Fashion

Dakota Fanning Shows Off A Sexy New Look

by Mary Avant

At this point in the New York Fashion Week game, it feels like we’ve seen everything: killer collections, brilliant beauty looks, impressive street style, amazing (and sometimes terrible) ensembles from celebrities lining the front rows. But one thing we definitely weren’t expecting to see: America’s little darling Dakota Fanning showing up to Tuesday's Rodarte show in a majorly sexy, grown-up look.

Seen on anyone other than the 19-year-old actress, the nude tank and high-low skirt combo — which she paired with a cream crocheted cardigan, a simple gold necklace, and kitschy black-and-white loafer pumps — may seem entirely tame. But it was the cleavage on display that Fanning turn a few heads, for better or for worse.

The actress has practically grown up in the public eye, walking her first major red carpet in 2001 for her breakout role in I Am Sam. And though Fanning's style has naturally matured over the years — going from cutesy, girly gowns to edgier outfits from designers such as Valentino, Chanel, and Miu Miu — this may be the first time we’ve ever seen the sophisticated actress in such an outright, unashamedly sexy look.

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While this cleavage-baring number is a big change for the Night Moves actress, it may have been a long time coming. For one, Fanning has never been one to shy away from her fair share of mini dresses and the occasional crop top. She’s also started showing off a bit more skin lately with deeper-plunging necklines, like the one seen on her stunning navy Elie Saab gown at a movie premiere last year. And her outfit at the Rodarte show isn’t the first time she’s shown some skin in a look from the designer duo.

At the 2013 Met Gala, Fanning strutted down the red carpet in a black Rodarte gown complete with side cutouts and major illusion netting in the back.

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Considering that Fanning has long been a fan and muse of Rodarte’s designers, Laura and Kate Mulleavy, and has attended Rodarte shows year after year, this may be the start of a whole new, more mature, and much more seductive style for the star. We just hope Fanning's 15-year-old sister Elle, also a Rodarte fan, waits a few more years before taking the same path.

Images: Getty Images