The Most Elegant Cannes Film Festival Looks Of All Time

Some Cannes red carpet moments become just as memorable as the films themselves.

POSTED 19.05.26 23:26 BY ANNMARY MAILYAN

Feels like yesterday we were all getting excited over the Met Gala, and now we’re already witnessing yet another major event—the Cannes Film Festival. It’s one of the most prestigious occasions in the film industry, giving directors and production companies a chance to present their projects to a wider audience and form important connections. But for us, ordinary people, it’s another opportunity to admire the fashion choices of the guests, pick our personal favorites, and get inspired by the stunning looks. Over the years, Cannes has given us countless iconic outfits that are worth talking about.

Angelina Jolie (2008)

Each Angelina Jolie red carpet appearance deserves to be mentioned, so choosing just one was truly difficult. Still, I feel like green suits her especially well, and it’s honestly a shame we rarely get to see her wearing that color.

Back in 2008, she wore a custom emerald Max Azria Atelier gown and easily became one of the standout guests of the festival.

Blake Lively (2016)

If there’s one thing Blake Lively is better at than acting, it’s dressing for events: she never fails to disappoint. For Cannes 2016, she fully embraced her inner princess energy in an ice-blue Vivienne Westwood gown with an embellished corset bodice and a voluminous skirt.

Many people compared her to Cinderella at the time, and I can totally see the resemblance.

Irina Shayk (2018)

Coco Chanel once said, "Black wipes out everything else around," and Irina Shayk showed why that quote remains timeless.

For the 2018 festival, she wore a simple, yet incredibly elegant black Twinset maxi dress with a deep V-neckline and a ruffled skirt. The entire look felt polished, sophisticated, and memorable.

Bella Hadid (2019)

Bella Hadid sure knows how to dominate both runways and red carpets. In 2019, she became one of the most talked-about guests with her fiery red Roberto Cavalli dress with an asymmetrical cut, jeweled neckline, and hip cutouts that beautifully accentuated her figure.

She looked like a modern Greek goddess, if you ask me.

Elle Fanning (2019)

Elle Fanning usually gravitates toward princess-like dresses in soft pastel shades. But for the 2019 festival, she stepped outside of her image and ended up delivering one of the most memorable Cannes looks.

She went for an Old Hollywood-inspired Christian Dior dress featuring a sheer ivory silk top, a voluminous black skirt, and a dramatic macrame hat. Her look referenced Dior’s iconic “New Look” era from the 1940s.

Margot Robbie (2019)

Beauty lies in simplicity, and Margot Robbie is proof of that. In 2019, she chose a delicate Chanel dress with an off-the-shoulder cut and ruffled sleeves. On anyone else, it would've felt understated, but on Margot, it felt simply divine.

I love how effortless her makeup and hair looked, as if she just woke up, braided the front pieces of her hair, slipped into the dress, and casually arrived at the festival, still looking flawless.

Diane Kruger (2021)

Diane Kruger has long been a festival regular, consistently delivering sophisticated red carpet moments and fascinating film projects. My personal favorite remains her 2021 Giorgio Armani gown with a glittering halter bodice and a flowing skirt.

I love how the dress manages to feel soft and ethereal while carrying a subtle edge that complements her features beautifully.

Eva Longoria (2022)

Accidents don’t happen accidentally, and Eva Longoria knows that. In 2022, she was originally supposed to wear a completely different dress, but plans changed at the last minute.

She opted for a semi-sheer black Alberta Ferretti gown that balanced glam with a slightly edgier energy. Ironically, it ended up becoming one of her most unforgettable looks to date.

Meryl Streep (2024)

Who says gowns are the only options for red carpet events? Meryl Streep proved that it’s possible to look just as refined and elegant in a suit. In 2024, she wore a Michael Kors double-crepe pantsuit and absolutely nailed it.

I love how the outfit feels incredibly Meryl-coded with a slight coastal-inspired style. Simply perfect for Cannes, isn’t it?

Barbara Palvin (2026)

Barbara Palvin—or should I say, Sprouse—became one of the most discussed guests of this year’s film festival. She showed up to the red carpet in a pale blue Miu Miu maxi gown and surprised everyone with her baby bump reveal.

While she didn’t talk about details of the pregnancy, fans immediately speculated that the blue shade was a subtle hint that she and Dylan Sprouse are expecting a boy.

If you’re feeling inspired to shop for your own special event, my Fizzypicks has plenty of elegant dresses and gowns to choose from.

Tadashi Shoji pleated split maxi dress

TADASHI
Shoji Pleated Split Maxi Dress
$554