In Praise of Elle Fanning's Recent Red-Carpet Style

We have to talk about Elle Fanning's recent style.

Fanning has returned to the red carpet to promote the second season of her historical drama, The Great. In the past, Fanning has favored pretty, pale neutrals—she seems to love a pastel—but now, she's taking more risks, and it's paying off. With the help of her longtime stylist, Samantha McMillen, Fanning's latest looks have been equal parts irreverent and elevated, balancing big sculptural shapes and ornate details. It's a little darker, a little edgier, and it all looks very, very good.

The Maleficent star started off her month with a surprisingly vampy look. At the LACMA Art+Film Gala, which was sponsored by Gucci, she wore a partly sheer black Gucci gown with cutouts along the sleeves and torso, double slits on the gauzy skirt, and an ornate purple rose on the shoulder. She continued the dark vibe with her hairstyling and makeup, including black hair clips and a merlot lip.

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Then came the pants that got the whole BAZAAR office talking. For a Screen Actors Guild event, the star wore a white tee tucked into beige wide-leg pants with a corset-like waist, both by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's editor-favorite brand, The Row. Her strappy Loewe sandals had a fun detail: The heels were decorated with broken eggs, spilled yolks and all.

Fanning went all out for the L.A. premiere of The Great in a custom Atelier Versace gown that takes inspiration from a design by the brand's late founder, Gianni Versace. Look closely and you'll see that the Swarovski crystal-encrusted pale-pink bodice is embroidered with an image of Russian emperor Catherine the Great—which is, of course, Fanning's role in the show. Her dramatic, full black skirt matched the black bows in her hair, and her diamond earrings by Fred Leighton added some sparkle.

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Versace//Instagram

But the metal Balmain crop top may have been her best—and most daring—look yet. Fanning wore the backless piece to celebrate McMillen's Stylist of the Year win at this year's InStyle Awards. Designed by Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing, it looks like two links in a gold-plated, crystal-embellished chain. With a top like this, you don't need much else: In Fanning's case, she paired it with a sleek black column skirt and some gold rings.

Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.

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