She transformed from a child star to a leading lady right before our eyes. And as she transitioned into doing more mature roles, Elle Fanning’s sartorial choices also took an edgy, daring turn.
From princess-style gowns to flesh-baring dresses, the 23-year-old actress’ red-carpet fashion has clearly matured over the years.
Wearing her boldest red-carpet outfit to date, Elle commanded attention as she arrived at the Getty Center for the 6th Annual InStyle Awards on Monday.
Elle Fanning commands attention in a Balmain chain-link top at the 2021 InStyle Awards held at the Getty Center on November 15, 2021 (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
She wore nothing underneath a sculptural chain-link crop top that reminded us of Bella Hadid’s golden lung necklace at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Showcasing her flat abs and sexy back, the armor-like halter top is crafted from gold-plated metal, decked out in large oval-shaped crystals, and secured with a thinner gold chain around her back.
It was designed by Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing for the French luxury fashion house’s Spring 2022 collection.
Elle Fanning’s armor-like halter crop top is made from gold-plated metal and embellished with oval-shaped crystals (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Elle’s longtime stylist Samantha McMillen took to Instagram to thank Balmain and Olivier for the actress’ “amazing albeit painful bustier that is a work of art.”
“Believe me… sometimes you suffer for fashion. But she said it was worth it!! Thank you Elle for always pushing the envelope for these moments,” she captioned her post.
At the event, The Great actress presented Samantha McMillen with the Fashion Stylist of the Year Award. Sam looked regal as she graced the red carpet in a sequined Valentino creation.
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Elle paired the racy bejeweled top with a low-rise black maxi skirt, also from Balmain, and finished off her outfit with Gucci “Angel” leather platform pumps.
Allowing the statement top to take center stage, Elle ditched any elaborate jewelry and instead accessorized with gold rings on each finger except her thumbs.
Hairstylist Jenda Alcorn styled Elle’s blonde tresses sleek straight and parted in the middle, while makeup artist Erin Ayanian Monroe coordinated her red nail polish with her vibrant red lipstick and rosy blush.
Elle Fanning styles her long blonde hair sleek straight with a middle parting and wears red lipstick with matching rosy blush (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Earlier in the day, Elle opted for a more conservative look as she headed to the Jimmy Kimmel Live studio to promote the second season of her Hulu series, The Great.
The Maleficent star wore a yellow dress that features strips of fabric paneling all over. She accessorized her feminine look with a matching clutch, a pink gemstone necklace, and a statement ring.
Elle Fanning heads to Jimmy Kimmel Live studio in a conservative yellow dress (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Covering her face with a pink face mask, Elle rounded out her look with light blue glitter mules from Tbilisi-based fashion brand Mach & Mach’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
These slip-on mules are made from glitter-coated woven fabric adorned with crystal-embellished bows. They also have pointed toes and about 2-inch kitten heels.
Elle Fanning pairs her yellow midi dress with glittery light blue mules from Mach & Mach (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Mach & Mach Double Bow Glitter Mules, $975 at Moda Operandi
A charming mule made of glittery fabric with crystal-embellished double bows and short kitten heels
On Sunday, Elle looked very regal in a custom Atelier Versace look as she attended the season two premiere of The Great held at The Sunset Room in Hollywood.
Starring as Catherine the Great, Empress of All Russia, Elle posed on the black carpet alongside her co-star Nicholas Hoult, who plays Emperor Peter III in the critically-acclaimed Hulu comedy-drama.
Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult at the season two premiere of The Great held at the Sunset Room Hollywood on November 14, 2021 (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Drawing attention to her tiny waist, Elle’s pink and black gown features a halter-neck bodice that’s hand-embroidered in silk metallic threads and decorated with pink Swarovski crystals.
Samantha McMillen noted that the embroidery “features an impression of Catherine the Great and two 18th century women.” It’s paired with a flowy long black silk taffeta skirt for dramatic contrast.
Elle Fanning looks regal in a custom Versace gown that features a hand-embroidered pink bodice and a black taffeta skirt (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Keeping the look glamorous, Elle accessorized with Fred Leighton jewelry. She wore a pair of diamond cluster earrings, a pear-shaped rose-cut diamond ring, and a rose-cut diamond cluster ring.
Jenda Alcorn pulled her blonde tresses back into a long ponytail, styled with two large bows, while Erin Monroe applied winged eyeliner, glittery eyeshadow, and red lipstick to the actress’ features.
Elle Fanning pulls her tresses in a ponytail with black bow accents and wears winged eyeliner with red lipstick (Credit: Mega / WENN)
On Saturday, Elle dressed down in a vintage two-piece ensemble for the Vulture Festival screening of The Great.
She was joined on the red carpet by Nicholas Hoult, who looked handsome in a brown suit with a white tee underneath and a pair of black sneakers.
Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult at the Vulture Festival 2021 on November 13, 2021 (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Dakota Fanning’s younger sister wore a structured strapless top in soft pink color from English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood paired with $1,690 The Row Igor low-waisted black pants made from stretch wool with loose fluid leg and front double pleats.
She finished off her outfit with the classic Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong black heels.
Elle Fanning opts for a dressed-down look in Vivienne Westwood pink strapless top, The Row black pants, and Stuart Weitzman heels (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudistsong’ Sandals, $420 at Farfetch
A classic pair of black leather heels with open toes, ankle straps, and stiletto heels
To elevate the look, Elle accessorized with a $7,250 Beladora vintage large chain link necklace in 18k gold and some rings, including a Cathy Waterman 22k recycled gold custom hand-painted Eye of Love ring.
She wore her blown-out blonde locks down and highlighted her features with eyeliner, rosy blush, and a hint of lipstick.
Elle Fanning keeps her beauty look simple with blown-out locks and rosy lips and cheeks (Credit: Mega / WENN)