I’m a simple woman. I appreciate fine things, but when I go to a vineyard, my order never changes—a Cabernet Sauvignon or a seltzer. At a coffee shop, it’s either a cappuccino or a house brew. My fashion sense swings between mid-century glamour—think Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn with a dash of Geneviève Bujold—and the unmistakable aesthetic of 2014 sorority girls in leggings, oversized pastel T-shirts, and a Blair Waldorf headband.
So, as you review my takes on the perfection, mid, and utterly unforgivable fashion choices from the 2025 Grammys, understand that my judgments come steeped in the taste and tradition of a lifelong Southern girl—guided, of course, by my Southern sensibilities.
The Over-All Aesthetic
I spotted a few trends at this year’s 2025 Grammys, and they echoed the fashion at President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Ceremony. Severity ruled the night—monochrome palettes, sharp tailoring, and somber expressions dominated the red carpet. The playful, candy-floss aesthetic of 2023 and 2024 has faded, replaced by a moodier, more restrained approach. As a devoted lover of pink, I find this shift utterly boring and downright depressing. That said, a few stand outs caught my attention.
Perfection
- Raye – The Best of Perfect
In Armani Privé, Raye reigned as the undisputed queen of the red carpet, even if most fashion magazines failed to give her the recognition she deserved. But I am absolutely gushing over her look—the sultry, bejeweled gown that shimmered in the spotlight and the glossy, sculpted bob that channeled the allure of a vintage pin-up girl. Effortlessly classy, Raye balanced old-Hollywood glamour with modern sophistication, proving that true style is both bold and demure.
- Kelsea Ballerini
Even if the “glitter wore off” from her marriage, as she notoriously commented in 2022, Ballerini still dazzled in a sultry black-and-white number crafted by Tamara Ralph Couture and Jared Atelier. The dress shimmered with dark elegance, but for me, the true showstopper was her 1960s-inspired flowing coat—billowing behind her like a trailing cloud. Ethereal, effortless, and undeniably goddess-chic, the pearl and onyx combination are a perfect marriage of opposites.
- Sabrina Carpenter
I am an unapologetic Sabrina Carpenter fan. I adore her commitment to unfiltered femininity—the kind of beauty that’s equal parts pageant queen and Victoria’s Secret bombshell. She leans into glamour without hesitation, embracing the sparkle, the drama, the unapologetic pretty. Vive la Carpenter!
- Alicia Keys
Keys looks like a queen in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda. I love a cinched waist.
- Cynthia Erivo
As a Millennial, I can’t help but admire the molten silk of that teal top—luxurious, liquid, and unique.
- Chappell Roan
The drama of this gown speaks for itself—opulent, commanding, and utterly regal. She exudes the grandeur of an 18th-century French aristocrat, draped in luxury as if she just stepped out of a Rococo portrait. Roan is ready for Versailles.
- Gracie Abrams – Very demure, very mindful.
- Kacey Musgrave -Yes! Bring back country girl glamour. Keep rocking the western wear, Kacey.
- Kaytranada
Normally, I don’t have strong feelings about mens fashion, but I actually really liked this ensemble. It was cool, unique, and classy– I love thoughtful, elegant fashion.
Kinda Mid
- Taylor Swift – The Most Mid of the Mid
Don’t get me wrong—I liked it. That said, aside from the structured bodice, the dress felt like it was trying to say something, only for the sentence to get cut short. The deep red didn’t feel like Taylor’s strongest color, and while her hair was a perfect ten, the skirt—well, it quite literally sold the whole effect short.
- Benson Boone
I almost loved this rockstar look—the attitude and edge appealed. But the ill-fitting suit? It threw everything off. A sharper cut could have sealed the deal, but as it stands, the look felt more almost there than truly iconic.
- Ingrid Michaelson
In the glamour shot below, the dress evokes the elegance of a 1958 Cuban heiress—sophisticated, refined, and effortlessly luxe. However, on the red carpet, it lost its magic, reading more like a mother-of-the-bride dress from 2012—polished but uninspired.
- Miley Cyrus
We get it Miley, you like the split bodice, but can you please sport a different style for once? Pretty please?
- Claudia Sulewski
Giving big highschool prom vibes.
- Shakira
The opposite of Taylor Swift’s look, this gown’s skirt was a glittering cloud of fabric—dreamy, ethereal, and pure red carpet magic. However, the bathing suit-style undergarment for the top half broke the spell, pulling focus from the elegance of the skirt and making the whole look feel disjointed – and a little like a really fancy bathing suit cover.
Unforgivable
Bianca Censori – The Very Worst
Censori’s essentially completely naked look feels less like a fashion choice and more like a reflection of her husband’s corn addiction—a bizarre homage rather than a statement of style. Given this and their other public spectacles, it’s hard to ignore the unsettling pattern: a strange, performative fetish that turns their relationship into a public humiliation ritual. Boo.
Sheryl Crow
This look took me straight back to 2011—specifically, the Ross maxi dresses every girl wore to church back in high school. Nostalgic? Maybe. Fashion-forward? Not so much
Charlie XCX
Many critics have praised this dress to the heavens, but I’m sorry—I can’t see past the sick ostrich vibes. Maybe it’s just me, (granted) sitting here in leggings and an oversized sweater, but even from my cozy perch, all I’m getting is big ostrich energy.
Chrissy Teigan
In my view, true sexiness leaves a little something to the imagination—an aspect that didn’t seem to be a priority in Teigen’s dress. The haphazard bodice and partially see-through mermaid skirt felt like they were screaming for attention, as if trying a little too hard to be both whimsical and sexy at the same time.
Jayden Smith
I’ve bounced this look between perfect and unforgivable multiple times, but never—not once—did it land in mid. At the end of the day, though, even though I actually love his suit (and I do appreciate a good dose of quirk), it just felt like he was trying too hard to be quirky. True quirkiness should feel effortless, not like a costume or an affectation. Take a lesson from Chappell Roan—that’s how it’s done.
