Red Carpet Rules Get a Make‑over

The French Riviera is back on guard as the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opens its gates with a fresh set of dress‑code rules. First, no nudity is allowed on the red carpet or anywhere else at the event because of “decency reasons. ” Second, very wide outfits and long trains that could block guests or make it hard to seat people in the theater are also banned. Third, everyday items like sneakers, large tote bags or backpacks cannot be worn to gala screenings. To qualify for the grand theater shows, attendees must wear formal evening wear. Long dresses or tuxedos are required, but a cocktail dress, a classic little black dress, a dark pantsuit or a nice top with black trousers will also do. The festival staff take the rules seriously: if someone does not follow them, their team can deny them access to the carpet. For non‑gala events, just dressing appropriately is enough; the strict black‑tie rule only applies to the main parties. It’s still not clear if jeans and sneakers are acceptable.Last week, Meadow Walker slipped into Celine jeans and a blazer for the “Fast & Furious” anniversary photo session, which shows the line is blurry. The new guidelines first came into play in 2025 and caused drama for several celebrities. Halle Berry had to ditch a gown with an overly long train, while Heidi Klum walked the steps in an extravagant ruffle that broke the rule. Skin‑baring fashion has always been a hallmark of Cannes. Models like Bella Hadid have dazzled in sheer gowns, though she later admitted feeling embarrassed by one. The festival’s past attempts to police style have sparked controversies such as “Heelgate, ” when a group of women were turned away for wearing flats. Kristen Stewart protested by walking barefoot and later in loafers, challenging the expectation that women must wear heels. The updated charter now allows “elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel, ” a subtle shift after years of backlash. Whether people will test these boundaries again this year remains to be seen, but the Palais staircase is keeping a close eye.