Melissa Rivers on the Golden Globes 2026’s best and worst looks

If there’s one thing Melissa Rivers understands better than almost anyone in Hollywood, it’s this: the red carpet is not just a fashion runway — it’s a battlefield. And at the Golden Globes 2026, the fashion wars were louder, bolder, and messier than ever. With cameras flashing, social media judging in real time, and every stylist praying they wouldn’t become the night’s next meme, the stars arrived ready to either conquer or collapse. And in true Melissa Rivers fashion, nothing escaped scrutiny.

This year’s Golden Globes red carpet felt like a collision between old Hollywood glamour and modern chaos. On one side, you had stars embracing classic silhouettes, impeccable tailoring, and timeless elegance. On the other, you had experimental looks that seemed designed less for beauty and more for shock value. According to Melissa Rivers, this divide perfectly captured the current state of celebrity fashion: a tug-of-war between taste and attention.

Let’s start with the best looks — the ones that reminded everyone why red carpets still matter. These were the outfits that didn’t scream for attention but commanded it effortlessly. The stars who understood proportion, fabric, and fit walked away as silent winners of the night. Melissa praised looks that honored classic Hollywood while still feeling modern, noting that true style doesn’t need a gimmick to stand out.

One standout moment came from an actress who chose a perfectly structured gown with clean lines and understated embellishment. The dress didn’t overpower her — it elevated her. Melissa emphasized that this is the golden rule of red carpet fashion: the dress should never arrive before the woman wearing it. When tailoring is flawless and confidence is authentic, the result is unforgettable without being desperate.

Another best-dressed favorite featured a daring color choice executed with discipline. Bold hues can easily veer into costume territory, but this look proved that restraint is everything. The silhouette remained elegant, the accessories minimal, and the styling cohesive from head to toe. Melissa noted that this was a masterclass in how to be daring without being ridiculous — something far too many celebrities forget.

Menswear also had a surprisingly strong showing this year, which Melissa Rivers was quick to applaud. Gone were the days when men could coast by in safe black tuxedos while women carried the fashion burden. Several male stars embraced tailored innovation — textured fabrics, subtle color shifts, and modern cuts — without turning the red carpet into a science experiment. Melissa made it clear: fashion risks are welcome when they’re backed by taste.

However, not everyone understood that assignment. For every stunning look, there was an outfit that left audiences confused, concerned, or openly laughing. And Melissa Rivers did not hold back when it came to the worst-dressed offenders. Because as she famously believes, if you’re going to walk a red carpet, you’re signing up to be judged.

Some of the biggest misfires of the night suffered from a common disease: trying too hard. Dresses overloaded with cutouts, mismatched textures, and architectural shapes felt more like wearable puzzles than fashion statements. Melissa pointed out that when an outfit requires explanation, it’s already failed. Fashion should speak for itself — not need a press release.

One particularly disastrous look combined three trends that should never coexist: extreme volume, sheer fabric, and aggressive hardware. Instead of edgy, it looked chaotic. Instead of powerful, it felt insecure. Melissa described it as “a cry for relevance disguised as couture,” a phrase that instantly made its way across social media. And she wasn’t wrong — the internet agreed.

Another frequent offender on the worst-dressed list was poor tailoring. No matter how expensive or exclusive a gown may be, if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t work. Melissa reminded viewers that custom couture exists for a reason. When hems drag, bodices gape, or pants bunch awkwardly, it signals either rushed styling or misplaced priorities. If you can afford the dress, you can afford the alterations.

Then there were the looks that seemed determined to make a political or conceptual statement — at the expense of beauty. Melissa has never been opposed to fashion as expression, but she drew a firm line between symbolism and sabotage. When the message overshadows the wearer to the point of distraction, the red carpet moment is lost. The Golden Globes, she emphasized, are not a protest march — they’re a celebration of entertainment.

Accessories also played a major role in both triumphs and disasters this year. The best-dressed stars understood balance, choosing jewelry and shoes that complemented rather than competed. The worst offenders, however, treated accessories like afterthoughts or overcompensation. Oversized necklaces clashed with intricate necklines, while shoes seemed chosen minutes before arrival. Melissa’s verdict was brutal but fair: details matter because they reveal effort.

Hair and makeup further separated the winners from the losers. Soft, polished looks enhanced the elegance of well-chosen gowns, while overly aggressive styling sabotaged otherwise decent outfits. Melissa noted that red carpet beauty should feel intentional, not experimental. There’s a difference between pushing boundaries and ignoring harmony — and too many celebrities crossed that line.

What made the Golden Globes 2026 especially fascinating, according to Melissa Rivers, was how social media amplified every decision instantly. There’s no grace period anymore. One misstep becomes a viral clip within minutes. And while that pressure has elevated some stars to new levels of polish, it has also exposed others who confuse controversy with relevance.

Melissa also addressed the influence of stylists, reminding audiences that celebrities rarely dress themselves. When a look fails, it’s often the result of conflicting visions between star, stylist, and brand. The best red carpet moments happen when those voices align. The worst happen when ego overrides cohesion. Fashion is collaboration — not domination.

Despite the disasters, Melissa Rivers remained optimistic about the future of red carpet fashion. She praised the return of craftsmanship, the renewed appreciation for tailoring, and the subtle shift away from shock-for-shock’s-sake. While not everyone got it right this year, the standouts proved that elegance still has a place — and an audience.

As the night came to a close, one thing was clear: the Golden Globes red carpet remains one of Hollywood’s most revealing stages. Not because of sheer fabrics or daring cutouts, but because it exposes confidence, insecurity, taste, and intention in equal measure. Melissa Rivers summed it up perfectly: fashion doesn’t lie — it reflects.

The best looks reflected confidence, preparation, and respect for the moment. The worst reflected panic, overthinking, and a desperate need to be talked about at any cost. And in an industry built on image, those reflections matter.

Whether you loved the gowns, hated the experiments, or lived for the drama, the Golden Globes 2026 delivered exactly what red carpet fashion is supposed to deliver: conversation. And as long as Melissa Rivers is there to call it like she sees it, that conversation will remain sharp, honest, and wildly entertaining.