award shows, royals & runways: february fashion roundup
I can't believe it's already March! Let's dive into February's finest! This month has been brimming with fabulous fashion! Meghan Markle's ethereal blue gown at the NAACP Image Awards and Nicole Kidman and Selena Gomez's bows at the SAG Awards were among the most memorable. I'm also diving into all the fashion abroad! The Duchess of Cambridge's trip to Denmark, featuring a new royal style icon and the runways at Milan Fashion Week! This month's best-dressed includes three of my signature favorites: modesty, royalty, and bows. Continue to get a peek inside my dress-obsessed head.
naacp awards: bright blue & vintage
meghan, duchess of sussex
In both words and attire, Meghan Markle made a statement at the 53rd NAACP Awards. She looked stunning in a one-shoulder Christopher John Rogers gown with a cape floating at the back; her sleek side-swept haircut was perfect for the dress, accentuating the brighter shade of blue and flattering silhouette.
(photos via Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock, NAACP, BET)
This dress reminded me that blue has been a staple color in Meghan's closet even before becoming royalty. I think we can all learn a thing or two from her monochromatic fashion sense, focusing on maintaining a palette that complements her features. I'll never forget that iconic snapshot of the beaming couple walking down the street in the rain with Meghan sporting a vivid blue Victoria Beckham sheath.
(photo via Samir Hussein/Getty)
(photos via Getty Images/Shutterstock/Pool)
zendaya:
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were the official royal guests, it was Zendaya who blew me away in a vintage Balmain dress with a green strapless bust and a big red skirt. The young star and her long-time stylist, Law Roach were granted exclusive access to the Balmain archives, where they chose this unique and complete soigné ballgown from the 1956 couture collection.
(photo via Dominic Miller/Zendaya Instagram)
The dress was designed and sketched by Pierre Balmain himself and was a part of his "New French Style" concept when he launched his brand in the hopes of reviving the fashion industry after world war II. This gown is more than stunning; it's historic.
(photo via Balmain/Law Roach/Zendaya)
SAG awards: pink & bows
nicole kidman
I nearly fainted when I saw Nicole Kidman hit the red carpet in this velvet Saint Laurent beauty. The gown is the perfect combination of elegance and minimalism, and the ivory bow around the neck just elevates an already perfect gown. Sometimes, less is more.
(photo via Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
helen mirren
The legendary British actress and dame shined at this year's SAG Awards as she received the Lifetime Achievement Award in pretty pastels. While this dress wasn't what I expected from the actress, she looked lovely in the modest Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda style, complete with delicate glass crystal accents. She accessorized with a matching Prada headband, which served as her crown for the night, reminding all that she's a queen both onscreen and off!
(photo via Gilbert Flores/Getty)
Selena Gomez
I don't believe I've ever raved about Selena Gomez's style. I've always liked her outfits, but never loved one. Selena made a triumphant return to the red carpet in an Oscar de la Renta black velvet gown and enhanced her ensemble by adorning her flawless updo with a black satin bow and a breathtaking diamond choker. The singer took a stumble in her Christian Louboutin heels (relatable!) yet, she still looked perfect barefoot!
(photos via Marissa Marino/Christopher Polk/Shutterstock/Getty)
heading abroad: royals in denmark & modesty in milan
the duchess of cambridge
Earlier this month, Kate Middleton arrived in Denmark for her first solo foreign trip since 2017, and her wardrobe couldn't have been more spectacular!
(photo via Samir Hussein/Getty)
The Duchess of Cambridge and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark reunited in the same place they first met in 2011!
(photos via Max Mumby/Indigo/Claus Bech/Ritzau Scanpix/Getty)
Like the Duchess of Cambridge, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark went from a normal lifestyle to marrying a prince (and a future king!) Aside from marrying into royal families, Kate and Mary have a lot in common. They two hold patronages in mental and physical health, children's wellbeing, the arts, and sports (when their tiaras are off, of course!) Outside of royal engagements, they're both mothers to young children. The two royal women have been outspoken advocates for early childhood development and mental health, and they have established charities to help advance these causes in their home countries.
Queen Margrethe II, who, like Queen Elizabeth II, is also celebrating a Jubilee this year, welcomed The Duchess at Christian IX's Palace. (Queen Margrethe and Queen Elizabeth are marking 50 and 70 years as reigning monarchs, respectively.)
Now, let's get down to the fashion! First off, they both deserve a round of applause for their stroll on the cobblestone grounds of the Amalienborg Courtyard in their high-heels!
In a total 180 from the vibrant Zara blazer on her first day, Kate opted for a regal Catherine Walker coat for her second day in town. Just when I thought she retired the coat-dress style, she made a swift return to the ladylike classic. In tune with the refined look of her jacket, she added a black Mulberry bag, Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, and pearls. We've seen her take this traditional approach to her ensembles several times, yet it never gets old to me.
Crown Princess Mary dressed up in an all-black outfit paired with a white tweed coat in an equally chic ensemble. Like Kate, the Danish Princess went for timeless accessories, such as a DVF clutch and patent leather heels from the same label as Kate's. The future Queen Consorts both looked fabulous, and I can't wait to see this royal duo again!
(all photos above via Chris Jackson/Getty)
modesty in milan:
This year, we saw so much modest fashion showcased at New York fashion week. Milan's runways followed suit, with some of the most famous brands presenting modest ensembles as a part of their fall 2022 collections; As usual, the couture weeks always offer runways with a mixture of extravagant and outrageous looks; check out some of my top picks below, showing the two in the best way.
(photos via Vogue/Gorunway.com)
Finally, I'll end with a recent outfit of mine! After a long stretch of staying home, I dressed up in a Kate Spade LBD with a subtle yet sparkly bow at the waist.
I styled the classic look with extra bows, obviously! A bow atop my bun (I did it first, Selena) and two of my most treasured purchases ever, a Lulu Guinness handbag, and a pair of oh-so-painful yet oh-so-beautiful Ines de la Fressange black square toe-pumps.
Who was wearing your favorite outfit this month? Let me know what you'd add to my picks! And stay tuned for all things spring. Yes, that means a slew of many groundbreaking floral dresses! Keep up with me by subscribing below and following me on Instagram, @thedressmuse.