14 Reasons Elle Fanning Is Our Fashion Spiritual Guide

No one oscillates between high-street Disney mode and old Hollywood glamour as flawlessly as Elle Fanning. The actor has a disarming, lively personal style splattered with just a touch of Rodarte-esque unworldliness. Just when showbiz was ready to write Fanning off as a fresh-faced Chanel darling, the Neon Demon star showed us exactly how to carve a personal aesthetic without trying too hard to fit in. Elle’s wardrobe choices are also a reflection of Gen-Z’s love for keeping things unpredictable and going against the grain. Elle, who practically grew up on the red carpet and is sister to Dakota Fanning, has been making Hollywood appearances since she was a tot. And when it comes to red carpets, she’s here to dismantle everyone’s fashion theories. She has worn everything from dreamy Marc Jacobs sheer corset dresses to Oscar de la Renta power suits to high-powered Vivianne Westwood couture. So, how does Elle keep it so fresh and distinctive? “I’m a unicorn flower child at heart, mixed with a schoolboy, and the occasional Cali surfer dude,” Elle told Vogue about her style in 2017. “I try not to blend into all the black dresses in the room.” Yup, that sounds about right. Here’s looking at some of her most defining fashion moments.

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Here's why Elle Fanning's unpredictable Gen Z style works so well

Pop Art Promise

Elle is all kinds of iconic in this Versace printed number with matching heels and bombshell hair.

Image: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images
Princess Moment

This flamingo pink lace dress by Rodarte is exactly what new-age Disney kids' dreams are made of. We can't get enough of Elle's princess headband.

Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Hollywood Power

Elle wears a Lanvin blouse, roomy Nomia tuxedo jacket and pencil-cut Jenni Kayne trousers. P.S.: The long tux is totally boss outerwear.

Image: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Sundance Film Festival
Bring on the Kitsch

No one does kitschy romance as well as Elle; this Dolce & Gabbana dog-printed dress is just summer goodness.

Image: @ellefanning
Camp Vibes

The star was basically high-street Barbie in a Miu Miu crop top and retro wide-legged pants at this year's camp-themed Met gala. We just want to know how long it took to get those nail charms right.

Image: Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty Images
Marilyn Approved

Dressed head-to-toe in Loewe, Elle is a vision in this graphic printed shirt and skirt ensemble.

Image: Robert Kamau/GC Images
Having a Bowment

Elle wears a stunning bow bralette and a black skirt at Miu Miu's Paris Fahion Week after-party, giving us major couture evening wear goals.

Image: Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Miu Miu
Taking Flight

Elle knows exactly when to rescue the Hawaiian shirt and vintage denims from the back of the closet.

Image: SMXRF/Star Max/GC Images/Getty Images
Red Carpet Time

The star is at her princess-y best on the Cannes red carpet in a lime green tulle Gucci Fall/Winter 2017 gown.

Image: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Match Madness

Is it the 70s? Because Elle is a vintage dream in an ochre wool gabardine blazer from Oscar de la Renta's Resort 2019 collection.

Image: Patricia Schlein/Star Max/GC Images
French Day Out

If you're not strolling the streets of Cannes in a summer skirt and a silk halter top, are you even on vacation?

Image: Marc Piasecki/GC Images
Black Tie Optional

This Valentino couture gown is basically wearable art, and no one could have done better justice to it than Elle.

Image: Pascal Le Segretain/WireImage
While at the Berlinale

Elle is clearly in love with Valentino's Spring 2018 couture line; the star channels Grace of Monaco with this color-blocked gown at the Berlinale 2018.

Image: Matthias Nareyek/WireImage/Getty Images
Roman Holiday

Since we don't often find ourselves on a Roman balcony, we must live vicariously through Elle. She's living our fantasy lives, replete with frilly dresses, flowers, et al.

Image: @ellefanning