Elle Fanning brought the spirit of spring early to the 2025 National Board of Review Gala, hosted by Willie Weist at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
She embraced the delicate and soft hues of the season, radiating a youthful charm in a pastel Valentino dress and pumps as she accepted the Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
Elle Fanning receives the Best Supporting Actress Award in a Valentino pastel gown and pumps at the 2025 National Board of Review Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Also nominated for Best Film, A Complete Unknown is based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric. It chronicles the life of Bob Dylan, played by Timothee Chalamet, from his early success in folk music to the historic controversy surrounding his use of electric instruments at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Elle Fanning plays Sylvie Russo, based on Suze Rotolo, Dylan’s girlfriend at the time.
Elle Fanning Channels Old Hollywood in Pastel Valentino Dress
Since A Complete Unknown takes place in the 1960s, I adore how Elle Fanning’s Valentino pastel gown captures the spirit of Old Hollywood. It also goes well with her typical ethereal style and looks fantastic for the upcoming spring.
Taking to the stage to receive her award, the Maleficent star wowed in her pastel dress designed by Alessandro Michele for Valentino’s Resort 2025 collection. Before being promoted to creative director in April 2024, Michele was the Italian fashion house’s head accessory designer.
The airy multicolored dress has a lavender ruched bustier top and a low-cut sweetheart neckline adorned with a crystal-embellished lilac bow at the center. The dress is held in place by delicate spaghetti straps, which keep it from slipping down and causing a wardrobe malfunction.
The contrast with a yellow ruffled tiered tulle skirt made for a cheerful and striking ensemble, in my opinion. I love how the buttery pastel yellow color balances out the soothing qualities of lavender and lilac, creating a lovely, visually striking contrast that captures the tranquility of summer and the hopeful spirit of spring.
Elle Fanning embraces Old Hollywood glamour in an airy Valentino dress featuring a lavender ruched bustier top, an embellished lilac bow, and a yellow ruffled tiered skirt (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Enhancing Retro Glamour with Vintage-Inspired Accessories
Elle Fanning’s love of ruffles, laces, romantic styles, and all things whimsical is evident in her dress and accessories.
She paired her pastel dress with lavender satin pumps from Valentino’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection, which makes the ensemble coherent.
Partially hidden beneath Elle’s sheer yellow skirt, the pumps feature a classic almond-shaped toe designed with feminine floral embroidery. They also come with adjustable ankle straps with gold buckles to keep them in place and stiletto heels that accentuate Fanning’s remarkable 5’8” height.
Elle Fanning pairs her pastel Valentino gown with lavender Valentino pumps featuring floral embroidered almond toes (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
With the help of her trusted stylist Samantha McMillen, whose clientele includes Kirsten Dunst, Daisy Ridley, Brie Larson, and Ana de Armas, Elle draped a tan fur stole over her arms, enhancing the look’s retro glamour while keeping her toasty warm in the chilly NYC weather.
I love that she didn’t wear a necklace to let the dress speak for itself. Instead, she accessorized with a Cartier Leitmotiv Bracelet adorned with 60 carats of rubellite jewels and a Cartier Panthere De Cartier ring set with diamonds, onyx, and rubellite.
Makeup artist Tyron Machhausen gave Elle soft pink makeup with eyeliner, adding to the retro atmosphere of the ensemble. Hairstylist Jenda fashioned her blonde tresses in a swept-back half-updo.
Elle Fanning enhances her look’s retro vibe by adding a fur stole, a Cartier Leitmotiv bracelet, and a Cartier Panthere De Cartier ring (Credit: mpi099 / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)
Elle Fanning’s 1950s-style Balmain Leopard Ballgown
Just days earlier, Dakota Fanning’s younger sister continued her retro fashion trend at the Golden Globe Awards by wearing a leopard-print ballgown inspired by Balmain’s 1952 Haute Couture collection.
The gown features a V-neckline covered with sparkling sequins in a leopard pattern. Its gathered, twisted bodice is belted at the waist and falls into a voluminous nude ball gown skirt.
I approve of her choice of accessories, including a gold Panthere De Cartier choker necklace, ring, and bracelet. They undoubtedly went well with her gorgeous gown.
Elle Fanning stuns in a 1950s-style Balmain gown featuring a sequined leopard neckline and a full ball gown skirt at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Elle Fanning’s Standout Shoe Moments: A Blend of Elegance and Whimsy
From red carpet events to casual outings, Elle Fanning’s footwear choices consistently showcase her unique style and fashion-forward sensibilities:
- Prada Gold Sandals: At the New York premiere of A Complete Unknown, Elle dazzled in a butter-yellow Prada gown, complemented by metallic gold sandals that added a touch of glamour to her sophisticated ensemble.
- Saint Laurent Black Pumps: For the London photocall of A Complete Unknown, she embraced a 1940s androgynous aesthetic in a brown Saint Laurent suit, paired with black squared pointed-toe heels, perfectly balancing masculine and feminine elements.
- Vivienne Westwood Satin Platforms: Attending Vivienne Westwood’s memorial service, Elle paid homage to the designer by wearing black satin platform heels featuring Mary Jane straps and angled soles, capturing Westwood’s bold and rebellious spirit.
- Laurence Dacade Coral Satin Pumps: During the Cannes Film Festival, Elle showcased a blush-colored Prada shift dress, accentuated by coral platform pumps from Laurence Dacade, adding a vibrant pop of color to her ensemble.
- Gucci ‘Ace’ Floral Sneakers: Demonstrating her off-duty style, Elle was spotted at LAX in a black slip dress and varsity jacket, complemented by white leather Gucci sneakers adorned with vibrant floral embroidery, blending comfort with high fashion.
- Dr. Martens x Agyness Deyn Mary Janes: Embracing her quirky style, Elle paired a denim crop top and skirt with clunky Dr. Martens Mary Janes from the Agyness Deyn collaboration, showcasing her penchant for unique and edgy footwear.
- Miu Miu Crystal Sandals: At the Miu Miu show during Paris Fashion Week, Elle exuded confidence in an embellished blue jumpsuit, elevated by Miu Miu crystal sandals that added a touch of sparkle to her ensemble.
- Maison Margiela Embellished Sneakers: Spotted at LAX, Elle combined comfort and style with white leather Maison Margiela sneakers featuring embellished buckles, adding a chic touch to her casual airport attire.
Elle Fanning’s diverse shoe choices reflect her versatility and commitment to fashion, effortlessly transitioning from glamorous red carpet looks to chic everyday wear.