Feature: What Stars Can NO Longer Wear At Cannes; BANS Nudity & Big Gowns

The Cannes Film Festival has always been one of the most iconic and glamorous events in the world. With its red carpet moments, dazzling couture, and star-studded guest list, it's as much a celebration of fashion as it is of cinema (which is well, another topic of discussion). But this year, as the 2025 edition of Cannes kicks off, the buzz isn't just about the films premiering, it's also about the new rules set in place that are about to change how the red carpet looks.

What's Changing?

For the first time in its history, Cannes has publicly enforced stricter dress code rules, specifically banning sheer outfits and overly large ball gowns, especially those with long trains. These rules apply to the main venue, the Grand Théâtre Lumière, where most red carpet events and premieres take place. In simpler terms, no see-through dresses and no giant, dramatic skirts that could cause delays or block movement on the carpet.

The official statement from the festival says the aim is "not to control fashion" but to "avoid total nudity and extremely bulbous clothing," which can interfere with guest experiences and even create safety issues. These rules are now being enforced in line with French public decency laws.

Why Now?

This change didn't come out of nowhere. Over the last few years, several red carpet moments have stirred conversation, and not always for the right reasons. In 2022, a topless protester made headlines for interrupting the event. Then in 2024, supermodel Bella Hadid wore a caramel-colored see-through Saint Laurent gown that was widely talked about online. At the 2024 Grammys, Bianca Censori's sheer look also sparked debate, although that event had nothing to do with Cannes directly.

Fashion critic and red carpet regular Louis Pisano explains it like this: "In recent years, influencers have started treating the red carpet like a costume parade. They wear the craziest, biggest thing they can find just to stand out, and that clogs up the carpet and slows down the flow." With over 2,000 people needing to enter the theatre at once, that's a real issue.

The Timing Problem

The biggest shock for many in the industry isn't just the rules themselves, but that they were announced just one day before the festival opened. Many stylists had already packed the outfits, some of which had been custom-made months in advance. Stylist Rose Forde shared that she found out about the new rules on social media. "I'm sure that some people who have spent months on custom designs are panicking, which is a shame after so much hard work," she said.

Maeve Reilly, who styles celebrities like Eva Longoria and La La Anthony, agrees. "Cannes is one of the most glamorous red carpets. The couture gowns are part of what makes it special. These last-minute rules could have really caused chaos."

While some understand the reasoning, especially when it comes to crowd control and safety, others feel the rules are too conservative. "This is a film festival, a celebration of artistic expression. Why shouldn't people express themselves through fashion?" said Forde.

Online critics were harsher. Fashion commentator Beyzanur Apaydin tweeted, "They only allow nudity when the industry is profiting from it." Some argue that while sheer dresses are being banned on the carpet, many films shown at Cannes include nudity. That contradiction hasn't gone unnoticed.

Others point out that the rules are vague. What counts as "too sheer" or "too voluminous"? Fashion critic Luke Meagher questioned whether it's now up to individual security staff to decide what's acceptable. Without clear measurements or guidelines, the enforcement could vary a lot.

A Long History of Dress Code Controversies

Cannes has never been casual about clothing. Back in 2015, women were reportedly turned away from screenings for wearing flat shoes instead of heels. That sparked a huge backlash, leading the festival to update its guidelines quietly. Since then, flats are allowed, but the image of Cannes as overly strict has stuck. In 2018, the festival banned selfies on the red carpet, arguing they were tacky and slowed things down. That too led to mixed reactions. With the new bans on nudity and large outfits, Cannes seems to be doubling down on tradition and formality.

A New Look, A New Experience?

Whether these new rules are seen as refreshing or regressive, one thing is certain, Cannes 2025 is going to look different. We'll likely see fewer dramatic trains trailing behind actresses and fewer sheer, skin-baring gowns. This could mean a more streamlined red carpet, with fewer delays and less chaos on the Palais steps. It might also shift the focus back to the films themselves, something the festival organizers would welcome.

But it may also lead to a less daring and more restrained fashion landscape. For some fans, that's a disappointment. After all, Cannes has given us iconic style moments over the years. Elle Fanning's pink Alexander McQueen gown with a dramatic train in 2023 was unforgettable. So was Aishwarya Rai's butterfly-inspired gown in 2022, Deepika Padukone's pink barbie-layered tulle gown and more. These looks were bold, creative, and very memorable, and under the new rules, might not have made it onto the carpet.

India at Cannes: A Big Year Ahead

While the rules are causing a stir, there's still plenty of excitement, especially for Indian fans. This year, several Indian celebrities are expected to attend Cannes, and the red carpet will likely see a splash of Indian glamour.

For starters, Alia Bhatt is making her official red carpet debut at Cannes 2025. Known for her elegant yet modern fashion sense, fans are eager to see what she wears, especially now that the rules are in play. Bhatt's global presence has grown significantly after her international film projects, and this debut is seen as a major career moment.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes regular, is also expected to attend. Her appearances always make headlines, thanks to her dramatic gowns and graceful presence. It will be interesting to see how her team adapts to the new dress code, particularly since she's known for wearing statement pieces.

Other Indian celebrities expected include Janhvi Kapoor, who has been making waves with her fashion choices lately, and Ishaan Khatter, who brings a fresh energy to red carpets. Young star Nitanshi Goel, known for her recent critical acclaim, will also attend, marking a significant moment in her rising career.

These stars will represent India on one of the world's most prestigious stages, and it will be fascinating to see how they interpret the new rules while still delivering style.

Cannes is a festival with history, elegance, and a global platform. It's also a place where stars are born, films are celebrated, and fashion is showcased to millions. This year's dress code change may seem small on paper, but it reflects a larger conversation happening in entertainment and fashion, about the balance between expression, decorum, and logistics.

While some fear Cannes is becoming too strict or outdated, others believe this is a step toward bringing back focus and function. As the world continues to blend film with fashion, and celebrity with social media, finding that balance won't be easy. But Cannes is trying.

As stylist Maeve Reilly put it, "It could have caused chaos, but maybe it's just a reset." Whether this reset sticks around or fades away in future years, one thing is clear: Cannes Film Festival 2025 is still the place where cinema meets style, just with a few new rules.