Washington’s annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, held on April 26, 2025, rolled out its red carpet with less sizzle than usual, mirroring the event’s dialed-back vibe. The night, known for blending journalism, politics, and Hollywood flair, leaned hard into its core mission—celebrating press freedom and scholarship awards—while the fashion parade felt more restrained than in years past. No comedians roasted the crowd, and the guest list skewed practical over glitzy, but the carpet still offered a few standout looks worth a glance.
The Washington Hilton’s entrance saw a stream of tailored suits and elegant gowns, though the energy was more boardroom than blockbuster. President Joe Biden, attending his final dinner as commander-in-chief, kept it classic in a black tuxedo, crisp and unflashy, a nod to the evening’s focus on substance over spectacle. First Lady Jill Biden opted for a cream-colored, floor-length gown with subtle beading, striking a balance between understated and refined. Their presence anchored the night, but the real style chatter centered on the journalists and lesser-known attendees who brought their A-game.
Among the press corps, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins turned heads in a sleek, midnight-blue gown that hugged the line between bold and professional. The off-the-shoulder cut and minimal accessories let the dress do the talking, a choice that fit the dinner’s more serious tone. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, ever the sartorial contrarian, stuck to her signature blazer look—black, sharply tailored, paired with slim trousers. It was a power move, less red carpet glamour than newsroom swagger, and it worked.
The Hollywood contingent, thinner this year, still delivered some polish. Actor Dean Norris, known for gritty roles in Breaking Bad, cleaned up in a charcoal suit with a skinny tie, looking more like a D.C. insider than a Tinseltown transplant. Meanwhile, Rosie Perez brought a spark of Brooklyn to the Beltway in a vibrant red gown with a plunging neckline, one of the few pops of color on a carpet dominated by neutrals. Her look was a reminder that even a low-key night can handle a little heat.
Younger attendees, including scholarship recipients honored by the White House Correspondents’ Association, added fresh energy. One student, a journalism major from Howard University, rocked a thrifted emerald-green dress with vintage flair, proving you don’t need a big budget to steal the spotlight. The focus on students—24 received awards this year—kept the event grounded, and their eclectic style, from rented tuxes to hand-me-down gowns, gave the carpet a relatable edge.
Designers like Oscar de la Renta and Badgley Mischka made appearances, but custom couture was scarce. Many attendees leaned into sustainable fashion, with several journalists spotted in reworn or rented pieces. The shift reflected a broader cultural nod to practicality, aligning with the dinner’s pivot away from celebrity-driven excess. No reality TV stars or social media influencers clogged the arrivals line this year, a departure from the pre-pandemic frenzy.
The dinner itself, hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association, raised funds for journalism scholarships and honored reporters covering the White House. Biden’s remarks centered on the press’s role in democracy, a theme echoed by association president Kelly O’Donnell, who emphasized the stakes of truthful reporting. Entertainment came from singer Laufey, whose jazzy set kept things mellow. The absence of a comedian, a break from tradition, was a deliberate choice to avoid the polarizing roasts of years past.
By the numbers, the event drew about 2,600 attendees, including 600 journalists, 200 government officials, and a smattering of entertainers. The red carpet, open to credentialed media, wrapped by 7:30 p.m., with most guests seated for dinner by 8. Proceeds from the $400-a-plate affair supported $135,000 in scholarships and awards for working journalists. The Hilton’s ballroom, decked out in white lilies and navy linens, felt festive but not ostentatious, matching the carpet’s low-key polish.