Oscars After-Party Fashion Misses: 5 Risky Looks That Didn’t Land at Vanity Fair 2018

Red carpet fashion is always a mix of hits and misses, and the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars Party was no exception.

While Andra Day’s theatrical Zac Posen gown turned heads at the main ceremony, several after-party looks also sparked strong reactions, for better or worse. Some stars took bold risks that didn’t quite land, offering a reminder that high fashion often walks a fine line between making a statement and being polarizing.

Below, we take a retrospective look at five of the most daring and divisive dresses from the 2018 Oscars after-parties, plus two honorable mentions that challenged expectations and stirred conversation.

1. Bleona Qereti Bares All in Crystal Mesh and Louboutin Heels

Albanian singer Bleona Qereti made a bold fashion statement at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars Party in a completely sheer crystal mesh gown, which she paired with Christian Louboutin “Rivierina” pumps.

Known for their pointed closed-toe d’Orsay silhouette, slim ankle strap, and signature red sole, the Rivierina is a sophisticated pump that adds polish to even the most daring red carpet ensembles. Qereti’s choice of footwear brought structured elegance to her ultra-revealing look, blending sensuality with high-fashion edge.

Bleona Qereti flashing gold nipple tape and underwear in a see-through dress at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on March 4, 2018 (Credit: Apega / ATP Frank / Dave Bedrosian / Dennis Van Tine / FayesVision/ Sheri Determan / WENN / Future Image / Regina Wagner)

Her daring look revealed gold nipple tape and black undergarments beneath the transparent fabric, turning heads and sparking conversation on the red carpet.

2. Paris Jackson’s Green Atelier Versace Dress Channels Tinkerbell Chic

Paris Jackson’s Atelier Versace green knotted dress reminds us of those fancy tablecloth skirting pinned to buffet tables.

She said her Tinkerbell-inspired look was a tribute to her father, Michael Jackson. She paired her whimsical look with Versace ankle-strap sandals.

Paris Jackson in an Atelier Versace green knotted dress and Versace ankle-strap sandals at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

3. Hari Nef Turns Heads in Bold Gucci Tiger-Print Caftan

Transgender model Hari Nef wore a Gucci tiger-print caftan that completely clashed with the rest of her look.

Transgender model Hari Nef in a Gucci tiger-head-print dress and black platforms at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

4. Rashida Jones Wears Embroidered Tent Gown by Valentino

Rashida Jones donned a muu-muu-like Valentino dress with an unflattering U-neckline and a shapeless tent silhouette.

If not for the embroidery, the “Parks and Recreation” star’s gown would’ve looked better suited for a shopping trip than a star-studded Hollywood event.

Rashida Jones in a muu-muu-like Valentino embroidered tent dress at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

5. Sarah Paulson’s Yellow Marc Jacobs Gown Misses the Mark

Sarah Paulson not only looked to be swimming in her loose Marc Jacobs Spring 2018 dress but also styled it poorly.

The “12 Years a Slave” actress questionably added black opera gloves and a somber black box clutch to her flower-adorned, sunshine-yellow sequined frock.

Sarah Paulson in a Marc Jacobs Spring 2018 egg-yellow dress at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

⭐ Special Mentions: Ciara’s Latex Couture and Mary J. Blige’s Gilded Vera Wang

Our two special mentions go to Ciara and Mary J. Blige. No, the two singers were not badly dressed — the opposite, in fact — but their ensembles would’ve made our ugliest dresses list had they been worn by other people.

Ciara sashayed onto the red carpet in an Alexandre Vauthier Spring 2018 Couture look comprised of a black latex mini dress and a billowy, green parachute coat. This fierce ensemble would have failed had it been worn by anybody else, wouldn’t you agree?

Ciara in an Alexandre Vauthier Spring 2018 Couture black strapless latex mini dress with a green belted parachute coat layered over at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Mary J. Blige arrived at the after-party in a Vera Wang gold-sequined strapless gown encased in white tulle. While the off-shoulder overlay made Mary J. look like she walked into cobwebs, the singer-slash-actress’s impressive figure made up for the dress’s shortcomings.

Mary J. Blige in a Vera Wang gold sequined strapless dress encased in white tulle overlay at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars Party

For readers interested in another memorable look from the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, check out our article on Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s stylish red carpet moment.

For more on these daring Oscar party looks, check out our full breakdown of the most unforgettable ‘naked’ dresses at the 2018 Oscars after-parties here.

From bold fashion risks to unforgettable footwear, the Vanity Fair Oscars Party has always been a showcase for red carpet creativity. If you enjoyed this retrospective, don’t miss more standout shoe moments from other years below.