Since breaking out in Hollywood in the early ’00s as the child star of films like I Am Sam, Uptown Girls and The Cat in the Hat. Dakota Fanning has grown up right before our eyes. Now in her mid-20s, Fanning is still working hard, landing roles in prestige TV dramas like TNT’s The Alienist and intriguing indies like the Star Trek-inspired Please Stand By.
But one of the most interesting ways to track Fanning’s maturation into a respected grown-up actor is through the clothing she has worn on the red carpet. She’s gone from wearing very cute, ornate sleeved dresses to the most luxurious, flattering gowns. There’s also a consistent through-line in her red carpet or special event sartorial choices: she keeps it ridiculously classy, and the overall effect is both stunning and envy-inducing.
So, on the occasion of her 24th birthday, let’s take a trip back in time and look at the evolution of Dakota Fanning’s red carpet style.
Very Twee in 2001
Dakota Fanning looked so, so cute in a golden dress on her first major red carpet for the premiere of I Am Sam.
A Matching Pair in 2003
The Fanning sisters chose to go with matching kimono-inspired knee-length dresses (red for Dakota, green for Elle) for the world premiere of Dakota's film The Cat in the Hat.
The Belle of the Ball in 2004
Fanning looked like a vision in white for the Hollywood Hits Broadway and EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance fundraiser.
Sporting a Bold Jewel Tone in 2005
She stayed bold at Hollywood Life Magazine's Fifth Annual Breakthrough of the Year Awards with an aquamarine and black dress.
Looking Floral and Fresh-Faced in 2007
Fanning made a summery statement at the Fourth Annual First Star Celebration for Children's Rights.
Casual in a Black Cocktail Dress in 2008
At The Secret Life of Bees premiere, her style matured a little more when she opted for a sleeveless black cocktail-length dress with a scalloped neckline.
Fierce in Neutrals in 2010
The premiere of Twilight: Eclipse saw Fanning looking vampiric and ethereal in a barely beige dress with lace overlay.
Peachy Pops of Color in 2010
She opted for a peach-champagne colored dress and simple beige pumps for the premiere of The Runaways in 2010.
Staying Super Chic in 2011
Fanning wore a simple pink, green and white floral dress to the Marc Jacobs Collection for Spring 2012.
An Elegant Two-Piece in 2013
Fanning chose a two-piece dress in glittering black for the TIFF 2013 premiere of her film Night Moves.
Elegant in Midnight Blue in 2013
Fanning arrived at The Last of Robin Hood premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival in a '60s-inspired knee-length midnight blue frock.
A Black & White Beauty in 2015
Dakota Fanning wore a very chic, very French black and white ensemble while attending the Dior Cruise photocall in 2016.
A True Star Come to Life in 2016
Fanning, a Save the Children Artist Ambassador, attended the Fourth Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala wearing a multicolored starry black dress with sheer sleeves.
Soft & Simple in Yellow 2016
Dakota looked soft and simple in a yellow frock with an empire waist at the 23rd Annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards in 2016.
Sporting a Beautiful Blush Gown in 2017
Fanning arrived at the red carpet of Please Stand By sporting a high pony that allowed her dramatic blush gown to take center stage.
Vampy & Mature in 2018
Fanning went one-shouldered and smoky-eyed with a frilly black dress to boot at the premiere of TNT's The Alienist.
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