Best and Worst Dressed at 2026 Palm Springs Film Festival

The 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival is currently underway in California, running through January 13. Since January 2, the event has attracted numerous A-list actors and musicians, turning the city into a hub for luxury fashion and red carpet appearances. While many stars arrived in stunning attire, others missed the mark with their style choices.

Attendees included Miley Cyrus, Kate Hudson, and Adam Sandler. The fashion spectrum ranged from princess-like ball gowns to bold, jewel-toned suits. Mercy News examines the specific outfits that defined the festival's best and worst dressed lists, analyzing the designers and styling choices behind each look.

Several celebrities arrived in ensembles that defined the festival's high fashion standards. Teyana Taylor brought significant glamour to the red carpet wearing a Miss Sohee gown. The shining ball gown featured a sweetheart bodice with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a plunging neckline. The full, shiny skirt puffed around the hips, creating a look described as princess-like. She completed the ensemble with a curly, old-school bob and elegant matte makeup.

Kate Hudson was another highlight, appearing as a vision in red. She wore a sparkling Georges Chakra gown, a semi-sheer piece with a sleeveless, backless bodice and a deep V-shaped neckline. The floor-length skirt was accented by a wrap belt that draped across the floor, proving that red is a definitive color for the actress.

On the menswear front, Miley Cyrus put a unique twist on traditional tailoring, resulting in one of the night's best suits. Her dark ensemble was designed by Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford. It consisted of pleated trousers tailored perfectly to the musician, a satin blazer with sharp shoulder pads, and a polka-dot blouse featuring a plunging neckline that reached her stomach.

Colman Domingo also received praise for his approach to winter fashion. He wore a three-piece set designed by Dolce & Gabbana, which included loose-fitting velvet pants, a matching blazer with a satin lining, and a soft vest. His look was complemented by black velvet loafers, aviator sunglasses, and an assortment of fine jewelry from David Yurman, described as the epitome of quiet luxury.

Not every fashion choice was a success. Elle Fanning wore a vintage gown from Nettie Rosenstein Couture that was deemed too mature for the 27-year-old actor. The metallic piece featured a pleated bodice, a matching floor-length skirt, and off-the-shoulder sleeves extending above the collarbone. Although the color suited her, the modest silhouette aged the young actor. The article suggested that a vintage piece from the 1970s might have worked better than the 1950s style she chose.

The Sandlers also missed the mark with what were described as clashing outfits. Adam Sandler wore a jewel-toned suit with a matching purple tie. While eye-catching, the outfit was considered arguably too flashy. His wife, Jackie Sandler, wore a strapless gold gown with a black lace overlay. While her fashion moment was stronger than her husband's, the look would have been improved by wearing a darker slip beneath the top layer.

Mia Goth attended the festival in a strapless, leather midi dress with a high-low skirt and delicate pleats. Unfortunately, the dress was styled too simply, lacking the impact that an updo hairstyle or statement jewelry could have provided.

Some outfits were technically sound but failed to leave a lasting impression. Paul Mescal wore a classic suit pairing a black blazer and trousers with a white undershirt and tie. While he looked dapper, the outfit was considered too understated and unlikely to be remembered alongside brighter, more artistic fashion choices.

The festival continues to draw actors and musicians to Palm Springs, highlighting the city's status as a destination for both luxury vacations and cultural events. As the event progresses through its schedule, the red carpet continues to serve as a platform for celebrity expression, ranging from the bold and artistic to the simple and functional.