"No Red Carpet, No Long Gowns" at SONA 2026
Guests have been asked to wear "simple but dignified" attire as the House of Representatives adopts a more restrained approach to this year's State of the Nation Address.
This year's State of the Nation Address (SONA) will look noticeably different from previous years.
For President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth SONA today, July 27, organizers have done away with one of the event's most recognizable traditions: the red carpet. Guests have also been encouraged to skip long gowns and instead wear attire that is "simple but dignified," shifting the focus away from spectacle and toward the President's annual address.
No Red Carpet at SONA 2026
The move was first announced by House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil during an inter-agency coordination meeting, where she said there would be "no red carpet, no long gowns." The dress guidance will also be reflected in the official invitations, with attendees encouraged to wear simple Filipino attire appropriate for the occasion.
Malacañang has likewise emphasized that this year's SONA will be "simple but dignified." Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the streamlined approach is intended to keep attention on the President's report to the nation.
Over the years, the SONA arrivals have become a fixture in Philippine media, with lawmakers, government officials, and guests often making headlines for their Filipiniana ensembles, designer gowns, and Barong Tagalog. The event's dress code has frequently drawn comparisons to a red carpet, sparking annual conversations about fashion, symbolism, and public service.
This year, however, the House hopes a pared-back presentation will underscore the occasion's primary purpose: the President's address before Congress and the Filipino people.
