Elle Fanning in Oscar de la Renta at the “Galveston” LA Film Festival Premiere: IN or OUT?

We won’t lie: Our very first thought was “Lupita would look amazing in this.” Sorry to be so essentialist about it but we really do feel Elle’s natural coloring isn’t the best choice for a dress like this. And she may be one of those pale blondes who actually doesn’t look all that great in black, unlike Nicole Kidman, who looks amazing in it. Having said all that, and with the full admission that it’s sort of our bugaboo after years of writing about Fanning fashion, we are partially charmed by this design and this style for her. She’s done more than her share of retro fashion, but it was almost always in either Victoriana with a heavily romantic feel or Marcia Brady drag, both of which suit her perfectly. This sort of mid-’50s socialite look works well and has the effect of coming off a little fresh on her. And we simply adore the falling-leaves design of the skirt, which is romantic and subtle. But the black satin sash is pretty sad-looking and the bustline sits too low. And while a more polished set of choices for the head styling would have been welcome, we wonder if it ’50s hair and appropriately delicate jewelry would come off tired and costume-y. As you can see, we have all sorts of thoughts and if pressed, probably couldn’t come to a definitive answer to the question we’re foisting on you, which is:

Elle Fanning’s 195os Socialite Update:

IN or OUT?

Style Credits:
Oscar de la Renta Strapless Cocktail Dress from the Resort 2019 Collection

Styled by Samantha McMillen

[Photo Credit: INSTARImages, Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta, modaoperandi.com]

• Elle Fanning
• Galveston
• In or Out
• Movie Premiere
• Oscar de la Renta
• Samantha McMillen