BEST DRESSED

Lily James Is a Modern Day Princess

The Cinderella actress knows that a ballgown makes the ultimate red carpet statement. Here, her best looks.


Lily James in Elie Saab
1

Lily James masterfully balances her current role as Cinderella with the role of a budding style star. Exhibit A: The Mary Katrantzou Spring 2015 dress—sheer on top, classic Cinderella blue on the bottom—she donned for the film’s photo call in Berlin.

Photograph by Getty Images.

2

James wowed at the Berlin International Film Festival in a blush pink Dior gown and a subtle De Beers diamond choker. A strong brow and pristine blown-out hair gave the classic look a pretty edge.

Photograph by Getty Images.

3

The star continued her ladylike streak in Moscow with a pearl-embellished dress from Nicholas Oakwell’s Spring 2014 couture collection and silver Chelsea Paris sandals.

Photograph by Getty Images.

4

James sported a sultry crimson halter dress from the Gucci Spring 2015 collection and black Christian Louboutin Viennana heels in Milan.

Photo by Getty Images.

5

This high-neck, long-sleeve Erdem Spring 2015 dress is not an easy one to pull off, but James wore it like a star, paired with nude Jimmy Choo sandals and a chic oxblood lip.

Photo by Getty Images.

6

Returning to her go-to ballgowns, the star shined in another ode to Cinderella in a pale blue Prada gown at the Mexico City premiere. A metallic Anya Hindmarch “Crisp Packet” clutch added a modern touch.

Photo by Getty Images.

7

James stole the show in Elie Saab Couture at the world premiere of Cinderella in Los Angeles.

Photo by FilmMagic.

8

James chose yet another embellished dress from Mary Katrantzou’s Spring 2015 collection for the Mexico City photo call, accessorized with powder blue Alexandre Birman Lolita sandals.

Photo by Getty Images.

9

Improving upon her ankle-length Erdem dress from the Milan photo call, James donned a loose-fitting red and black Dolce & Gabbana lace dress to a casual screening in New York. Black Stuart Weitzman platforms, a dainty half-up do, and lots of leg kept things youthful and fun.

Photo by PatrickMcMullan.com.

10

Following a streak of embellished looks, James pared things down for the AOL Build Speaker Series. Her all-white ensemble by Camilla and Marc, accessorized by a hefty gold necklace and coordinating Stuart Weitzman ’Nudist’ sandals, was just right for the casual engagement.

Photo by Getty Images.

11

Back to embroidery, the actress debuted a springy feminine look for an appearance in New York with half-up hair, a Dior floral dress, and black Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’s.

Photo by Getty Images.

12

James’s structured Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2015 gown was a modern take on Cinderella’s classic blue gown—metallic blue heels, a few diamonds, and gold earrings added with metallic blue heels—plus a few diamond and gold earrings added some extra edge.

Photo by Getty Images.

13

James attended the opening of a ‘Cinderella’ exhibition in London in a black and white gingham shirt and cream pinstriped pin skirt from Altuzarra’s Spring 2015 collection. A clean blowout and classic black pumps gave the business-like look a bit of polish.

Photo by Getty Images.

14

A mod Valentino dress and chic cat-eye in Tokyo helped James become our Best Dressed of the day.

Photo by Getty Images.

15

Following a string of contemporary looks, James returned to her fairytale wardrobe with an ethereal pink number from the Elie Saab Spring 2015 couture collection. Pretty waves and delicate jewelry kept things looking princess polished.

Photo by Getty Images.