The highly anticipated 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show brought back the glamour, but not all red carpet appearances hit the mark. While the runway dazzled, numerous celebrity guests sparked a flurry of online criticism for “risqué” and “miscalculated” looks, leaving fans questioning their fashion choices and offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating high-stakes style.
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has always been a monumental event in the fashion calendar, synonymous with high glamour, intricate lingerie, and iconic “Angel” wings. After a brief hiatus, the spectacle made its dazzling comeback on October 15 at Brooklyn’s Steiner Studios in New York City, reigniting the runway with fresh energy and a star-studded lineup. Performances by chart-topping artists like Karol G, Missy Elliott, Madison Beer, and K-pop girl group Twice electrified the audience, promising a night of unforgettable moments.
Historically, the show has been a platform for supermodels such as Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima, and Selita Ebanks to showcase not just lingerie but also elaborate costumes, often featuring dazzling jewels and fantastical wings. The 2008 show, for instance, held at Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau Hotel, was a testament to this legacy, cementing Victoria’s Secret’s reputation for over-the-top, dreamy fashion. This year’s event continued the tradition of innovation, notably forgoing real feathers in its wing designs, as seen in the 2024 production run of show, to embrace modern, sustainable artistry with 3D printed and embellished alternatives.
When Fashion Falls Flat: Deconstructing the “Worst Dressed” Phenomenon
Despite the overall dazzling nature of the event, the pink carpet leading into the show became an unexpected battleground for celebrity style. While some stars soared with their fashion choices, many A-listers found themselves on the receiving end of heavy criticism from netizens, who didn’t hold back in their online commentary. The consensus? A significant number of outfits were deemed “miscalculated wardrobe mishaps” or “outfits that left little to the imagination,” turning potential triumphs into undeniable fashion faux pas.
Social media exploded with reactions, with one user famously dubbing the scene a “TEMU catwalk” and another labeling it an “embarrassing disaster.” These strong reactions highlight a crucial aspect of high-profile events: the expectation for celebrities to not only dress impeccably but also to understand the brand’s aesthetic and the event’s gravitas. When these expectations aren’t met, the disconnect can be jarring, as evidenced by the following looks that truly missed the mark.
Wardrobe Woes: Unpacking the Most Discussed Looks
Let’s dive into some of the most talked-about celebrity outfits that sparked widespread debate and disappointment on the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show pink carpet.
Reality TV star Hannah Godwin stepped out in a semi-sheer purple gown that featured a deeply plunging neckline, a ruched waistline, and a daring thigh-high slit. The issue arose when it became apparent she had opted to skip undergarments on top, leading to a visible “wardrobe hiccup.” Photos captured her awkwardly covering her chest, prompting a fan to exclaim, “My eyes are literally bleeding,” while another lamented, “CLASS has NO meaning these days!” The delicate fabric and lack of support meant the dress failed to maintain its intended form under the intense flashes of paparazzi cameras.
Actress Jodie Turner-Smith presented a look that many found to be “mismatched and cheap.” Her glittery silver, bedazzled one-piece swimsuit-style ensemble was worn under a jacket with a plunging neckline. The jacket itself featured full sleeves with flared bell cuffs and silver threadwork that extended into tassels along the sleeves and hem. However, the tassels appeared tangled, and the fabric was critiqued for its poor embellishments. One user bluntly stated, “Jodie Turner-Smith looks awful. Just yuck!” while another questioned, “No ‘normal’ every day person would not be seen out in those.”
Chloë Sevigny‘s choice, a pastel pale pink minidress, struggled due to its uneven structure and an awkward length. The shoulders appeared slouchy and mismatched, with one side visibly higher than the other. Coupled with an asymmetrical ruched top and tiered ruffled skirt, the ensemble failed to create a cohesive look. Fans were particularly bewildered, with comments like, “The most unusual was Chloe Sevigney, Bless her heart. It’s as if the power went out and she grabbed what she could in the dark,” and “Chloe Sevigny looks like she got tangled up in Grandmas pink drapes and had to rush out the door.”
Dominican actress Dascha Polanco faced a similar predicament with her sheer black bodysuit. Featuring a halter neckline and ruched micro skirt, the accompanying chest fabric appeared uneven, exposing more than intended. To further complicate the look, she paired it with a knee-length trench coat that seemed to clash with the inherently glamorous vibe of the event, creating a discordant visual narrative.
Even fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker, known for delivering standout looks, opted for an underwhelming all-black ensemble. Her one-shoulder bodycon knee-length dress paired with a long black coat and minimal accessories was considered “playing it safe” to the point of being forgettable. A fan simply commented, “Wow, just not appealing,” reflecting the general desire for more impactful fashion from such a celebrated figure.
Comedian Amy Sedaris‘s outfit clashed both internally and with the event’s signature pink carpet. A tiered bubblegum pink top that blended with the backdrop was paired with a pastel pink tiered tulle ankle-length skirt, topped off with leopard-print kitten heels and a rhinestone-detailed shoulder bag. The mismatched textures and prints were a visual overload. One user sarcastically quipped, “In regards to Amy, I would not expect anything less than the top of the worst dress list. Bravo girl!” while another likened her outfit to “my grans toilet roll dolly cover.”
Tennis champion Ayan Broomfield walked the carpet in a daring black minidress with intricate cutouts, featuring sheer fabric and an asymmetrical skirt. The most controversial element was her top, which was left completely bare beneath the dress, relying only on a beaded gold chain for minimal coverage. Netizens wasted no time, slamming the look as “tacky” and “a disaster,” with one comment stating it “should be called – so unflattering!!”
Actress Karen Gillan‘s semi-sheer black cut-out dress drew comparisons to a “bedroom nightdress.” The top featured a deep V-neckline and flowy, ruffled elbow-length sleeves with a string-tied waist, creating a loose-fitting silhouette. The combination of light, transparent fabric on top with a seemingly heavier material on the bottom created a visual clash, prompting one social media user to quipped, “Looks like AI renderings of humans by an AI that hates humans.”
Celebrity stylist Law Roach, typically lauded for his bold and daring fashion choices, surprised many with a muted, understated look. His pale gray tweed-like suit, featuring a double-breasted jacket and loosely fitted pants, was deemed “extremely unremarkable.” Paired with sparkly silver dress shoes and minimal accessories, the ensemble lacked the signature flair fans have come to expect from the stylist, failing to make a memorable impact on the pink carpet.
Actress and comedian Christina Kirkman arrived in a beige fishnet dress paired with black underwear. The top, made of intricate threads and adorned with gemstones, appeared poorly finished around the chest, where the fabric looked messy and uneven. The dress “awkwardly cut off at her navel,” transitioning into a fully see-through pattern, creating a disconnect between the elaborate top and the revealing lower half.
Finally, actress Rainey Qualley showcased an “ill-fitted minidress” that appeared uncomfortably tight, particularly the corset of the floral lace white dress. The fabric itself was criticized for looking cheap, and its sheer areas inadvertently revealed one of her breasts under the camera flashes. The construction around the neckline and corset boning seemed uneven, leading one user to observe, “The less famous, the more outrageous the outfits.”
The Fan Verdict: What the Community Said
The collective voice of the online community was clear: the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show red carpet saw a number of high-profile fashion missteps. Beyond individual critiques, several themes emerged from fan reactions:
- Lack of Class: Many felt that some outfits lacked the elegance and sophistication expected of such a prestigious event.
- Poor Quality/Construction: Fabric quality, messy embellishments, and ill-fitting garments were frequently pointed out.
- Mismatched Aesthetics: Several ensembles failed to cohere, with clashing elements or choices that didn’t suit the wearer or the occasion.
- Excessive Revealingness: While Victoria’s Secret celebrates lingerie, some guests’ choices were seen as overly revealing without artistic merit, leading to “wardrobe mishaps.”
- Underwhelming Simplicity: On the flip side, some attendees were criticized for looks that were too plain or uninspired, missing the opportunity to make a statement.
These critiques from passionate fashion enthusiasts offer a collective lesson in the art of dressing for impact, reminding us that sometimes, less is more, but quality and appropriateness are always key. You can find further reports on this widespread sentiment from leading fashion outlets like Harper’s Bazaar.
Beyond the Runway: Lessons for Your Own Style Game
While most of us aren’t gracing the pink carpet of a major fashion show, the lessons from these celebrity mishaps are universally applicable to everyday style decisions. Here’s what we can take away:
- Fit is Paramount: No matter how stunning a garment, if it doesn’t fit well, it won’t look good. Invest in tailoring or choose pieces that complement your body shape.
- Quality Over Quantity: Cheap-looking fabrics and poor construction were major criticisms. Opt for well-made items that stand the test of time, even if it means fewer purchases.
- Dress for the Occasion: Understand the event’s tone. A fashion show, even with a risqué element, still demands a certain level of polish and intentionality.
- Consider Undergarments: As Hannah Godwin’s situation showed, appropriate undergarments are crucial for sheer or form-fitting attire.
- Confidence is Your Best Accessory: Even with a bold choice, owning your look can make all the difference. However, true confidence often comes from feeling comfortable and well-presented.
The Evolving Definition of “Angel” Style
The 2025 show highlights a fascinating shift in the Victoria’s Secret narrative. The after-party, held at the Crane Club in Chelsea, showcased a more relaxed yet still impactful side of celebrity fashion. Models like Bella and Gigi Hadid, Alex Consani, Irina Shayk, and Anok Yai opted for “toned-down party style” that still packed a punch. This included “sheer, see-through, and lingerie-inspired ensembles,” as well as “floor-length looks” and even “comfort-first” choices like low-rise trousers and wide-leg jeans, as reported by Vogue. This diversity suggests an evolving definition of “Angel” style, moving beyond strictly theatrical lingerie to embrace a broader spectrum of personal expression.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Confidence
Ultimately, while fashion can be subjective, the overwhelming response to some of the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show red carpet looks serves as a powerful reminder: even at the highest echelons of style, there are fundamental principles that, when ignored, can lead to widespread criticism. For all of us, the takeaway is simple. Cultivate a keen eye for fit and fabric, dress mindfully for the occasion, and let your personal style shine through authentically. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’re already a fashion winner.
