In a city known for glamour and cinematic magic, Elle Fanning has emerged as one of the standout style stars of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Channeling the soft hues of the sea and sky, the actress embraced aqua-toned elegance in not one, but two unforgettable looks that perfectly capture the spirit of the French Riviera. Whether strolling the cobbled streets or gliding down the red carpet, Fanning proves that pastel isn’t just a color—it’s a Cannes state of mind.
A dream in coach: Daylight elegance on the Riviera
Elle Fanning’s fashion story in Cannes began with a whisper of silk and a breeze of nostalgia. For her first public appearance on the French Riviera, the Great actress wore a custom aquamarine dress by Coach’s Stuart Vevers—a look that exuded soft femininity and vintage charm. The maxi-length gown, made from airy silk chiffon, floated around her as she walked, its gentle tiers and delicate details echoing a fairytale-like elegance.
The dress featured a sleeveless, drop-waist silhouette that flared gracefully from the bodice. Adornments like a petite bow and delicate leaf embroidery at the chest, along with a touch of vintage lace at the hem, brought a subtle romanticism to the ensemble. Paired with pointed-toe flats in the same powdery blue, also by Coach, the look was as refined as it was relaxed. Fanning’s choice of accessories—a matching pastel Tabby bag and hair styled in playful pigtails tied with blue ribbons—sealed the deal: this was a masterclass in modern-day princess dressing.
A red carpet vision in Armani Privé
As night fell and flashbulbs sparked, Elle Fanning transformed from Riviera muse to red carpet goddess. Attending the premiere of Affeksjonsverdi (Sentimental Value), Fanning stunned in a couture gown by Armani Privé that glistened like moonlight on the Mediterranean. The color—a subtle aqua with hints of silver—echoed her earlier look, but this time reimagined with a sultry, cinematic edge.
The strapless gown featured a plunging sweetheart neckline, framed with crystal embellishments that added dimension and drama. A short train trailed elegantly behind her, while intricate pink rose embroidery and glittering sequins gave the dress texture and artistry. The combination of softness and sparkle made it one of the most striking gowns on the Cannes carpet that evening.
To complement the look, Fanning kept her beauty minimal and ethereal. Her makeup featured a flush of blush and soft rose-toned lips, while diamond earrings peeked through her blonde waves. There was nothing overdone or theatrical—just the quiet confidence of a young actress who knows exactly how to own the moment.
Photocall chic: Retro cool with a touch of blue
Fanning continued her style streak the next day at the Affeksjonsverdi photocall held at the iconic Palais des Festivals. Opting for a more laid-back yet still high-fashion ensemble, she blended casual street style with Cannes-appropriate polish. Dressed head-to-toe in Gucci, the actress wore high-waisted denim with a tan leather logo belt, chunky platform sandals, and a white tee that gave a clever nod to the film’s director, Joachim Trier.
While the outfit spoke to Fanning’s off-duty cool, she didn’t leave behind her signature softness. Tied around her head was a light blue silk Gucci scarf, printed with painterly florals in pink and green—a subtle echo of the rose motifs from her red carpet gown. The scarf not only tied the whole look together but served as a fashionable bridge between her couture moments and her casual daywear. The choice felt intentional, symbolic even: a nod to continuity in storytelling, not just in cinema, but in personal style.
The art of dressing with intention
What makes Elle Fanning’s Cannes fashion moments stand out isn’t just the garments themselves—it’s how she wears them. Every look, from chiffon daytime dress to sequined couture, is delivered with a clear point of view. Fanning isn’t chasing trends or drowning in brand names. Instead, she’s creating a visual narrative that aligns with the spirit of each occasion while staying true to her personal style—a delicate balance that few young stars master.
Her use of aqua tones in various shades—muted, pastel, silvery, and floral—felt especially fitting for Cannes. The color evokes the natural beauty of the region while nodding to old Hollywood glamor in a thoroughly modern way. It’s a choice that shows thoughtful styling, likely orchestrated with the help of her trusted stylist, but carried effortlessly by Fanning’s innate grace.
A Cannes muse in full bloom
Elle Fanning’s sartorial presence at Cannes this year serves as a reminder that fashion can be both playful and profound. She’s not simply dressing up for the cameras—she’s crafting a narrative, one look at a time. In a festival filled with over-the-top statements and fashion experiments, Fanning’s quiet, consistent elegance stands out as its own kind of boldness.
Whether she’s strolling past the yachts in Coach chiffon or gliding across the Palais steps in Armani sparkle, one thing is clear: Elle Fanning has become one of Cannes’ most compelling fashion muses. And with the festival still unfolding, we can’t wait to see what other pastel dreams she brings to life.
