Unforgettable Grammys 2026 Looks: Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny

In the days leading up to the 68th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, artists like Lady Gaga (a nominee and performer at this year’s awards) and Bruce Springsteen delivered critical statements, both sung and spoken, about the deadly federal immigration raids in America.

Those performers’ public stances, coupled with the criticism that other Grammy-nominated artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish have leveled at the Trump administration, posed questions about how attendees might use the event’s red carpet and stage as a venue for self-expression.

Joni Mitchell, the Canadian-born folk singer known for speaking her mind, accessorized her formal wear with a white button that had black letters spelling “ICE OUT,” a form of pin-as-protest that had previously appeared at this year’s Golden Globes. She wore the button while collecting a trophy given out before the televised ceremony, and others — including Ms. Eilish, Justin and Hailey Bieber, and the singer-songwriters Brandi Carlile and Justin Vernon, of Bon Iver — wore the pins on the red carpet.

They were one of many style trends: Others included feathers, beading and, as has become increasingly common, nudity. (Will it ever get old?) Of all the looks at this year’s Grammys, these 17, for reasons good and bad, were among the most memorable.

Bad Bunny: Most Subtle Surprise!

At first glance, the velvet Schiaparelli suit worn by the “DtMF” rapper and singer might have seemed straightforward. But a closer look revealed an hourglass shape, which was achieved via corsetry lacing down the jacket’s back.

Olivia Dean: Most Inky Elegance!

The way the black feathers at the waist of the “Man I Need” singer’s Chanel ball gown fell onto its full white skirt brought to mind the feathering that can happen when ink touches paper.

Doechii: Most Purple Train!

The “Anxiety” rapper commanded attention — and space — on the carpet in a Roberto Cavalli gown with an enormous aubergine train. She said the look was inspired by the designer’s late 1990s and early 2000s collections.

Justin and Hailey Bieber: Most Balanced Proportions!

Looking at his loosefitting Balenciaga suit next to her slinky Alaïa gown, you could say that the husband and wife were in perfect asymmetry. (He later ditched the suit to perform in just his skivvies.)

Chappell Roan: Most Freed Nipples!

The singer of “The Subway” arrived in a sheer Mugler ensemble that exposed her breasts and, if worn on public transportation, might have prompted accusations of indecent exposure.

Sombr: Most Disco Ball!

Skin was also visible through the high-neck lace top that the “12 to 12” singer wore with his silvery sequined Valentino suit (and metallic pointy-toe shoes).

Rosé: Most Scales of Justice!

Hanging from the Giambattista Valli minidress worn by the Blackpink member (and singer of “APT.” with Bruno Mars) were swaths of fabric at either hip, which gave her a scale-like appearance.

Lola Young: Most Preppy Pajamas!

The “Messy” singer looked quite put together in her green Vivienne Westwood sweatsuit styled with a crisp white button-up and an orange striped tie.

Sabrina Carpenter: Most Prairie Queen!

Delicate cap sleeves brought a princess-like quality to the “Manchild” singer’s beaded Valentino gown with a flouncy prairie-style skirt.

Miley Cyrus: Most Monogrammed!

The singer bridged edgy and elegant in a Celine ensemble involving tapered trousers and a leather motorcycle jacket adorned with a large “M” and “C.”

Shaboozey: Most Funky Formal!

There were a lot of elements to the “Good News” singer’s Bode look: a flight cap, a shawl collar tuxedo jacket, a western belt, jeans. The outfit could have easily read as too much, but instead came across as just right.

Lady Gaga: Most Black Swan!

The “Abracadabra” singer’s icy blond hair and bleached eyebrows heightened the drama of her sleeveless Matières Fécales gown, which covered her in dark feathers from neck to toe.

Addison Rae: Most White Swan!

Though it was not feathered, the skirt of the singer’s white Alaïa ensemble had ruffles that evoked a swan’s plumage.

Malice, Pusha T and Pharrell Williams: Most Groomsmen!

The hip-hop duo known as Clipse and the rapper-producer mirrored one another in coordinated but not identical powder-pink suits from Louis Vuitton (where Mr. Williams oversees men’s wear design).

Vanessa Friedman, Jacob Gallagher, Yola Mzizi and Anthony Rotunno contributed reporting.

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