The 'strict' dress code for the Oscars and why celebs don’t follow it anymore
It's not long until the 2024 Oscars are kicking off, which means millions of movie buffs will be sitting on the edge of their seats, anticipating which blockbusters will receive the most accolades this year.
As well as impressive achievements being commemorated, speeches being made and celebs being snubbed, we can also look forward to feasting our eyes on this year's top fashion fixes.
The annual ceremony is renowned for its impressive turn-out, with the biggest names in film, television, fashion and social media rocking up to the red carpet to show off their finest attires.
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What you may not be aware of, however, is that there is actually a rather strict dress code in place for guests to the Oscars each year.
And arguably even more interesting, is the fact that, year upon year, the plethora of A-list attendees opt to totally ignore this rigid restriction.
It turns out, the 'official' dress code for the annual celebration is 'white tie', also known as the most formally dress code there is.
That means, for the ladies, floor-length evening gowns are requested, and for the gents, a tailcoat, white bowtie and wingtip collars are a must.
This regulation is believed to have been in place for almost as long as the ceremony began - all the way back in March 1929.
In fact, back in 1968, organisers warned attendees what they could and couldn't wear in a letter, distributed to agents.
"We in the Academy are delighted to know that you will appear on our 40th Awards Presentation Telecast Monday, April 8th," the archived note read.
"However, so many questions have been asked about the style of dress expected on stage that I send you this information: actresses are expected to wear formal evening gowns either maxi or floor length, preferably pastel shades since the setting is very formal and done entirely in white and gold."
It went on: "As you know, long dresses (no Mini or day length) are more graceful on stage and on camera in this type of background. The academy feels that the dignity of this traditional affair on our 40th Anniversary deserves more formal dress.
"Men are expected to wear white tie with conventional formal evening accessories."
This tradition has been somewhat watered down over the years by the eccentric fashion choices of the celebrity guests, however, and is definitely no longer enforced.
After all, what better opportunity is there for stars to show off their keen eye for fashion than at the biggest awards show out there?
Most attendees are usually spotted donning what can only be described a mix between the slightly less casual code of black tie, and Hollywood black tie - which, as I understand it, just has a few extra sparkles.
Another rule, however, which some followers of the festivities may be unaware of, is that, whether you're an acting nominee, a make-up artist, a camera-man or simply a celebrity's PA, you must abide by the jazzy dress code.
Wowzers, the more you know!
Topics: Oscars, Celebrity, TV And Film, Fashion
Rhianna Benson