Dakota Johnson attended the Kering Foundation’s annual Caring for Women dinner in New York last night, marking a significant shift in her seasonal style. Styled by Kate Young, Johnson wore a plunging black Valentino gown featuring draped sleeves, a mermaid-style skirt, and a cut-out at the navel that exposed significant bare skin.
According to Vogue, the look was paired with Messika jewelry including diamond drop earrings, rings, and a long crescent moon necklace that draped against her décolletage. The overall effect was described as “kinda witchy, and pretty perfect for the season ahead.”
Naked or sheer dressing has become an established part of Johnson’s red carpet aesthetic. At last year’s Caring for Women dinner, she wore a totally sheer black beaded Gucci gown. Elsewhere on the film festival circuit, she has opted for an architectural strapless Alessandra Rich dress that left her midriff exposed.
Johnson also made a hair change for fall, taking her brunette hair several shades darker and wearing it loose around her shoulders with her signature brow-skimming bangs. Against the all-black Valentino gown, the richer color emphasized a fall-ready aesthetic.
This transition reflects Johnson’s broader seasonal wardrobe pattern. Throughout the summer months, she has favored a low-key uniform of well-worn denim, simple tees, ballet flats, and pieces from Dôen. Her recent day-to-day style has featured light-wash denim, easy shirts, and relaxed separates.
However, when fashion month arrives, Johnson’s red carpet appearances demonstrate a dramatic transformation from her everyday casual style to more dramatic gowns, typically from Valentino. According to Vogue, fall is when “Dakota Johnson starts dressing,” with a preference for suedes, cigarette jeans, and sexy dresses that contrast sharply with her summer wardrobe choices.
Key facts
- Dakota Johnson wore a plunging black Valentino gown to the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women dinner in New York
- The gown featured draped sleeves, a mermaid-style skirt, and a cut-out at the navel
- She accessorized with Messika diamond jewelry including earrings, rings, and a crescent moon necklace
- Johnson darkened her brunette hair for fall, maintaining her signature brow-skimming bangs
- Her summer style consists of casual pieces including denim, simple tees, and Dôen clothing
- Naked or sheer dressing is an established part of Johnson’s red carpet aesthetic