The 2025 Golden Globes Revived the Mermaid Dress

Good news for anyone who used to treat Seventeen’s prom issue like the Bible: the mermaid dress is back. Last night at the 2025 Golden Globes, the fit-and-flare silhouette proved a popular choice on the red carpet.

But these were no candy colored taffeta confections—the stars made a serious case for the return of the mermaid with sophisticated, elegant looks. Naomi Watts, who was nominated for her role in Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans, wore a custom black velvet strapless Schiaparelli with a mille-feuille tail made of 300 pale pink organza petals. Michelle Yeoh, who presented alongside Jeff Goldblum, also went the couture route. The actor opted for a regal black Chantilly lace Balenciaga dress from the house’s fall 2021 couture collection, complete with a high neck and long train.

The mermaid dress had its moment onstage, too. Demi Moore took home the Golden Globe for her performance in The Substance wearing a structural metallic Armani Privé gown with a rhinestone panel that fanned out below the knee. The ultra-shiny fabric accentuated the flare for a more exaggerated look.

Other Golden Globes attendees jumped aboard the trend as well: Nobody Wants This creator Erin Foster wore a structured black and white dress while actor Justine Lupe chose a navy blue Prada with a cape, peplum, and crystal embellishment. Abbott Elementary costars Lisa Ann Walter and Janelle James also got the memo with Walter wearing a red number and James in a slim-fitting black velvet dress with matching opera gloves.

Here, see the mermaid dresses that graced the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet.