The Cannes Film Festival Just Made Some Major Updates to Its Dress Code

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The Cannes Film Festival is laying down the law on the red carpet. Just one day before the 2025 Cannes Film Festival is supposed to start, the festival is laying down the law on the red carpet by updating its dress code, shaking up what I’m sure are hundreds of perfectly planned outfits. The new Cannes dress code prohibits nudity and “voluminous” gowns, two things that have become increasingly common as the festival has opened up to more celebrity and model guests.

In anticipation of Cannes 2025 opening on Tuesday, ay 13, the festival reportedly updated its official charter with new guidelines. “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival. Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted,” the charter reads. “The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”

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It’s unclear what this will mean for the countless stylists who have already planned their clients’ Cannes red carpet looks or what it could mean for the oh-so-popular naked dress trend. (I have to admit that a French film festival banning nudity feels a bit like a patisserie banning butter, but that’s just one French girl’s opinion.) But I have faith that some risqué looks will still make it up the famous Cannes stairs.

A representative for the Cannes press office clarified the update in a statement issued to The Hollywood Reporter, claiming that the language reflects “certain rules that have long been in effect.” The rep also said that these rules were not meant to “regulate” red carpet outfits but “to prohibit full nudity on the carpet.” So it sounds like sheer gowns could be allowed—just as long as they don’t have very long trains.

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Trains were a very big issue at last year’s festival. Dominican actor Massiel Taveras had a tense walk up the stairs of the Palais after she repeatedly tried to show off her gown’s extravagant train, featuring the face of Jesus Christ. Security guards blocked her from posing with the dress on the steps, resulting in a confrontation, so it’s not hard to see why the powers that be at Cannes would rather avoid a repeat.

Meanwhile, despite reports of a previous ban on flat shoes, guests attending the Grand Théatre Lumière gala screenings (aka the big premieres) are encouraged to wear nice shoes—flats or heels. They are, however, not allowed to bring totes or large bags. And no political statements or protests are allowed.