Zoe Kravitz’s Latest Look Misses the Mark in Paris, Leaving Us Wanting More

It’s a question that lingered with me after Zoë Kravitz arrived for the Caught Stealing photocall at Cinema Max Linder in Paris on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Her signature insouciance was there, yes, but the look itself—an ivory Saint Laurent silk satin mini dress—left me craving the kind of spark that usually defines her red carpet moments.

I’ll admit, the dress itself is a study in refined restraint: a high-quality silk with a delicate lace trim that suggests an inner slip. The very essence of French chic, perhaps, but stripped of the unique styling that makes a look feel truly her own. It’s an ensemble that feels… safe. And for a woman whose style evolution has been a masterclass in unexpected, genre-bending moments—from ethereal Met Gala gowns to her fierce street style—”safe” is a word that simply shouldn’t apply.

Her stylist, Danielle Goldberg, is a master of the quiet, minimalist aesthetic, and that influence is unmistakable here. Yet, when I think back to the standout looks she created for Margaret Qualley’s recent press tour—the precise tailoring, the subtle nods to sartorial history—this feels like a missed opportunity. The black Saint Laurent Frankie mules are a smart, subtle choice, but they don’t elevate the look from low-key to high-impact. It’s a look that, while perfectly pretty, fades into the background, especially against the dramatic backdrop of the film’s poster.

And while photocalls typically call for a more relaxed approach, Zoë has never been one to settle for the expected. One might argue the lack of dramatic jewelry is a choice, a way to let the dress breathe, and the Jessica McCormack Asymmetric Oval & Round Brilliant Diamond Hoop Earrings and 6.27Ct East-West Cushion Diamond Button Back Ring do offer a touch of sparkle. But in this case, the restraint feels less like a purposeful statement and more like a gentle shrug.

The contrast here is what gets me. It’s the difference between embracing an aesthetic and simply wearing it. True Parisian style is not just about the clothes; it’s about the nonchalance, the attitude, the effortless way it all comes together. With Zoë, the attitude is always there, a constant. It’s the clothes that didn’t quite catch up this time.

Is this a sign that we’ve reached peak quiet luxury, where the allure of simplicity has dulled to a soft hum? Or is it simply a momentary sartorial pause for an icon who will, no doubt, stop us in our tracks again very soon?

Here are some of my favorite ways to master the art of the silk slip dress, elevating it from a simple garment to a statement piece:

• Accessorize with Intention. A silk slip dress is a blank canvas. Instead of a single, understated ring, try layering different delicate chains or a single, chunky gold cuff.

• Layer with a Blazer or Leather Jacket. Throwing an oversized blazer or a cropped leather jacket over a slip dress adds an unexpected edge and transforms it from evening wear to a chic daytime look.

• Choose Unexpected Footwear. Swap out delicate mules for a pair of combat boots or structured loafers. This creates a striking juxtaposition of hard and soft that feels modern and rebellious.

• Play with Color and Texture. If you’re going for a simple silhouette, experiment with vibrant colors like a deep emerald green or rich burgundy, or choose a dress with a subtle jacquard pattern to add depth.

• Focus on Hair and Makeup. When the outfit is simple, your beauty look becomes the focal point. A bold, graphic eyeliner, a perfectly messy chignon, or a slicked-back bun can be the finishing touch that elevates the entire ensemble.

For more on the latest trends and red carpet moments, check out our list of popular celebrities.