Six times female celebrities defied tradition in suits on the Oscars red carpet

For decades, the Oscars red carpet was synonymous with the "ballgown." However, the emergence of the suit as a female red-carpet staple represents a shift toward gender-fluid fashion and individual expression.

Written by Aanya Mehta

Updated: March 15, 2026 15:18 IST

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The Oscars red carpet has long been dominated by gowns, but every now and then, female stars have challenged tradition with sharply tailored suits. These moments stood out not just for style, but for what they represented. Here are six times women made suits unforgettable at the Academy Awards. (instagram: thriftlyapp)

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Celine Dion (1999): Dion caused a stir with her backwards white Christian Dior tuxedo jacket, paired with a matching fedora and sunglasses, a look that has since become a cult fashion moment. (instagram: lofficielusa)

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Diane Keaton (1978): Diane Keaton wore a menswear inspired tuxedo when she won Best Actress for Annie Hall. Complete with a tie and wide trousers, the look reflected her personal style. It became one of the earliest power dressing moments at the Oscars. (wikipedia)

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Elsie Fisher (2019): At age 15, actress Elsie Fisher wore a polished, tailored Thom Browne suit, providing a youthful and classic alternative to the typical ball gown. (wikipedia)

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Jane Fonda (1972): Winning for Klute, Fonda wore a sleek black Yves Saint Laurent tunic pantsuit, bringing a modern, minimalist aesthetic to the ceremony. (wikipedia)

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Jodie Foster (1992): Winning Best Actress for The Silence of the Lambs, Foster delivered a speech in in a tailored Giorgio Armani suit with a structured blazer. (youtube: the academy)

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Kristen Stewart (2022): Kristen Stewart wore a Chanel shorts suit with an open shirt and tie. The relaxed tailoring felt modern and rebellious. It perfectly matched her image and the spirit of contemporary red carpet fashion. (youtube: kristen baby)