in a satin finish. Even better, the silk is washable. Choose from many colors.
Everlane Slip Dress in Silk Charmeuse
This easy-yet-elegant dress is designed with adjustable spaghetti straps and a side slit. Choose from navy or black.
Abercrombie & Fitch Open-Back Hardware Maxi Dress
This satin maxi dress features an open-back detail, a flattering V-neckline and an elevated hardware detail at the back. Choose from three colors.
Because these dresses are so simple, Levin says accessories play a key role in finishing the look, but balance is everything.
"My aesthetic is has always been less is more," she shared. "So if we're doing something with a high neck, then I'll more do a statement earring and a statement bracelet, and a ring or two, and if we're doing a super low neckline, then I will consider a necklace, but then we'll do a very small earring."
When it comes to metals, though, Levin says there’s no need to follow strict rules. "I don't think that there is any trend when it comes to metal. I love mixing metals," the celebrity stylist explained.
"I love gold, I love silver. I love rose gold. I love mixing them all, and I don't necessarily think that one is in or one is out. I think it's whatever your preference is."
For a minimalist slip dress or square-neck gown, bold earrings can add just the right amount of polish. We've picked out a few below.
How We Choose
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As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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