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BEYOND THE MIRROR – OSCARS 2026
Mar
Oscars 2026: Proof that sometimes the best necklace is no necklace
From flawless restraint to accessory overload, 2026 Academy Awards proved that great styling is often about what you leave out.
The red carpet at the Oscars delivered everything we expect from Hollywood’s biggest night—drama, glamour, and an impressive amount of diamonds. If there was one clear theme sparkling under those lights this year, it was jewellery.
Big jewellery.
Very big jewellery.
And while diamonds are always a good idea, the Oscars once again reminded us of a very important styling rule: Just because you can add a necklace… doesn’t mean you should
Some gowns arrive on the red carpet already doing all the heavy lifting. The neckline is dramatic, the fabric is intricate, the silhouette is sculptural.
In those moments, adding a necklace is a bit like putting another frame around a painting that already has one. It’s unnecessary. And occasionally… distracting.
Sometimes the most sophisticated accessory choice is simply nothing at all
WHEN ACCESSORIES TRY A LITTLE TOO HARD
Even on a red carpet as polished as the Academy Awards, styling missteps still happen. The gowns themselves are often stunning, but the wrong jewellery choice can quickly push a look from elegant to slightly… overenthusiastic. A good stylist knows when to add something. A great stylist knows when to stop. The following looks are perfect examples of what happens when a necklace decides it would quite like to be the centre of attention
DUA LIPA
The deep neckline already creates a striking moment. It’s dramatic, clean and beautifully balanced. The necklace, however, jumps in a little too eagerly and interrupts the line of the dress. Sometimes the most powerful styling move is simply letting the neckline breathe.
ANNE HATHAWAY
The gown is exquisite. The gloves are elegant. The silhouette is pure red-carpet perfection. And yet… the necklace feels like the extra guest that nobody really invited.
Beautiful on its own, yes—but the dress really didn’t need the additional commentary.
REGINA HALL
This gown already has a strong architectural neckline doing all the talking. Adding a necklace here is a bit like interrupting someone halfway through an excellent speech.
The dress had the moment well under control.
BEST OVERALL
The standout of the night was Nicole Kidman. Elegant, balanced, and perfectly styled. Nothing felt forced, nothing felt excessive. The proportions were flawless and the jewellery choice was thoughtful rather than enthusiastic. In other words, exactly what red carpet glamour should look like. Proof that confidence—and a very good stylist—can go a very long way.
And Now… The Annual Mystery Which brings me to Heidi Klum.
Once again, she takes the top spot in my personal worst dressed ranking. At this point it’s becoming something of an annual tradition. And I genuinely find it fascinating. When you have access to the best stylists in the world, the most extraordinary gowns imaginable, unlimited jewellery options, and one of the best bodies in the industry… how do you manage to get it so wrong every single time? It’s almost impressive.
At this point I’m starting to think it might actually be a special talent.
A FINAL WORD
The Quiet Lesson from the Red Carpet If this year’s Academy Awards taught us anything, it’s this: Accessories should complete a look, not compete with it. Diamonds are beautiful. But too many diamonds in the wrong place can quietly sabotage an otherwise perfect outfit.
So the next time you’re getting dressed for an event, remember the small but powerful styling secret the Oscars reminded us of this year: If the dress is already doing all the talking let the rest whisper