15 Oscars Outfits That Totally Teetered on Breaking the Dress Code

Cher wanted all eyes on her at the 1986 Oscars - and boy, did she deliver. Her black crop-top dress paired with a wild mohawk had everyone talking. Some called it "not fashion" back then, but now? Iconic and revolutionary all the way.

Cher wasn’t done breaking the mold in ’98, dazzling in a see-through beaded gown with matching bling for her head and neck. Over-the-top? Absolutely. Fabulous? Without a doubt.

At last year’s Oscars, Julianne Hough showed up in a mocha Dior gown that was just a tad too casual for the black-tie crowd since it was from a ready-to-wear collection. Reddit wasn’t shy: "Not for an evening affair," they said.

Bjork showed up in 2001 in a dress shaped like a swan, complete with a neck around her own neck. It was more costume than gown and got roasted by critics, but now it’s a legendary, meme-worthy look that people still love to copy.

In 2000, the creators of South Park showed up wearing dresses inspired by famous gowns while tripping on LSD. They basically said, "Why not?" and totally pulled it off. Reddit agreed: "They served" and "They ate".

Barbra couldn’t decide between safe and scandalous in ’69, so she went with this sparkle-covered pantsuit that turned out way more see-through than expected. Some still debate if she knew - but one thing’s for sure: it’s unforgettable.

Rachel Zegler's first Oscars red carpet in 2022 was full of drama - with a sheer Dior gown that flirted with the dress code edge. But one thing’s clear: she nailed the slay factor.

Celine Dion said "who needs rules?" in ’99 by wearing her tuxedo jacket backwards, plus flashy Ray-Bans and a fedora. Critics were unsure, but fans have never forgotten the cool-factor of this move.

Demi Moore showed up in a homemade dress-bodysuit combo made of spandex bike shorts, a corset, and metallic fabric. It wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it definitely stood out.

At the '95 Oscars, Lizzy Gardiner caused a sensation with a dress made from 253 American Express Gold cards - tacky or genius? Plus, that thigh-high slit was definitely not dress code material.

Selma Blair rocked a red Versace dress at the 2002 Oscars that some said looked like an "incomplete crochet project" or even a "fluttering mop." Ouch. Fashion police, anyone?

Sacha Baron Cohen crashed the 2012 Oscars dressed as Admiral General Aladeen, complete with an urn of white powder he sprinkled on himself during an interview before security whisked him away. Talk about making an entrance (or exit)!

Edy Williams turned heads at the 1986 Oscars in what looked like a showgirl costume with pearls covering the essentials and a tiny white thong. Definitely a bold move for such a fancy night.

Gwyneth Paltrow showed up in 2002 wearing a black floor-length skirt paired with a sheer bodice. Some said she was ahead of her time; others thought she should’ve added a bra. Either way, unforgettable!

Timothée showed up in a sparkly black Louis Vuitton suit at the 2022 Oscars - but pulled a power move by skipping the shirt. It broke black-tie rules, but social media loved this fashion rebel.