This Week, the Best Dressed Stars Wanted ’90s Glamour and Modern Minimalism

The little black dress is lauded for its versatility, and lately, celebrities have set out to prove just how valuable the staple piece can be. Stars and their stylists filled the red carpet last week with all manner of LBDs. At the premiere event for Euphoria’s second season, Zendaya led the charge in a vintage Valentino gown with graphic stripes. Linda Evangelista first wore the look, designed by Signore Garavani himself, during the house’s spring 1992 show. Sourced from Sielian Vintage in Beverly Hills, it had all the hallmarks of a classic. Sure, Zendaya can pull off any outfit with ease, but the Valentino with its scalloped neckline, cinched waist, and pattern evoked the best of nineties style.

Zendaya’s co-stars Maude Apatow and Alexa Demie took the concept in a modern direction. Demna Gvasalia’s Balenciaga can skew esoteric, but Demie’s black sequin gown with thigh-high slit required no explanation. It was simple, effective, and undeniably sexy. Apatow switched things up, trading her girlier fare for a bold Saint Laurent cocktail dress flecked with crystals. Nearly transparent with a feathered hem, Anthony Vaccarello’s creation could have registered as risqué, but Apatow kept things sweet. With her hair in soft, flapper-esque waves and sleek diamond earrings from Anita Ko serving as her sole accessory, she stayed true to the sultry Parisienne side of the YSL aesthetic without sacrificing any charm.

Away from the carpet, stars kept their color palette muted, choosing to focus on texture and flashes of skin. Sabrina Carpenter went minimalist on The Tonight Show in Helmut Lang’s stretchy ribbed knits and a pair of Wolford tights, a winning combination that she accented with towering patent leather platforms. On Instagram Dua Lipa treated fans to a photo dump filled with new outfits, including a slinky Christopher Esber number with peekaboo cutouts along its bodice. Even those who chose to inject a little color—Sophia Bush donning Dorothee Schumacher’s all-white tuxedo on CBS Good Morning during press for Good Sam—were all about simplicity.