The little black dress has ruled every party season for a century. This year, it has serious competition. Every December, the same question returns: what to wear to the party? For decades, the safe answer has been black. It is slimming, it is easy, it goes with everything. It is also, let’s admit it, a little predictable.
At the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards on Nov. 2 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the answer looked very different. As Anthony Vaccarello was named International Designer of the Year for his decade at Saint Laurent, the women who presented his award, Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz and Rosé, all arrived in gold looks from his spring 2027 collection.
Hailey Bieber’s Golden Case
Bieber wore a long-sleeved Saint Laurent set in golden brocade, trimmed with faux fur at the cuffs, with a distinct après-ski opulence. It managed to be wintery, glamorous and wearable all at once, which is a rare combination on a red carpet.
Kravitz chose a high-shine gold look with cutouts and a croc-textured surface, while Rosé wore an embroidered halter top. Model Anja Rubik, who had walked the spring 2027 runway, added a shimmering Lurex lamé bomber over her gown, proof that gold can be casual too. Together, they turned the stage into a jewelry box, a fitting send-off for a designer leaving Saint Laurent after 10 years. “Anthony doesn’t just design clothes; he creates an attitude,” Rosé said as they presented the award.
Why Gold Works Better Than You Think
Gold has an image problem. Many women associate it with costume parties or loud sequins. But the gold on display at the CFDAs was different: brocade, texture and matte shine rather than mirror-ball glitter. That is what makes it work after 40 and beyond. Textured gold catches candlelight softly, warms the complexion and looks festive without trying too hard.
It also photographs beautifully, which matters in a season of group photos. Black can disappear in dim light. Gold never does. The CFDAs had a playful side too, with Gap Inc. receiving the Innovation Award in the same year that Demi Moore wore a dress made of Gap jean waistbands to the event.
How to Wear Gold This Party Season
Start with texture, not shine: a brocade skirt, a jacquard jacket or a metallic knit feels more grown-up than sequins. Pair one gold piece with black, cream or chocolate brown rather than going head to toe. Keep jewelry minimal so the fabric does the work. A gold midi skirt with a fine black turtleneck is an easy first step. Add a soft, warm lip and skip the heavy shimmer on your face. And if you like a cozy touch, take a cue from Bieber’s cuffs with a faux-fur collar or stole, the same winter-meets-glam spirit she showed with her cobalt blue coat. The lesson worth borrowing is one gold piece, worn with confidence.
The Bottom Line
Goodbye little black dress, at least for one season. At the CFDAs, Hailey Bieber just made the case for gold, and it is warmer, softer and more flattering than its reputation suggests.
