On the morning of last year’s Cannes Film Festival opening, fest organizers issued a new clause regarding the “correct dress code” for the red carpet. Transparent dresses and any other form of nude dressing were ruled out, as were any overly voluminous silhouettes or trains. These fashion statements were barred for “decency” reasons, as well as logistics—in order to ensure the smooth ascent of the steps for all attendees.

Although the festival did not repeat this requirement as explicitly this year, black-tie guidelines are still included in the official festival charter. No excessive transparency will be tolerated on the steps. Naked dresses remain banned, as do dresses with imposing volumes and long trains. “Festival reception staff will be obliged to deny access to the Marches to anyone who fails to comply with these rules,” states the official Festival website.

The dress code is clear: long dresses for women, tuxedos for men. However, a “little black dress,” is permitted, as are cocktail dresses, dark-colored pantsuits, or a “dressy top with black pants” for men. As for footwear, sneakers are still forbidden on the red carpet, while women can wear “elegant sandals with or without heels.” For male guests, a black or navy-blue suit with a bow tie is also acceptable.

Having learned from their experience at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, celebrities attending the 2026 fest have no doubt chosen their silhouettes accordingly. In 2025, the timing of the Cannes dress code announcement allowed a few rebels to get around the new rules—from Heidi Klum and her dramatic ruffle train to Bella Hadid, whose daring split dress also flirted with the limits imposed by Cannes protocol.

Long thought of as a space for stylistic exuberance, the Cannes Film Festival red carpet now seems to be reclaiming control over its image. But if the glamorous Cannes attendees have taught us anything, its that protocol rarely interferes with a powerful red carpet moment.

Originally published by Vanity Fair France.