Elle Fanning's Most Daring Red Carpet Moments

Elle Fanning has cultivated a reputation for fearless fashion choices that consistently push creative boundaries. The actor, recently recognized with her first Oscar nomination for "Sentimental Value," has become nearly as celebrated for her sartorial daring as for her acclaimed performances.

From the sun-drenched steps of Cannes to the glittering halls of the Met Gala, Fanning's wardrobe tells a story of artistic evolution. Her style journey demonstrates a willingness to experiment with sheer fabrics, architectural silhouettes, and bold structural elements that challenge conventional red carpet expectations.

Each appearance reveals a meticulous approach to fashion, balancing youthful exuberance with sophisticated design sensibilities. Her choices reflect both personal growth and a deep understanding of how clothing can communicate narrative and confidence.

Fanning's fashion experimentation began in earnest during 2017, a year that established her as a style innovator. Her Cannes Film Festival appearances that year showcased her willingness to embrace unconventional silhouettes and bold color combinations.

During a daytime appearance in Cannes, Fanning paired a black halter crop top with vibrant contrasting pieces—a pink jacket and orange skirt. The ensemble, completed with white accessories and black heels, demonstrated her talent for mixing unexpected color palettes while maintaining cohesive style.

The green silk Gucci gown was almost entirely sheer and embroidered with sparkly floral detailing.

Her red carpet appearances grew increasingly sophisticated throughout 2017. At the Cannes Film Festival, she wore a green Gucci gown featuring a plunging neckline and low back. The sheer silk fabric was adorned with oversized floral embroidery, creating a look that was both ethereal and daring.

Later that year at the Toronto Film Festival, Fanning arrived in an Alexander McQueen creation featuring a pink lace dress with a sheer corset. The high-low skirt design showcased the brand's signature attention to detail, while the delicate lace and dropped-waist corset created a romantic yet modern aesthetic.

Fanning's style continued to evolve through 2018 and 2019, embracing architectural elements and structural design. Her appearances at fashion shows and film festivals revealed an increasing comfort with complex silhouettes and innovative fabric treatments.

At a Miu Miu fashion show in July 2017, Fanning wore a pink dress covered in oversized sequins. The design featured both a plunging neckline and a midriff cutout, demonstrating her willingness to combine multiple daring elements in a single look. She coordinated her silver heels to match the crystal-lined neckline detail.

The following year at the Deauville American Film Festival, Fanning's custom Miu Miu gown presented a striking contrast between its yellow sequined bodice and white tulle skirt. The bodice, trimmed with silver sequins and forming a central bow, created a dramatic focal point while the flowing skirt added movement and grace.

• Sequined bodices with intricate detailing
• Sheer corset elements for structural contrast
• High-low skirt designs for dynamic silhouettes
• Midriff cutouts that balance exposure with elegance

Her 2019 appearances showcased even greater diversity in her fashion choices. At the Cannes Film Festival, she wore a floral-print Valentino gown with a full skirt, train, and ruffled sleeves. The look, accessorized with Chopard jewelry and Sophia Webster shoes, demonstrated her ability to embrace romantic, voluminous shapes while maintaining modern sophistication.

The years 2019 through 2021 marked a period where Fanning fully embraced transparency and structural innovation in her wardrobe choices. Her appearances at awards shows and galas featured increasingly complex designs that played with light, shadow, and architectural form.

At the 2019 D23 Expo, Fanning arrived in a head-to-toe pink ensemble that challenged conventional layering. The sheer Kimhekim blouse and skirt were held together by an oversized pink satin bow, creating a sculptural effect. A pink corset and lighter pink pointed-toe heels completed this avant-garde look.

The pale-pink dress from Miu Miu featured sequins on the halter bodice, which formed cutouts on the sides.

Her 2019 iHeart Radio Music Awards appearance featured a Miu Miu gown that appeared almost see-through. The halter bodice, covered in sequins, created side cutouts while the tulle skirt flowed to the floor with subtle sparkles. She accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, adding refined elegance to the daring silhouette.

By 2021, Fanning's red carpet style had become even more confident and experimental. At the LACMA Art + Film Gala, she wore a Gucci sheer black gown featuring cutouts across the torso and sleeves. The dress combined a high neckline with an open back and full skirt, creating a dramatic contrast between coverage and exposure.

Later that year at the InStyle Awards, Fanning chose a Balmain cropped top designed to resemble gold chain. The piece left her back completely open and was paired with a low-rise black skirt, showcasing her continued interest in mixing metallic elements with classic silhouettes.

From 2023 through 2026, Fanning's style reached new heights of sophistication, blending contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Her appearances at major awards shows and fashion events demonstrated a mature understanding of how to balance daring elements with refined presentation.

At the 2023 Critics Choice Awards, Fanning wore an off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen dress featuring ruffles, floral embroidery, and strategic cutouts. The cream gown flared around her hips before cinching again for an asymmetrical effect, with a sweetheart neckline that sat low on her chest.

Her 2024 Met Gala appearance for the "Garden of Time" theme featured a Balmain glass-like dress. The form-fitting gown had a neckline that flowed into birds on each shoulder, with the transparent material creating a tulle train. This look perfectly captured the event's theme while showcasing Fanning's commitment to conceptual fashion.

• Archival designer pieces for contemporary events
• Sheer fabrics with intricate patterning
• Architectural necklines that extend to the waist
• Modern interpretations of classic silhouettes

Her 2025 appearances continued this trajectory of bold elegance. At the Cannes Film Festival premiere of "The Mastermind," Fanning wore a custom Valentino Haute Couture gown with silver sequins and a plunging neckline that reached her waist. The long-sleeve design featured a bedazzled belt and flowing train, creating a look that was both glamorous and structurally innovative.

Most recently at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Fanning wore a 2003 archival Ralph Lauren gown with a cowl neckline that scooped low across her torso. The gold dress hugged her figure before flaring into a subtle train, demonstrating her ability to make vintage pieces feel contemporary and daring.

Elle Fanning's red carpet journey represents more than just a collection of beautiful dresses—it showcases a consistent willingness to take creative risks and push fashion boundaries. From her early experiments with color and silhouette to her current embrace of architectural transparency, Fanning has evolved into a true style innovator.

Her fashion choices consistently demonstrate an understanding of how clothing can communicate confidence, artistry, and personal growth. Whether wearing vintage archival pieces or contemporary haute couture, Fanning approaches each appearance with the same level of intention and creativity.

Fanning's style evolution reflects a deep understanding of how clothing can communicate narrative and confidence.

As her career continues to ascend, Fanning's fashion legacy is already well-established. She has proven that daring choices need not sacrifice elegance, and that true style innovation comes from a willingness to experiment while maintaining authentic self-expression.

The actor's approach to fashion serves as a masterclass in balancing trend awareness with personal vision, making her one of the most consistently interesting figures on the red carpet today.