Cannes 2023 Review: Chic Couture vs Fashion Faux Pas

Hello there, friends. I seriously meant to get this post out like two weeks ago (you know, like, right after the Cannes film festival ended). Alas, I’ve had an absolutely insane few weeks and am just now getting over Covid, so here it is. My review of Cannes 2023. Better late than never I guess. 🤷‍♀️

Anyway, it’s another Red Carpet Fashion wrap up! This time, I’m scrutinizing all the looks from the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

Film aficionados likely know that Cannes is one of the most important film festivals in the world. It has a long history of showcasing artistry, highlighting both commercially and critically acclaimed cinema.

But, fashion lovers know it also has a history of top notch style. The two-week long festival boasts a 60-foot long red carpet with an iconic 24-step staircase. And the stars are known to bring their A-game.

In terms of aesthetics – it’s not as over-the-top and avant-garde as the Met Gala, but not as safe as the Oscars. Rather, Cannes is a beautiful mixture of the two worlds.

Anyway, here’s my take on the 2023 Cannes Red Carpet fashion.

Cannes 2023 Fashion Trends

Longtime members of the Bitch Tribe will know that I love to start out my Fashion Police posts with a look at the top trends that caught my eye.

Baby Bumps

Not so much a fashion trend, but there was a definite baby bump trend happening in Cannes this year! Pregnancy is hard enough as it is, but trying to find something red-carpet worthy on top of it has to be stressful. Props to these ladies, then, because all of them looked absolutely stunning.

I’m especially loving Claire Holt with her icy blue gown. Very Greek Goddess chic.

Hooded Gowns

The Little-Red-Riding-Hood look has been on the rise lately, but Cannes put this trend on firm display.

Personally, I don’t love Aishwarya Rai’s giant tinfoil-hat gown, but Alessandra Ambrosio and Nabilla Benattia absolutely nailed the look. They proved that trends don’t have to be in your face to be noticeable – in fact, subtlety is often way sexier.

Slinky and Sparkly

This isn’t so much a new trend as one that seems ever-present. Still, if it works, it works! For me, Natalie Portman and Alicia Vikander slayed in their sparkles.

Structured Silhouettes

Structured gowns have been making a major splash in 2023 – particularly when it comes to wedding dress styles. And we’re seeing more of it on the red carpet, now, too.

While there are a ton of different silhouettes out there, you can think of gowns in two categories: structured and free-flowing. Structured gowns have some sort of corset or boning so that the dress maintains a specific shape or “structure.” Free-flowing gowns, on the other hand, cascade over your body naturally.

Both types of gowns can be stunning, but the structured silhouette is giving old Hollywood glam and I for one and here for it. Jennifer Lawrence, in particular, is rocking this style.

Nude Hues

Again, we’ve seen shades of nude on the carpet for a while now, but it’s one of those trends that I personally love. Gigi Hadid’s structured nude gown is one I’m absolutely living for – in fact, it was one of my absolute favorites of the whole festival.

Nearly Naked

There’s nude as a color and nude as an adjective – and both have been trending for the past few years.

Naked Trend Fails

I certainly understand the desire to push the boundaries when it comes to fashion. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of style. These nearly naked gowns just didn’t hit it for me. (And yes, I know Julia Fox is on here twice, but… I stand by my decision.)

Naked Trend Done Right

Now that we’ve seen the bad (and the WTF – looking at you Ms. Fox), here’s the nearly naked trend done right.

None of these women are showing so much skin that it’s excessive. On top of that, they actually manage to look both elegant and sexy and high-fashion all at the same time. Eva Longoria, in particular, is perfection.

Bold Choices

This year we’ve seen some interesting trends; on one hand, we’ve got simple, structured gowns. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the over-the-top statement makers.

Bold but Bad

Gowns that are big and bold with bright colors, extravagant embellishments, and ornate silhouettes just scream “Look at me!” Unfortunately, it’s not always a look we want to see.

All of these gowns have elements that are amazing. But when you throw them all together, it looks less couture and more chaotic mess.

Bold Fashion Done Right

These looks, however, are doing the big and bold trend just right. Sofia Carson’s ball gown is a bright color with a bold texture. The added gloves and updo make it both glamorous and edgy.

Irina Shayk looks stunning in her bold gown, complete with a deep-v silhouette and a full, tulle skirt. And Julia Garner also proves that you only need a few extra elements to make a bold statement. Bright, jewel toned color – check. Added cape – check. Goddess chic appearance – check, check, check!

Cannes 2023 Fashion Standouts

Subtle Sex Appeal

I’m always a fan of Cate Blanchett’s style, and her look on the Cannes 2023 carpet didn’t disappoint.

Brie Larson is hit or miss for me, but this outfit was a surefire hit. Stunning!

And Rosie Huntington-Whiteley… well, it’s hard not to look sexy when you’re a supermodel, but she’s further proof that sometimes less is more.

Belle of the Ball

Jennie Kim isn’t exactly wearing a ball gown, but it’s making me think we need a new dress category. Is tea-length ball gown a thing? Because it should be!

Elle Fanning literally looks like a princess. No other way to describe it!

And Natalie Portman’s Dior gown was undoubtedly one of the best of the year.

Queen of the Carpet

Finally, there can only be one fashion queen – and this year, I’m giving that title to Fan Bingbing. Every single gown she wore in Cannes was stunning and she managed to mix high fashion and elegance with ease. Brava! 👑

What do you think of the Cannes 2023 fashion choices? Let me know in the comments down below!