The Cannes Film Festival is one of the biggest events in the film industry. And filmmakers, actors, journalists, and critics from across the globe walk the red carpet this time of the year. Although far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the festival venue transforms into a tightly controlled space with strict rules, regulations, and intense security managed by French guards. 

While the festival is sometimes criticized for its strict regulations, not much has changed over the years. And the same can be said about the event’s dress code, too.

The Cannes Film Festival has a strict dress code for guests attending the event, and it appears to be even stricter for male guests, who are required to wear formal black-tie tuxedos or dinner jackets with bow ties. The rule also applies to male photographers. As for women, the guidelines suggest that female guests must wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses.

In 2025, the festival also added a new rule that prohibited nudity as well as long trains for gowns to avoid any accidents or delays in welcoming the guests. There are also strict rules regarding footwear, as female guests are expected to wear elegant shoes and high heels, while trainers, flats, flip-flops, and tote bags are considered forbidden under the dress code. 

However, there have been a few rebels, such as Kristen Stewart, who famously took off her high heels and walked barefoot on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. It was not the first time the actress challenged the festival’s rules. Back in 2016, she wore sneakers on the red carpet, clearly breaking the Cannes Film Festival dress code. 

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And much like Stewart, there have been several other actors and actresses who did not hesitate to break the festival’s strict fashion rules.

The Cannes Film Festival dress code has often been challenged by celebrities over the years. Back in 2023, Jennifer Lawrence gained attention when she wore flip-flops. In 2017, Kendall Jenner turned heads when she wore denim shorts, even though the festival dress code usually requires formal eveningwear.

In 2016, Julia Roberts walked the red carpet barefoot. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in baggy jeans in 2006. And director Spike Lee wore sneakers in 2021. So, while the actors and filmmakers clearly appreciate the film festival, a few seem to have issues with the dress code and prefer to defy it in their subtle ways.

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What do you think about Cannes Film Festival's dress code? Let us know in the comments.