Nicole Kidman's 'Private School Uniform' Look Sparks Debate

The Oscar-winning star's fashion choices often make headlines, but her latest look sparked an unexpected debate, drawing comparisons to a school uniform and leaving social media divided.

Nicole Kidman made an appearance at the TIME Women of the Year Leadership Forum held at The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, California, on February 25, 2025. Her outfit choice for the event, which resembled a school uniform, sparked mixed reactions online.

The actress wore a navy blue blazer with structured shoulders and button closures. Underneath, a white collared blouse with lace trim. The lower half of her ensemble featured a pleated midi skirt in two tones — burgundy in the front and navy on the sides.

Completing her look, she paired the outfit with black strappy sandals and simple gold hoop earrings. Her long, wavy blonde hair was parted in the middle, cascading past her shoulders. She kept her makeup natural, focusing on soft pink lips and lightly defined eyes.

After photos of Kidman's outfit surfaced, social media users shared their thoughts, with many comparing her look to a private school uniform. Some admired her appearance, while others found the outfit mismatched.

On Reddit, one user wrote, "It's very schoolgirl chic, but her hair is gorgeous." Another added, "She looks like she just got accepted into Hufflepuff." A third user commented, "It's giving Japanese school uniform [sic]."

However, some were critical of the styling choices. One person remarked, "This is too heavy of an outfit for a thin strap [sic] sandal. And the material looks cheap." Another wrote, "She looks better than the model, but it's giving oversized private school uniform. But her hair looks really nice [sic]."

Some users questioned the outfit's fit, with one stating, "That's…weird. The fit is so confusing. The ridiculously long blazer and awkwardly hemmed skirt are bizarre, not to mention the strap sandals that totally don't fit with it. Hair and makeup are beautiful, though. Face card never declines."

On Instagram, the footwear choice drew particular attention. One person commented, "Not even a navy shoe? And with a bare toe? No, you need an Oxford or something here!" Another shared, "I can't stand to look at the shoes. [sic] Can't stand it."

Despite the mixed reactions, many agreed that her hair and makeup were flawless, proving that her presence remains captivating regardless of fashion debates.

Surprisingly enough, this isn't the first time Kidman has faced criticism for her appearance. Last year, in November, she was scrutinized by online users yet again.

Exuding effortless glamor in a black ensemble, the "Eyes Wide Shut" alum had all eyes on her during the 15th Governors Awards in Hollywood on November 17, 2024. Social media users fixated on and criticized her hair, with some wondering if the star even brushed it.

For the star-studded affair, Kidman donned an eye-catching black gown draped to the floor. The stylish off-the-shoulders, long-sleeved dress featured a bedazzled collar, a slight chest cutout, and a daring asymmetrical slit that exposed the "Babygirl" actress's right leg.

The gown's backless design matched its bejeweled collar, adding extra flair to the already striking outfit she paired with closed-toe black heels. Kidman kept her accessories simple, which included two rings and sparkling earrings.

Her hair hung loose over her shoulder and down her back and her face was adorned with light makeup, including pink lipstick. In addition to appearing solo on the carpet, Kidman was spotted posing alongside fellow industry heavy hitter Demi Moore.

Like Kidman's gown, Moore's dress was also black, but it was strapless and had a drape effect. She accessorized with stunning dangling diamond earrings and a statement diamond choker.

A video taken at the event showed the two stars side by side as they smiled at the flashing cameras. Netizens who saw photos of Kidman did not hold back with their criticisms, especially where her hair was concerned.

"Nicole's uncombed hair and it's all over her face," observed an Instagrammer, while another wondered, "Kidman forget her hair brush [sic]??" A spectator urged, "Someone give Nicole a comb, like seriously where is her stylish [sic]."

Reddit users also weighed in on the hair discussion, with one of them expressing, "I think the hair is throwing it off for me. Like she just woke up and threw the dress on."

Responding to this comment, another agreed, "This comment is spot on. It's not sexy tousled hair, it's just messy kinda frizzy hair. It's jarring with an otherwise sleek and elegant look."

Adding to the mix, a fellow Reddit user remarked, "I wish she'd bring back her curls." "Would've loved a classic French knot," added someone else.

More users chimed in with comments such as, "Hair is crazy. Dress is fine, but that hair is just undoing anything redeeming about this look," and, "It looks like she has clip on [sic] extensions that weren't blended into her hair. And the peach lipstick is just awful with the black dress."

An Instagrammer simply penned, "Nicole's hair." "Who does Nicole's hair?" questioned a user on TikTok. Commenting on her overall appearance, another opined, "Shes [sic] looking so battered there," while someone else asserted, "Nicole has so much done to her face."

Amid the backlash, however, came some compliments. Praising both Kidman and Moore, a fan swooned, "Two gorgeous icons!! 😊✨[...]🎈."

"WOW [sic] either Nicole Kidman is really tall or Demi Moore is really short 😂. Both legends 💖," stated an observer, while an admirer gushed, "Attractive 😍🥰."

Causing an online stir with her fashion choices is nothing new for Nicole Kidman, who has often been the subject of public debate. Yet, at 57, the star remains unfazed by criticism and shows no signs of slowing down.