Cocktail parties to wedding receptions: Recreate top Cannes 2024 red carpet looks with expert tips

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The 77th Cannes Film Festival has been witnessing spectacular fashion moments unfold on its red carpet since May 14. From Bella Hadid to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, celebrities from across the globe put up an extravagant show stirring an interesting buzz around fashion.

Spectators with a keen interest in fashion were beyond delighted to take in such magnificent styles and designs. Voluminous gowns, structured sartorial looks and sequins dominated the red carpet making the event fashionably rich, dramatic, and glamorous.

Notable figures such as Greta Gerwig, Lily Gladstone, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Naomi Campbell embraced the sequin trend, reflecting designs from the spring 2024 runways.

Classic gowns remained a red carpet staple, showcasing sophistication and grace. Designers presented a variety of styles, from voluminous ball gowns to sleek and form-fitting silhouettes.

In a departure from traditional red carpet attire, formal suits gained significant traction, embraced by both men and women such as Chris Hemsworth and Meryl Streep. Feather embellishments, sheer fabrics, and bold accessories like oversized hats and statement jewellery also made notable appearances, adding drama and sophistication to the red carpet looks.

Eva Longoria and Hunter Schafer showcased ethereal, sequined gowns, while Eva Green stunned in an Armani Privé dress featuring a sequined bustier and contrasting tulle petticoat.

These trends collectively ensured that Cannes 2024 was a breathtaking showcase of high fashion and innovation, leaving a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
So much so, they can bring home some of the best red carpet looks from the festival.

Be it for cocktail parties, celebratory galas, or even wedding receptions, if you require inspiration, we have your back. Nishit Gupta, director at KALKI and Amritha Ram, creative director of KH House of Khaddar share styling tips to recreate some of the top red carpet looks from the film festival.

Nishit of KALKI states, "Wearing Cannes-inspired looks to cocktail parties is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, such outfits make a bold statement and help you stand out in a crowd, ensuring you make a memorable impression. Secondly, they exude confidence and sophistication, enhancing your overall presence enhancing your oomph quotient. Additionally, red carpet-inspired looks often feature luxurious fabrics and intricate detailing, elevating your style and lending an air of exclusivity as you dazzle a WOW-worthy ensemble."

Similarly, Amritha of KH House of Khaddar shares, "Besides cocktail parties, these looks can be worn at formal dinners, galas, wedding receptions, and upscale social events. The key is to adapt the outfit to the occasion by tweaking accessories and makeup to suit the event's tone."

Both Amritha and Nishit pick their favourites from the Cannes red carpet and share tips to recreate those looks:

Styling ideas by Amritha Ram, KH House of Khaddar

1. Meryl Streep in Dior

Minimal and elegant, Meryl Streep wore a custom Dior Haute Couture dress with a detailed drape on one side of the waist. To accessorise the white gown she wore Fred Leighton jewellery. She completed the look with a marble-white clutch.

To recreate this ensemble, opt for a deep V-neck dress with draping details. Customise the fit to suit your body type. Pair with neutral makeup, light blush, and loosely tied-back hair. Accessorise with drop earrings and a clutch.

2. Selena Gomez in Saint Laurent

She walked the Cannes red carpet in an off-shoulder black velvet off-the-shoulder Saint Laurent gown with a white neckline. She accessorised the look with an intricate diamond collar necklace and dangling Bulgari earrings and completed the look with a small black clutch.

To replicate this style, opt for a black velvet dress with a contrasting neckline. Enhance with dramatic eyelashes, matte makeup, and nude lips. Complete the look with a sleek hairstyle.

3. Taylor Hill in Balmain

She walked the red-carpet looking dazzling with her off-the-shoulder gown that had black sparkles across the neckline, big crystal buttons down its form-fitting bodice, and a white skirt flaunting a high thigh slit. Hill perfected the custom look with black sandals and diamond jewellery

Recreate this look by wearing a tuxedo-inspired dress with a high-slit skirt. Complement with a bold statement necklace, wet-look hair, and sunglasses.

4. Eva Green in Vivienne Westwood

She graced the red carpet wearing the classic black that never fails to turn heads. Her black off-shoulder blouse and half-slit knee-length skirt paired with heeled shoes and sunglasses made her look bold and beautiful.

Recreate this look by selecting an off-the-shoulder top and a gathered midi skirt ensemble in black. Pair with pointed-toe heels, minimal makeup, and sleek sunglasses.

Styling ideas by Nishit Gupta, KALKI

1. Lily Gladstone in Gucci

Lily Gladstone dazzled in her dark-toned Gucci dress adorned with sequins and delicate floral embroidery. Styled by the renowned Jason Rembert, the ensemble extended its allure beyond the Cannes red carpet to Lily's appearances at the 2024 Met Gala and Oscars after party.

You can recreate this look by donning a stunning dark blue embroidered gown. This ensemble is perfect for a cocktail party where you can bask in the spotlight amidst an opulent crowd. With its captivating design and glamorous flair, this gown will exude elegance and charm throughout the evening.

2. Greta Gerwig in Saint Laurent

Greta Gerwig lit up the red carpet in a vibrant purple sequin dress by Saint Laurent. Styled by Karla Welch, she expertly paired the gown with Lee patent pumps and Chopard jewellery. The sharp and crisp silhouette of the dress accentuated her bodice, exuding vibrancy and vivacity.

Drawing inspiration from Gerwig's iconic look, you can opt for a ravishing gown in the same captivating hue. Crafted with fancy sequins and a plunging neckline, this ensemble will guarantee a wow factor at any gala event or cocktail gathering.

3. Anya Taylor-Joy in Atlein

This isn't your usual red carpet attire, but her airport look upon landing in Nice exuded effortless elegance. We cannot get over this airport look as she opted for an asymmetric orange dress with a thigh-high split by Atlein, perfectly complemented by an oversized raffia sun hat from Jacquemus. While undoubtedly practical for sun protection, the ensemble also oozed chic sophistication, making it an ideal choice for any summer vacation, a promising style that sizzles throughout the season.

You can recreate this look by adding a traditional touch. Opt for a lehenga with dramatic sleeves for extra glamour and sophistication. Inspired by Anya's iconic look, this ensemble will offer a bolder interpretation, making a statement that is both daring and chic.

4. Jane Fonda in Elie Saab

She captivated all eyes as she stole the show in a black bedazzled jumpsuit from Elie Saab. The plunging V-neckline and sparkly floral appliqués draped across her waist added a touch of glamour to her ensemble. She didn't shy away from boldness, pairing her statement-making outfit with an animal-print coat, massive diamond jewellery pieces, and metallic silver pumps.

Infusing Fonda's iconic style into chic everyday wear, choose to wear a sleek and bold jumpsuit with the same shades and similar prints that radiate sophistication. Perfect for those who dare to make a statement, this jumpsuit will elevate your wardrobe with its daring design and timeless allure.