5 of the best and 3 of the worst looks at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards

Pamela Anderson at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Taylor Hill/Getty Images Where there are celebrities, there's fashion.The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, hosted at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on Monday night, had both.Some walked the red carpet in iconic pieces of fashion history, while others showcased modern creations. Naturally, there were a few duds; some outfits were far too casual.These are the best and worst looks we saw throughout the night. Keke Palmer looked like a goddess in vintage Bob Mackie. Keke Palmer at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. John Nacion/Getty Images The legendary fashion designer, who died in September, originally created the gold, halter-top gown in 1975 for Raquel Welch. She wore it on "The Cher Show."If you didn't know the gown's history, though, you might have thought it was designed for Palmer.It fit her like a glove and was the perfect color to complement her glowing skin and vibrant hair. Emily Ratajkowski should have picked a different outfit entirely. Emily Ratajkowski at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images She posed on the red carpet wearing a black long-sleeved sweater, a low-rise skirt in a bright orange shade, and pointed leather boots with skinny heels.The outfit looked more like something the model and writer would wear on a New York City outing in the fall than an outfit fit for an awards ceremony. Chloe Bailey could have been mistaken for a runway model. Chloe Bailey at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images The musician arrived at the CFDA Fashion Awards in a sheer black Christian Siriano design.The form-fitting piece had a high neckline, long sleeves, and tulle ruffles at the neck, wrists, and skirt hem. The latter three pieces were also embellished with tan feathers.Bailey's outfit was the epitome of high fashion and made for a memorable red-carpet moment. Ashley Graham wore a two-piece set that unfortunately wasn't memorable. Ashley Graham at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Esque/By custom-made her black-and-white look.It comprised high-waisted black trousers and a deconstructed button-down shirt transformed into a strapless, bralette-style top.The pants were tailored perfectly to Graham, and her top was a unique idea. Still, there wasn't much else to the outfit, and it didn't stand out on the red carpet. Travis Scott showed how powerful a simple suit can be. Travis Scott at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images The musician looked sharp in a black satin suit perfectly tailored to his measurements. It included pleated trousers, a double-breasted jacket, and a leather top worn underneath.He also accessorized strongly with diamond earrings, dark sunglasses, and leather dress shoes. Shaboozey should have taken a bigger fashion risk. Shaboozey at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Taylor Hill/Getty Images The country star was dressed by Ralph Lauren for the night. He wore a white top, a matching vest, a cream-colored blazer, and distressed jeans.Shaboozey also wore leather flats with white socks, a belt with a massive brass-and-turquoise buckle, and a statement bolo tie.Because he wears outfits like this all the time, it didn't stand out on him — especially at a fashion-focused event. Allison Janney had a dramatic fashion moment, and it worked for her. Allison Janney at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Christian Siriano designed the actor's hot-pink ensemble. It had a high neckline, long sleeves with shoulder pads, and cape-style detailing down each arm.On anyone else, this outfit might have been overwhelming. For Janney, though, it was the perfect color and design to bring fun to the red carpet. Pamela Anderson looked elegant in a little black dress. Pamela Anderson at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. Taylor Hill/Getty Images The model and writer arrived wearing a black halter dress from Carolina Herrera. It had an ankle-length skirt, a fitted waist, and sparkling feather fringe along the neckline.The dress was celebratory, and Anderson styled it perfectly with embellished heels, a satin clutch, and red lipstick. Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Amanda Krause is a Senior Reporter at Business Insider covering a variety of lifestyle topics.Her work at BI includes profiles of beauty moguls, analyses of celebrity fashion, reviews of trending products, expert interviews across topics, features about booming small businesses and lucrative side hustles, and live coverage of award shows, pageants, and other events. Amanda has also widely covered Disney brands and theme parks, writing everything from slideshows about her experiences on Disney cruises to breaking-news stories focused on major changes and layoffs within the company. She previously appeared on CBS in 2024 to discuss the Met Gala and won an Anthem Award in 2023 for her work on Business Insider's package "Better Me."Amanda graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a degree in Communications and Journalism, and has more than seven years of experience in the lifestyle space.You can email her at akrause@businessinsider.com.ExpertiseFashion, celebrity style, beauty, lifestyle trends, and Disney theme parks. Fashion Style Celebrities More Red Carpet