Elle Fanning Embraces Vintage Femininity with Her Slouchy Style
Elle Fanning’s Fashion Evolution: A Blend of Nostalgia and Modernity
Elle Fanning made a notable appearance in New York this spring, showcasing a striking ensemble on the set of the “Mark and Kelly Show.” The actress opted for a playful mix of styles, donning a girlish iridescent tutu paired with a buttery yellow polo shirt. While the lower half exuded a festive vibe, the upper half struck a more casual note, reminiscent of an off-duty tennis player or a relaxed golf enthusiast. This narrative-bending attire was crafted by the Paris-based brand August Barron, founded by designers August Vestbø and Benjamin Barron, who are known for transforming traditional feminine aesthetics through innovative layering and silhouettes.
Currently promoting her Apple TV series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” Fanning’s press tour wardrobe has leaned heavily into slouchy, nostalgic, and occasionally ironic interpretations of femininity. For a recent appearance on the “Today Show,” she wore an outfit from Rabanne’s Fall-Winter 2026 collection, which draws inspiration from 1940s tea dresses. The dress, characterized by its charming ditsy print and relaxed fit, was complemented by a casual leather belt that sat effortlessly at her waist. Additionally, she recently wore an Alberta Ferretti rose-colored satin dress adorned with florals and featuring a built-in neckerchief.
Fanning wore a vintage-style Alberta Ferretti frock to a radio appearance to promote "Margo’s Got Money Troubles."
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Her press looks have followed this line of ironic, slouchy and kitschy femininity. To the "Today Show," Fanning wore a look by Rabanne that was inspired by 1940s tea dresses.
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Fanning’s choices emphasize billowy silhouettes that prioritize comfort, diverging from the figure-hugging styles that have dominated recent fashion trends. This shift aligns with a growing movement away from garments designed strictly to sculpt the body. Julia Fox also embraced this style at the Fashion Trust US Awards, donning a frilly satin salmon pink oversized nightgown from the emerging British label Ashley Williams. Williams’ Spring-Summer 2026 collection is influenced by the simpler clothing worn by factory workers, housekeepers, and nurses, further challenging conventional fashion norms.
This week Julia Fox also got the memo, arriving to the Fashion Trust US Awards in a frilly pink oversized nightie by Ashley Williams.
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August Barron, the label behind Fanning’s look on Wednesday, has built a cult following subverting and re-interpreting domestic femininity.
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Fanning’s stylist, Samantha McMillen, often integrates vintage influences from the ‘40s through the ‘70s into her public appearances. However, this approach is paired with contemporary designers who reinterpret traditional dress codes. August Barron’s collections are infused with various influences, from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” to the 1963 film “The Age of Curiosity,” resulting in garments that celebrate fashion history while offering a fresh perspective on femininity.
