Every year, the Cannes Film Festival transforms the Croisette into a huge open-air fashion parade. But since the tightening of clothing regulations in 2025, celebrities have had to deal with a very strict charter when walking the red carpet.
Ban on nudity, limitation of XXL trains and ban on sneakers. The famous Cannes dress code is still being talked about a lot at this edition of Cannes 2026.
After the opening ceremony on Tuesday May 12, several outfits have already caused a reaction. Some stars followed the festival’s instructions to the letter. Others tried to play with the limits imposed by the organization. But one thing is certain, this year again, the perfect look for climbing the stairs seems to become a véritable
casse-tête.
Very strict rules for climbing the steps of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival
In his “Festival-goer charter†updated for 2026, the Cannes Film Festival reminds that gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumiere require a “evening wear†. Women are therefore invited to wear a long dress, a cocktail dress or even “a little black dress†. Men must prioritize
smoking ou “a black or navy blue suit with bow tie or dark tie†.
The regulation also insists on several very specific prohibitions. “The outfits, in particular long trains, whose volume hinders good circulation guests and makes it difficult to sit in the room, are not allowed.†specify the organizers. Even the shoes are monitored. THE sneakers are officially banned on the red carpet.
Between glamor and rebellion, the stars blur the lines
Despite these very detailed rules, certain celebrities continue to discreetly defy Cannes protocol. Already last year, Halle Berry had to change outfit
after the late announcement of the new restrictions. Heidi Klum made an impression with her Elie Saab dress with an XXL train, seen as a provocative response to the regulations.
This year again, several personalities seem to have flirted with the limits imposed by the festival. Very sexy dresses, imposing volumes or accessories considered too casual. The debate around the dress code continues to agitate the Croisette. If Cannes now wants to return to “l’élégance et à la sobriété†, some stars still prefer to rely on audacity to attract attention. A risky strategy… The charter clearly specifies that…the festival reception teams will be constrained
to prohibit access on the steps to people who do not respect these rules.â€
