Now This is How You Do Elegant Glam

There’s something to be said about stars (and even us everyday ladies) who find a signature style and stick to it day in and day out. After all, one of the reasons I gush over certain celebs is that they know who they are and what they like, and they never fail to deliver on that front. Take Zooey Deschanel, for example, with her retro, geek-chic schtick or Jennifer Lopez with her diva-glam, catsuit-loving style.

But though I take some comfort in knowing what to expect from certain actresses, pop stars, and models each time they take the stage or hit the red carpet, it can be nice to see them switch things up every now and again. And one of the top models in the biz — the always-gorgeous and smoking-hot Rosie Huntington-Whiteley — did just that on Wednesday when she showed up to the 2014 Cannes Film Festival in a look that veered away from her typical bombshell, oozing-sexy style and instead captured everything it means to look sophisticated and glamorous.

Practically floating down The Search premiere red carpet in a muted sea green Gucci Premiere gown — complete with a strapless neckline; intricately beaded bodice; and flowing silk chiffon, plissé skirt — the supermodel looked ethereal, elegant, and enviably beautiful in her classic creation.

Completing her ensemble with nothing but dangling diamond earrings, soft waves, a smoky eye, and a rose-colored lip, Huntington-Whiteley couldn’t have been more refined and graceful.

Now before you start arguing that the model always looks this elegant — or, on the flip side, that this ensemble is in itself a bombshell of an outfit — just hear me out. Yes, Huntington-Whiteley is always stunning and yes, she can’t help but be sexy in anything she throws on. But this is one of her first red-carpet gowns in quite some time to have none of the revealing cutouts, deeply plunging necklines, and super-high slits she tends to gravitate toward.

I mean, this is a woman who wore this Cushnie et Ochs number just days ago at the annual film festival and who showed up to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in this revealing (but totally fabulous) ensemble. Even at this year’s Met Gala, the model had one of the most off-theme outfits of the night with her structured leopard-print and chain-metal Balmain mini.

And don’t get me wrong: If there’s anyone who has the body, face, and sex appeal to show up to practically every event wearing something majorly seductive, it’s Huntington-Whiteley. I’m just saying it’s refreshing to see her go all-sophisticated for a change — a look that, in itself, is the sexiest thing imaginable.