Cannes Cracks Down: Nudity and Oversized Outfits Officially Banned on 2025 Red Carpet

The Cannes Film Festival is tightening its red carpet rules just ahead of its 2025 edition, with a formal update to its charter now banning full nudity and excessively voluminous outfits. While these standards have “long been in effect,” according to a festival spokesperson, they’re now officially outlined in writing — and they’re turning heads.

“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival,” the new charter states. “Voluminous outfits, particularly those with large trains, that hinder guest movement or seating arrangements, are not permitted.”

The updated rules come after years of eye-catching (and sometimes eyebrow-raising) fashion moments at Cannes. In recent years, celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Elle Fanning have made headlines for wearing sheer, revealing designs that blurred the line between haute couture and near-nudity. A particularly dramatic moment came in 2022 when a topless woman stormed the carpet in a pro-Ukraine protest.

While no single incident has been cited as the catalyst for the update, the increasing frequency of boundary-pushing fashion statements, coupled with a viral moment involving Bianca Censori’s see-through dress at the Grammys, may have influenced the festival’s decision to make things official.

The red carpet rulebook also takes aim at the kind of enormous, attention-grabbing dresses that can interfere with guest experience — reminiscent of Tems’ cloud-like gown at the 2023 Oscars, which blocked the view of attendees behind her.

Despite the strict tone, the festival insists the move is about maintaining decorum rather than policing fashion:

“The goal is not to regulate attire per se,” said a festival rep, “but to prohibit full nudity on the carpet in line with French law and the institutional values of the festival.”

A History of Dress Code Drama

Cannes is no stranger to fashion controversies. In 2015, several women were reportedly denied entry to a screening of Carol for not wearing high heels, prompting stars like Emily Blunt to speak out against the “outdated” rule. That policy was eventually relaxed, but it underscored how closely Cannes guards its image.

Festival head Thierry Frémaux has long taken an active role in preserving Cannes’ traditional elegance. In 2015, he banned red carpet selfies, calling them “ridiculous and grotesque.” Protesters or attention-seekers have routinely been removed from the red carpet by security.

🎥 What the Dress Code Requires

Attendees of the festival’s prestigious nighttime screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière (typically held between 7–10 p.m.) must follow a strict black tie or formal evening wear code. Suggestions include:

• Tuxedos or dark suits with ties or bow ties

• Long gowns or cocktail dresses

• Elegant flats or heeled shoes (heels no longer mandatory)

• Dark-colored pantsuits or dressy tops with formal pants

Backpacks, tote bags, and large purses are prohibited, ensuring that the glamor isn’t disrupted by bulk or baggage.

💄 Will the Rules Apply to Everyone?

As always, the big question is: Will these rules be uniformly enforced? Especially when it comes to high-profile brand ambassadors from Chopard, L’Oreal, or Kering, whose stunning — and sometimes rule-breaking — outfits have often been accepted without issue.

While the updated charter sets clear boundaries, it remains to be seen whether A-listers will be held to the same standard. After all, who could forget Julia Roberts or Kristen Stewart ditching their heels to walk barefoot up the red carpet?

As the 2025 Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13–24, all eyes will be on the iconic red steps — not just for the films, but for who dares to defy the fashion rules, and what consequences might follow.