EXCLUSIVE The red carpet rulebook is out! Reality TV stars are rewriting conservative fashion rules at award shows - and proving less is more with daring styles

Daily Mail​

17-05-2025

Awards season once saw actresses and singers descending on red carpets in traditional ballgowns fit for a Disney princess.
However, the integration of reality TV stars and influencers at the glitzy events in the UK's capital, such as the BAFTAs and Brit Awards, has changed the dress code.
Instead of formal dresses with big skirts and even bigger trains, a new generation of bold and daring women are embracing sheer, clingy or risqué cut-out ensembles more than ever before.
In the past few months alone, Love Island alum Maura Higgins wore one of her raciest looks yet at the Brit Awards. The 34-year-old looked flawless in a sheer black gown, leaving her figure on full display.
At the same event, Louise Thompson, known for starring in Made in Chelsea and, more recently, the He Said, She Said podcast, arrived in a striking baby blue dress which featured a plunging neckline.
Then, at the BAFTA 's earlier this week, Love Island's Gabby Allen took a leaf out of Maura's book and arrived in a sparkling next-to-nothing navy mesh ensemble, revealing her underwear.
Following closely behind was one of the nation's favourite podcasters, Sophie Habboo, who looked elegant in a bandeau dress with a thigh-high split and cut-out bustier.
So, what's behind the change? Fashion expert and personal stylist Lisa Talbot believes the stars are not just sporting daring outfits but 'making statements about body confidence, individuality, and modern femininity'.
Talbot said: 'Award season used to be a showcase of classic glamour, floor-sweeping gowns, modest silhouettes, and red-carpet tradition. But today's reality TV stars are rewriting the style rules with daring confidence.'
Indeed, in the past, celebrities have attended ceremonies in traditional dresses, such as Penélope Cruz's fishtail gown at the 2007 BAFTAs, the year she was nominated for Best Actress for Volver.
Modesty was still on trend three years later when 19-year-old Kristen Stewart scooped the Rising Star award at the 2010 BAFTAs in a knee-length sequin-embellished gown.
It was a similar scene at past Brit Awards, with musicians arriving in modest high-fashion ensembles.
Take, for instance, Rihanna at the 2011 ceremony, who caught the eye in a bold gown with a purple patterned bodice and voluminous aqua skirt all tied together with a green sash.
Then, at 2018's event, Dua Lipa was dressed for her fairytale moment when she donned a sweeping pink princess gown. The voluminous garment featured swathes of tulle and ruffles that skimmed over her and formed a large train.
At today's award shows, reality TV stars are on the guest list with actresses and singers. While they're not competing for accolades, they are fighting for the title of best dressed and have pushed boundaries to stand out.
Lisa continued: 'Figures like Sophie Habboo, Louise Thompson, and Gabby Allen are stepping out in body-conscious cut-outs, sheer panels, and thigh-high slits, redefining what 'dressed up' looks like.
Sophie Habboo, pictured, looked elegant in a bandeau dress with a thigh-high split and cut-out bustier at the BAFTAs earlier this year
'These women aren't just making fashion choices, they're making statements about body confidence, individuality, and modern femininity,' she said.
'This new wave of red-carpet dressing reflects the fearless attitude reality stars are known for.
'They're unapologetically embracing their personal style, pushing the boundaries of formalwear and showing that less can, in fact, be more,' she said.
Among those trailblazing the low-cut looks that are now sweeping star-studded events, is Love Island star, Ekin Su, who wore an exceptionally low-neckline while attending the premiere for Tom Hardy's film, Venom, last October.
The reality star strut onto the celebrity packed red carpet wearing jaw-dropping black gown that revealed her ample cleavage.
Lisa explained: 'While some critics may raise eyebrows, there's no denying their influence: the red carpet is no longer reserved for safe elegance, it's a space for bold, expressive fashion that reflects today's cultural shift toward authenticity and self-celebration.'
However, that's not to say the new trend is having it's say with everyone in the world.
Organisers at this year's Cannes Film Festival made a conscious decision to issue a rule on modesty, prohibiting guests from displaying both nudity and excessively voluminous outfits on grounds of 'decency'.
Cannes red carpet, which has previously paved the catwalk for the likes of Cameron Diaz, Kylie Minogue, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, has seen it's guests grow barer over the years as A-listers move towards embracing more risqué looks.
In 2024, model Bella Hadid famously strut the runway baring all in a sheer green Saint Laurent dress, her nipples conspicuous beneath the thin fabric.
However - following the traditional lead this year, celebrities have obligingly opted for more more modest looks.
Arriving for the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Halle Berry sported a black and white striped gown pulled up to the top of her neck that flowed all the way down to her feet, an ensemble that seemed a far cry from the more frugal fashion pairings that have dominated the runway recently.
Additionally, Russian model Irina, 39, put on a show-stopping display in a strapless feather gown as she struck a pose on the iconic red steps, nevertheless, in-keeping with the modest theme.
Back on British soil, many of the nation's best loved celebrities, including Holly Willoughby and Suzanne Reid, have steadfast held to traditional runway looks - a stark contrast to their reality TV contemporaries.
Last year's National Television Awards saw Holly donning an elegant strapless silver and black dress from luxury couture brand Kolchagov Barba, with the most daring component being a tasteful high leg slit.
Joining her in-keeping with more traditional red carpet robes was ITV presenter, Cat Deeley, who stepped out in simple silk red one-shoulder midi dress with gold strappy heels.
At the same event though, reality stars proved once again their willingness to push the boundaries with edgier costumes, with Made in Chelsea alum, Zara McDermott flashing her lower cleavage in busty black number.
Meanwhile, former Love Island contestant Molly Smith also opted for a more daring look, baring her bust in a similar black dress featuring a waist-enhancing corset and an ultra-low neckline.