Elle Fanning Masters the Dress-Over-Pants Trend in Simone Rocha and Manolo Blahnik at the BFI London Premiere

Elle Fanning has long been one of my favorite red carpet muses. She usually looks like she’s stepped out of a fairytale, often wearing dreamy gowns in tulle, silk, and soft pastel colors.

So when I saw her at the 69th BFI London Film Festival premiere of her new movie Sentimental Value, I was surprised, in a good way.

Elle Fanning brings contemporary, edgy style to the “Sentimental Value” screening during the 69th BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall on October 12, 2025, in London, England (Credit: Cover Images)

Elle chose a more experimental look rather than her usual breathtaking gown. She wore a Simone Rocha dress over a pair of pants, complete with Manolo Blahnik heels. Although unexpected, it was a welcome change that displayed her more playful, contemporary style.

Elle Fanning Experiments With Simone Rocha’s Dress-Over-Pants Trend

Elle wore a Simone Rocha Spring 2026 creation, featuring a glimmering black sequin dress layered over black wide-leg trousers. The dress itself was striking, catching the light beautifully as it was completely covered in glittering sequins. It featured a sleek bodice with thick shoulder straps, a scoop neckline, and a tricky drop-waist silhouette, which Elle handled with grace.

I have mixed feelings about drop-waist dresses. They can look awkward or unflattering, but Elle made it work effortlessly with her statuesque frame. The dress also had functional pockets, which she used casually as she posed on the red carpet, giving off an air of cool confidence.

The long, mid-calf hemline flowed gracefully, offering glimpses of the wide-leg black pants underneath. The layering added depth and edge to Elle’s usual feminine elegance.

Elle Fanning wears a black sequined sleeveless midi dress with a drop-waist over a pair of wide-leg black trousers (Credit: Cover Images)

The dress was still too simple for Elle, despite all the sequins. However, her longtime stylist, Samantha McMillen, gave it a clever twist by layering a pair of black wide-leg pants underneath. It was a subtle yet brilliant move that completely transformed the outfit’s vibe.

Though the pants were barely visible beneath the long hem of the dress, that small detail added depth and structure, giving the ensemble a contemporary, stylish edge.

Before diving deeper into Elle Fanning’s daring red-carpet look, it’s worth understanding the creative force behind her outfit.

Simone Rocha: The Designer Behind the Look

Simone Rocha is an Irish fashion designer known for her “subversive femininity” aesthetic, which blends traditional feminine elements like bows and lace with modern silhouettes and experimental fabrics.

Her work, which began in 2010 after graduating from Central Saint Martins, draws heavily on her heritage, combining Irish and Chinese influences with historical and artistic references. Rocha’s designs are celebrated for their sculptural shapes, layered textures, and a tension between delicacy and strength — a balance that has made her a favorite among celebrities and fashion insiders alike.

Cartier Sparkle and Red-Lip Glam: Elle’s Minimalist Approach to Edge

Elle kept the rest of her look simple, letting the outfit shine. She wore a black Cartier Baignoire watch in 18k white gold with diamonds and a Cartier Panthere de Cartier ring featuring onyx, diamonds, and emeralds.

She pulled her blonde locks up into a messy but chic high bun, leaving wisps loose to frame her face. The American actress then opted for an edgy glam, wearing subtle smoky eyeshadow and bold red lipstick, adding a pop of color to the all-black look.

Elle Fanning styles her hair in a high bun and accessorizes her look with a black Cartier Baignoire watch and a Cartier Panthere de Cartier ring (Credit: Cover Images)

Finishing Touch: Elle Fanning Elevates the Look With Manolo Blahnik’s “Ramisli Fabio” Sandals

A pair of black heels brought everything together flawlessly. Although Elle could have created a more seamless finish with sleek boots or pumps, her choice of open-toe sandals added a touch of ease, preventing the ensemble from appearing too heavy.

She wore Manolo Blahnik’s “Ramisli Fabio” sandals, made in Italy from smooth black leather. The design boasted elegant crisscrossing front straps and an elasticated slingback strap. What caught my eye was the decorative crystal-encrusted buckle, which added an extra touch of sparkle to her ensemble.

Blahnik’s aesthetic masterfully balances classic elegance with whimsical detail — think refined silhouettes punctuated by crystal buckles, unexpected textures, or sculptural accents. His most iconic design, the Hangisi pump, rose to fame after its memorable appearance in Sex and the City and has since become a symbol of modern romance and timeless craftsmanship.

Through his meticulous attention to proportion and an almost poetic approach to materials, Manolo Blahnik has built a legacy where every pair tells a story — one rooted in artistry, individuality, and enduring style.

Below, you’ll find Your Next Shoes articles that showcase how this brand identity plays out across celebrity fashion moments and design retrospectives.

The “Ramisli Fabio” sandals were finished with rounded open toes and high stiletto heels that gave her a subtle boost in height—not that her 5’9” frame needed it. If you’re interested, Farfetch is selling the “Ramisli Fabio” sandals for $945.

Elle Fanning pairs her all-black ensemble with black open-toe “Ramisli Fabio” sandals by Manolo Blahnik featuring crisscross straps and a decorative crystal-encrusted buckle (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

More of Elle Fanning’s Most Stylish Shoe Moments

From her daring Simone Rocha sequin ensemble to the refined Manolo Blahnik sandals that completed the look, Elle Fanning continues to redefine modern red-carpet elegance. Each appearance reflects her evolving confidence and fashion maturity — balancing playful experimentation with timeless sophistication.