The Cannes Film Festival, known globally for its glamorous and daring fashion moments, has introduced significant updates to its official dress code. According to the festival's newly outlined rules, the era of revealing "naked dresses" on the prestigious red carpet is officially over, signaling a noticeable shift toward more modest attire.

The new dress code detailed on the festival’s website explicitly prohibits nudity on the red carpet and other festival venues, emphasizing "decency reasons." Gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, occurring around 7 and 10 p.m., now strictly require formal evening wear—long dresses or tuxedos. However, the festival also allows for more moderate yet stylish alternatives, such as a "little black dress," cocktail dresses, dark-colored pantsuits, or dressy tops paired with black trousers. Footwear rules have relaxed slightly, permitting elegant shoes and sandals, provided they aren't sneakers.

Additionally, Cannes officials have imposed restrictions on excessively voluminous outfits, particularly those with large trains, as they may impede the smooth flow of guests and complicate seating arrangements within theaters. Festival staff have clear directives to deny access to individuals who fail to adhere to these updated guidelines.

Cannes has been synonymous with striking and sometimes provocative fashion statements since the 1980s. Iconic moments include Ilona Staller's topless pink dress in 1985 and, more recently, revealing ensembles donned by celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Naomi Campbell.

Fashion historian Nancy Deihl, Chair of NYU's Department of Art and Art Professions, views the stricter guidelines as an attempt by Cannes officials to reassert elegance and distinction. She told WWD, “There’s a long history at Cannes of actresses wearing sexy styles, but always within the parameters decreed by high fashion. The Cannes officials are really focused on setting the event apart from every other celebrity-focused spectacle.”

However, celebrity stylist Karla Welch criticized the updated dress code via Instagram, describing it as "boring and patriarchal." The festival's decision has reignited broader online discussions about modesty and exposure in contemporary fashion. While some commentators link the shift toward conservative dressing with current economic anxieties, Deihl dismisses these theories as overly simplistic. “People love to believe in a causal relationship between economics and silhouette, but historically, this connection doesn’t always hold up,” she explained.