She’s since grown up (she turned 31 in February 2025, can you believe it?

), and her outfits are still causing a fuss, especially when she steps out for big events.

It evoked imagery of a Japanese kimono, with an alternate universe twist.

Dakota Fanning in a silky gold top with pockets and gold embellishments

The dress Fanning wore was crafted by designer Proenza Schouler.

It featured a bold cheetah and floral print in shades of bronze, orange, and silver.

Just for giggles and extra, unnecessary detailing, a black bow was added to one side.

Dakota Fanning in a kimono-inspired short dress

Wrapping a white bedsheet or two around her torso would have probably created a similar look.

All that’s missing is a fake crown of laurel leaves.

Poison apple and Prince Charming aside, the “Once Upon a Time …

Dakota Fanning on the red carpet wearing a gauzy white gown with lots of fabric

The dress itself wasn’t terrible, and Dakota looked lovely in it.

She just didn’t look like herself she looked like her sister in “Maleficent.”

It’s a skating costume in disguise, worthy of all the gold medals.

Dakota Fanning inside wearing a pale lavender gown with giant puffy short sleeves and sweetheart necline

There’s all kinds of sparkles dotted throughout, with a concentrated glitter-effect on the top.

“It really changes all the time,” she said.

Vibe = Winter Olympics, Albertville, France, 1992.

Dakota Fanning inside wearing a floor-length green gown with a lot of sparkles and a cut-out abdomen

She was with sister Elle Fanning, who had already earned a reputation for her fashion-forward couture.

Ten years later, she went wild like a jungle plant to accomplish her mission.

And we mean “jungle plant” in the most literal sense.

Dakota Fanning in a short red dress with a fake red flower covering one breast, standing outside with Elle Fanning

Elle donned a menswear-inspired vest and pant combo, but Dakota opted for a completely different vibe.

Her bright-red dress from designer Loewe fell just above the knees in a flowy skirt.

Up top, the fabric only extended over one half of her chest.

Dakota Fanning on the red carpet in a multi-layered dress with lots of detailing and flowers in her hair

The flower hung from her shoulder via a green stem.

That’s what Dakota Fanning toldThe Kitin 2022 about her personal fashion style.

Teeming with detail after detail, the busy-ness that was Fanning’s dress started with the layers.

Dakota Fanning on the red carpet in an army-green dress with a cowl neckline that falls to mid torso

There’s nothing simple about foliage.

But the star is decades older now, and her taste in fashion has matured.

The dress came from designer Loewe, a curve-hugging silky number in a deep army-green shade.

Fanning once explained her fashion choices to Tatler Asia.

“I am more traditional than not, but I also like to surprise people,” she declared.

And she definitely did that, because that cowl neckline?

She didn’t even add a necklace, leaving her decolletage to make quite a statement.