Formal attire doesn’t have to be traditional (or worse, boring). When it comes to getting ready for a night out, this week’s best-dressed stars prove that beauty can still be unconventional — like, yes, daring to break the rules! Whether on the Hollywood red carpet or on the front row of Paris Fashion Week, stars like Angelina Jolie, Selena Gomez and Jenni Gomez have chosen eye-catching designs that fit both the black-tie dress code and are quintessentially modern.
We saw many such moments at the 2024 New York Film Festival. Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a vintage white Madame Gres dress that clung to all the right places, while Naomi Watts chose a black Schiaparelli dress with straps that had just the right amount of volume, paired with a petal-shaped skirt. The key here is to take classic formal details and elevate them – like Selena Gomez’s black Vera Wang dress, which featured a large bow at the back that instantly mesmerized.
The sculptural silhouette also adds some drama to the composition. At the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, Zendaya made a statement in a puff-hem skirt with a loose, oversized blazer. At the premiere of “Joker 2” in Hollywood, Lady Gaga’s custom-made Celine gown featured big ruffled sleeves. Think of these dresses as a new type of formalwear — perfect for people like these A-listers, who aren’t afraid to take up a room and take a risk.
Which celebrity look was your favorite this week? Vote below and come back on Friday to see who Eskom readers take home the Best Dressed award. NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: Selena Gomez attends the red carpet at the 62nd New York Film Festival – “Emilia Perez” at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center on September 30, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for FLASH) PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 1: (Editorial use only – please seek permission from the fashion house for non-editorial use) On October 1, 2024 Zendaya Coleman attends the Louis Vuitton (Louis Vuitton) Fashion Show Paris 2025 Spring & Summer Women’s Wear Show is part of Paris Fashion Week on the 2nd in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 29: Angelina Jolie attends the Maria Gala at Alice Tully Hall in New York City Spotlight Screening and Q&A on September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jason Mendes/Getty Images for Netflix) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: Saoirse attends the Sony Pictures Classics and Film Society’s screening of “Desperate Ronan Appears.” (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 2024 CHLA Gala at the Los Angeles Live Event Deck on October 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images) South Korean actress, singer and rapper of K-pop girl group Blackpink Jennie showcases Chanel Summer 2025 women’s ready-to-wear spring clothing during Paris Fashion Week on October 1, 2024. presentations. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASELT/AFP) (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASELT/AFP via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 3: Naomi Watts attends the 62nd annual 2024 Chanel Awards ceremony held at Alice Tully Hall on October 3, 2024 in New York City during the premiere of “Friends” during the New York Film Festival. (Photo: TheStewartofNY/Getty Images) PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 1: Addison Rae attends the Miu Miu Paris Women’s Spring Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Palais Aisne on October 1, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo: Arnold Jarocki/Getty Images for Miu Miu) NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 1: Zoe Saldana on October 1, 2024 in New York City. (Photo: Yes. (Photo: Axel/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
