When it comes to style, Charli XCX has always been synonymous with boldness, edge, and an unapologetic “brat” attitude. From neon green hair to futuristic outfits, the British pop star has built a reputation for turning heads with her fearless fashion choices. Yet at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Charli offered a striking new chapter in her sartorial story—a moment of soft glamour and elegant sophistication that stunned fans and critics alike.
A gown that whispers elegance
Charli’s choice of gown was nothing short of breathtaking. The semi-sheer, slip-style dress embodied a perfect balance of sensuality and class. With its plunging V-neckline and delicate spaghetti straps, the gown subtly highlighted Charli’s silhouette without overpowering her presence. The flowing skirt added an ethereal, almost dreamlike movement to her look, allowing her to glide through the Cannes crowd with a quiet yet captivating confidence.
This delicate dress was paired with an oversized feathered boa in a matching shade of lilac, which introduced a hint of vintage Hollywood flair—dramatic yet tasteful. The feather boa didn’t just complement the dress; it elevated the entire ensemble, adding a playful texture that contrasted beautifully with the smooth silk fabric beneath.
To finish the look, Charli wore exquisite diamond jewelry from Boucheron, whose timeless sparkle added just the right touch of luxury without detracting from the dress’s simplicity. Her makeup was kept intentionally minimal, a signature of hers that highlights natural beauty and allows her fashion choices to take center stage. This approach created a seamless harmony between soft glam and effortless cool, proving that less can indeed be more.
Standing among Cannes royalty
Inside the glamorous Women in Motion event, Charli shed her feathered boa to reveal the sleek, sophisticated lines of the silk sheath dress. Photographers and attendees alike were captivated by the pop star’s transformation. She posed with the likes of Paul Mescal and Dakota Johnson—two stars known for their own understated, elegant style—and held her own among the glittering array of Cannes luminaries.
The event itself celebrates women making strides in film, both in front of and behind the camera. Charli’s choice to honor Nicole Kidman, a longtime symbol of grace and strength in Hollywood, through her own elegant look, felt deeply fitting. It was a sartorial nod to maturity and growth—both personally and artistically.
From Lilac to Y2K rebellion: Charli’s Cannes style duality
Just days before the Women in Motion Awards, Charli showcased a wildly different facet of her style at the Magnum Cannes beach party. There, she embodied the very essence of her “brat” persona—youthful, rebellious, and fiercely cool.
As the event’s DJ and hype woman alongside Georgie Daniel of The 1975, Charli took to the turntables in a vintage Vivienne Westwood black-and-white corset from the brand’s spring 1994 collection. This piece, a timeless punk-inspired design, was paired with a micro miniskirt featuring a raw hemline that paid homage to the 2000s era—a period that heavily influences Charli’s aesthetic and music. To complete the look, she wore Gucci sunglasses that added a street-style edge and a “cool girl” vibe. Her ensemble perfectly reflected the energy of the party: bold, irreverent, and full of life.
Through her Instagram posts, Charli offered fans a peek behind the scenes of this ice cream-sponsored bash with candid snapshots and the caption “we threw a party.” It was an authentic glimpse into the celebratory atmosphere and the star’s infectious enthusiasm.
The power of reinvention
Charli XCX’s Cannes appearances are a powerful testament to her versatility and willingness to defy expectations. In just a few days, she transitioned seamlessly from the rebellious icon of youth culture to a beacon of sophisticated glamour. This duality speaks volumes about her growth—not only as an artist but as a public figure unafraid to explore new dimensions of her identity.
Fashion, for Charli, is not just about clothes—it is a form of storytelling. Her lilac Saint Laurent gown told a story of elegance, confidence, and maturity, while her Westwood corset paid homage to her roots and the vibrant, chaotic energy that propelled her rise to fame.
Charting a new course in style and identity
Since her breakout hits and early internet fame, Charli has continually evolved. Her musical experimentation mirrors her fashion choices: unpredictable, bold, and boundary-pushing. But in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward balancing this edgy persona with moments of classic refinement. This shift was evident on the Cannes red carpet. Charli’s gown was a statement that style need not always scream to be heard. It demonstrated how subtlety and softness can be just as impactful as neon lights and punk spikes.
At the same time, Charli has not abandoned what makes her unique. Her youthful energy and fearless approach to fashion remain intact, as her beach party look proved.
Why this matters
In a pop culture landscape that often prizes constant reinvention, Charli XCX’s Cannes looks exemplify the art of authentic transformation. She honors her past without being confined by it, embracing the freedom to grow and express herself in new ways.
This journey from “brat” to glamorous style icon also resonates with many of her fans who have watched her career unfold in real time. It serves as an inspiring reminder that personal evolution—whether in fashion, art, or life—is both possible and beautiful.
Charli XCX’s lilac Saint Laurent gown at the Cannes Women in Motion Awards was more than just a red carpet look—it was a bold declaration of versatility, maturity, and timeless elegance. Paired with her contrasting edgy beach party ensemble, these appearances highlight her ability to navigate multiple facets of style with grace and confidence.
As she continues to make waves in music and fashion, Charli proves that reinvention does not mean losing oneself. Instead, it means embracing complexity and owning every chapter of one’s story. Whether in flowing silk or vintage corset, Charli XCX remains a true original—an icon who captivates not only through her sound but through the powerful, evolving visual narrative she creates.
