Jessica Alba attends a NYC appearance, unveiling a midi-length dress with cargo pockets—a utilitarian twist on sophisticated summer style with an earthy color palette.
There is a moment in fashion when an aesthetic, once reserved for a specific purpose, crosses over into high style. For Jessica Alba, that moment arrived on August 11, 2025, as she stepped out of a New York City studio in a rust-toned midi dress that felt both fresh and incredibly intentional. The look, with its unexpected blend of workwear details and polished femininity, is a masterclass in modern dressing.
The dress itself is a captivating study in texture and form. The fabric, a rich, earthy hue, is woven with a subtle texture that catches the light beautifully. The strapless silhouette is classic and clean, but it’s the large cargo pockets on the skirt that lend the look its unique, utilitarian charm. They are placed strategically and thoughtfully, not just as a detail, but as a core element of the design. A white strip of fabric at the bustline adds a crisp, graphic contrast that breaks up the monochromatic tone and feels a bit like a hidden detail revealed.
Alba’s styling is what truly brings the outfit to life. She pairs the dress with a simple, yet stunning pair of red pointed-toe stilettos that echo the warm tones of the dress, creating a cohesive, head-to-toe statement. In her hand, she carries a bright green smoothie, a delightful and very human touch that adds a vibrant pop of color and a dose of reality to the high-fashion moment. Her accessories are minimal—a delicate necklace and a pair of round sunglasses that give the look an effortlessly cool edge. Her hair is styled in loose, beachy waves that soften the structured nature of the dress.
Bella Hadid redefines the viral “Tomato Girl Summer” trend with a chic, unexpected look while in Venice Beach, California—effortlessly blending a sporty halter top and classic gingham. It’s a style moment that feels like a whisper of la dolce vita on American shores.
Ah, the “Tomato Girl Summer.” A phrase, and a trend, that has been circulating with all the predictability of a hot Italian August. But Bella Hadid, darling, she doesn’t just follow a trend; she elevates it, she personalizes it. On August 10, 2025, she was photographed in Venice Beach for the launch of her Orebella collaboration with Cha Cha Matcha, and her outfit was… chef’s kiss . It was a quiet rebellion, a sophisticated nod to the trend that felt less like a feverish internet moment and more like a permanent style philosophy.
Let’s begin with the silhouette. She unveils a red halter top from Princess Polly , a piece that immediately conjures images of Pamela Anderson’s iconic Baywatch days. A bit of a vintage American pop culture reference, yes? But Bella, being Bella, avoids the predictable cliché. She doesn’t lean into the bathing suit vibe. Instead, she grounds it, giving it a playful, almost retro-Italian feel with the Jaded London Freda Gingham Swim Capri Trousers . The gingham, a print that feels so intrinsically tied to both French country picnics and Italian summers, brings a dose of effortless chic to the sporty top. It’s a move that feels so… right. As if she’s simply strolling through a small coastal town, perhaps Capri, not posing for cameras in the middle of Venice Beach.
And the footwear. Oh, the footwear. She pairs this ensemble not with a sneaker, not with a sandal, but with a pair of delicate, little red ballet flats from Dear Frances . A detail so specific, so charming. It’s a style choice that feels incredibly European—practical, yet polished, a whisper of grace in a world of clunky platforms. It’s the kind of thing my nonna would have worn on her way to the market. Completing the look, she wears dark, rounded sunglasses from Dmy Studios , a subtle accessory that frames her face and gives her an air of mystery.
This ensemble is a lesson in nuance. It’s a study in how to be playful without being childish, and how to be effortless without being sloppy. She’s taken a trend that could have felt overly theatrical—the ‘Tomato Girl’ concept—and made it feel deeply personal, and a little bit timeless. It’s the kind of look that makes you think, “I want to live that life.” It’s the essence of la dolce vita , bottled and served iced.
Get The Bella-in-Venice Look
- The Halter Top: Find a simple red halter top. Look for a clean, classic cut, like the Princess Polly Chilli Halter Top , that can be dressed up or down.
- The Gingham Capri: A cropped, high-waisted gingham pant adds a touch of retro charm. The key is a tailored, not baggy, fit. Think Jaded London for a modern take.
- The Chic Flat: Ditch the chunky sneakers. A pair of delicate, round-toed ballet flats—like Dear Frances Mesh Ballerina Flat —will instantly elevate the look from casual to chic.
- The Sunglasses: A dark, rounded lens is the perfect finishing touch. It adds a touch of old Hollywood glamour, even if you’re just sipping a matcha. The Dmy Studios Valentina Havana Sunglasses are a perfect example.
- The Attitude: The most important accessory, non? Carry your look with the quiet confidence of someone on a permanent European holiday.
Jessica Alba attends a night out in New York City with her friend Lizzy Mathis, unveiling a strapless black mini dress and tights combo that’s both classic and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.
Ah, the little black dress. For us, a garment so intrinsically linked to Parisian history, it’s practically a passport. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a sharp espresso—never a bad idea, always chic. But to truly make it sing in the modern era, one must add a personal twist, non? And on a recent August evening in New York, Jessica Alba delivered just that, stepping out in Tribeca with her friend Lizzy Mathis in a look that felt both classic and perfectly her.
She wore a strapless black mini dress , a silhouette that is eternally youthful and sophisticated. It was a choice that felt deliberate, a confident nod to cocktail dressing without the fuss. But what truly elevated the look from simply “nice” to “noteworthy”? The details, of course. For one, the dress was paired with sheer tights , a move that is making a quiet comeback—and one I have a soft spot for. It’s a bit of a throwback, a little bit rebellious, and it immediately adds a layer of unexpected polish. It’s a touch that takes me back to the streets of Milan in the ’90s, where fashion wasn’t afraid to be both elegant and a little bit daring.
And then there are the accessories. The strapless dress provided the perfect canvas for a bold gold chain necklace, and a red quilted bag , carried with the effortless grace of someone who knows her way around a great purse, a flash of color against the midnight black. But the most intriguing choice? The shoes. Instead of a standard pump, she opted for a pair of black pointy-toe heels that extended her silhouette and added a dash of sharp glamour. It’s an almost-uniform of urban chic—a classic LBD, a hint of texture with the tights, and a touch of something unexpected. It’s what we call a moment of street style perfection.
Her friend, Lizzy Mathis, also embraced a sophisticated evening look, opting for an elegant pair of navy suit trousers and a classic cream top. Her embellished ballet flats were a smart choice for an evening of walking, proving that comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive. The two looked perfectly in sync, a testament to a friendship that has clearly blossomed, especially with the latest season of their show, Honest Renovations , airing on Roku.
It’s clear that Jessica Alba is embracing this new chapter of her life—as an actress, an entrepreneur, and a style icon who is unafraid to experiment. The little black dress, as always, is the perfect companion for this journey.
The Little Black Dress: 5 Ways to Make it Your Own
- Go Strapless: As seen on Jessica Alba, this silhouette is a powerful statement. It’s chic and modern, drawing the eye upward.
- Add Sheer Tights: A subtle detail that adds texture and a hint of nostalgia. It’s a runway favorite that’s now perfectly wearable.
- Play with Color: Don’t be afraid of a bold accessory, like a red or emerald green bag, to break up the monochrome. A single pop of color can transform a look.
- Choose Unexpected Footwear: Swap out your classic pumps for something with a twist—a sharp bootie, a kitten heel, or even a statement sneaker if the occasion allows. It’s all about the element of surprise, non?
- Layer with Jewelry: A simple black dress is the perfect canvas for experimenting with necklaces, cuffs, and rings. Mix metals for a bohemian flair or stick to a single, bold piece for a more minimalist vibe.
