Effie Gray actress Dakota Fanning and her sister, Elle Fanning, share blonde hair, blue eyes, alabaster skin, and a similarly eccentric fashion taste.
A prime example of this is Dakota’s ensemble during New York Fashion Week in February 2014. The elder Fanning sister wore an open-knit cardigan over a light pink dress to the Rodarte presentation.
Dakota Fanning wears her blonde hair down and shows off her cleavage at the Rodarte presentation held on February 11, 2014, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City (Credit: SIPA / WENN)
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Dakota’s Role in Effie Gray
The same year, Dakota Fanning starred as the title character Euphemia “Effie” Gray in the 2014 British biographical film Effie Gray.
Based on the true story of Euphemia “Effie” Gray, the teenage wife of the art critic John Ruskin, Dakota Fanning was 20 years old when Effie Gray was released worldwide by Universal Pictures in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2014.
English actor Matthew Gregory Wise, who portrayed Victorian art critic John Ruskin, was 48 years old when Effie Gray was released. This means he is 28 years older than Dakota Fanning.
John Ruskin married Euphemia “Effie” Gray in 1848, but their marriage was annulled on non-consummation grounds six years later, in 1854.
Dakota Fanning as teenage bride Euphemia “Effie” Gray and Greg Wise as John Ruskin in the 2014 British biographical film Effie Gray (Credit: Sovereign Films)
Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning’s younger sister, was originally slated to play Sophie Gray in the film but was replaced by Polly Dartford due to her height difference. Elle grew four inches taller than her older sister.
A Unique Fashion Moment: Mismatched Pumps
The low neckline flaunted major cleavage at the Rodarte presentation during New York Fashion Week. Even more interesting than the dress was Dakota’s choice of footwear. She strolled into Fashion Week wearing mismatched black-and-white round-toe pumps.
Dakota Fanning’s feet in contrasting black-and-white pumps (Credit: SIPA / WENN)
While the pumps weren’t entirely mismatched, they featured contrasting colors that created an asymmetrical look. Although the shoes share the same style, the platform, trim, and top colors are in stark contrast. While both the shoes and the dress are striking on their own, they don’t quite complement each other when paired together.
Replicate Dakota’s Look: Stylish Pump Mash-Ups
We couldn’t locate this exact pair of pumps, but if you’re inspired to recreate Dakota’s unique shoe style, you can easily do so. You might need to purchase two pairs of shoes, but let’s be honest—can you ever have too many shoes?
Try these mash-ups we put together using Steve Madden’s “Deeny” ankle-strap pumps and French Connection’s “Madeline” slingback pumps:
Steve Madden “Deeny” and “Deeny-R” Pumps
French Connection “Madeline” Slingback Pumps in White Combi and Black