Dakota Johnson's newest character, Madame Web, can see into the future. And we bet that if she looked into the sartorial future, she'd see just a few of the styling tricks Johnson is looking to now writ in yours. You see, on her latest promo trail, she is making a concerted effort to keep things typically sleek while still offering a less-than-subtle nod to her character and the Marvel universe the paramedic-turned-clairvoyant-superhero exists within.
The most obvious style point that webs (sorry, we couldn't resist) her recent run of looks together is a continuous appreciation for the sharp elegance and classicism of black. As she's gone from chat show sofa to playing host herself in recent weeks, the 34-year-old has continually looked and worn the eternally stylish hue with various effect. It predicts the way so many of us dress, or are looking to dress now, with a refined focus on classic pieces set to last for seasons to come and speak of a gentle elegance.
Yet, a wardrobe of black might not read as the sort of fashion feast that might have come had Johnson revisited her previous turns on the red carpet, especially when she was in the middle of the Alessandro Michele-era Gucci parade. But Johnson's way of wearing and sticking to black comes with various points of intrigue to keep us on our toes and, ultimately, emulating.
Johnson's most simple take was to sit on Jimmy Fallon's The Late Show sofa, where a pair of Christian Louboutin Uptown pumps were paired with a dainty strapless Wardrobe NYC dress and a rather spectacular cost-of-a-house Belperron choker. A few days later, at the London photo call for Madame Web, it was back to black for Johnson. This time, however, a sharper silhouette was called into play as she wore a two-piece from Versace's pre-fall collection, which came with shrunken proportions to offer a flash of abs, abandoning any corporate connotations.
Then came her turn to host SNL. The stalwart Saturday night sketch-show programme, which has a different celebrity host each week, often gives these headliners the opportunity to try on the bold and the brash, but Johnson took another path. Instead, she opted for a sleek Tom Ford jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and gold belt buckle. Then for the after party, it was a slinkier, equally retro all-black look of a sheer queen gown and feathered jacket, where she carried Jimmy Choo's velvet Bon Bon bag. Again, these two looks prove that with subtle details and plays on texture, all-black can be all-interesting.
Emulate Dakota Johnson with these many like-for-like pieces:
Jessica McCormack 1ct Heart-Shaped Diamond & Blackened Gold Earrings - £28,000.00
Cos Cropped Jacket - £115.00
Paris Texas Croc-Effect Pumps - £525.00
Falke Pure Matt 50 Denier Red Tights - £27.00
Annie's Ibiza Cobweb Midi Dress - £1,850.00
Back in London, Johnson decided to mix things up when appearing on The Graham Norton Show. The actor teamed yet another black dress — but this time couture — by Fendi with a standout pair of red tights and a pair of excellent Paris Texas Mary-Janes. It's no secret that red, and red hosiery in particular, is the shade du jour and with Johnson the latest to back the cause, now really is the moment to try it for yourself.
Now, should you be looking to emulate Johnson, her most literal and avant-garde look of late is also yours for the taking. At an event in Brazil over the weekend, the actor embodied the web life in a dress by London's Annie's Ibiza.
The gown, which is available to buy in its mid-length, was the perfect piece for the actor in the middle of promoting her spidery new role. Talk about art becoming reality.
Keeping it on the 'blingier' side of style, most of Johnson's looks here have been paired with a pair of earrings that we too would like to wear all-day, everyday. The heart-shaped Jessica McCormack dainty hoops are the perfect accompaniment to add a subtle prettiness to whatever the outfit and, for the actor, no doubt also come with a talismanic resonance.`
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