Melissa Benoist attends The Waterfront screening and dinner, debuting an unexpected (and utterly chic) take on tailored separates.

There’s a certain thrill in a look that feels both impossibly sharp and disarmingly relaxed. That’s exactly the balance Melissa Benoist struck at the 2025 ATX TV Festival, where she stepped out for The Waterfront screening & dinner in an ensemble that felt less like a simple outfit and more like a clever piece of wearable architecture.

Melissa Benoist - 1 Melissa Benoist - 2 Melissa Benoist - 3

The star of the show was a navy blue one-shoulder top, its clean lines disrupted by a bold, sculptural white collar that folds over and extends into a stark, horizontal stripe. This graphic detail is what makes the piece so compelling; it’s a brilliant visual trick that draws the eye and modernizes the classic color palette. The single exposed shoulder offers a hint of asymmetrical rebellion, a soft counterbalance to the otherwise structured nature of the garment. It’s an outfit that winks at traditional nautical themes but ultimately charts its own course.

Paired with matching shorts that appear to be a continuation of the same fabric, the silhouette is streamlined and polished. The entire mood is a testament to the power of deliberate styling—her hair, a cascade of soft waves, and a natural makeup look keep the focus squarely on the clothing’s clean lines. It’s a smart choice, preventing the ensemble from feeling too severe. It’s an understated statement that proves you don’t need a formal red carpet to make a truly memorable fashion moment.

Ella Ballentine unveils a rebellious cowgirl look for the Steve Madden photoshoot, fusing denim with a bold pop of color.

There’s a quiet subversiveness to taking classic Americana and turning it on its head. Ella Ballentine does exactly that in her new photoshoot for Steve Madden, captured by photographer Ruby Bell. The vibe is less about a dusty trail and more about a downtown rebellion, proving that the cowboy aesthetic isn’t just for the open road—it’s for a city cafe, too.

Ella Ballentine - 4 Ella Ballentine - 5 Ella Ballentine - 6

But the real story is in the boots. The footwear, a signature from Steve Madden, are a pair of bright red cowboy boots. These aren’t your typical boots; the vibrant, almost shocking shade of red cuts through the soft blue of the denim, creating a visual jolt that’s pure fashion. The boots are the attitude of the entire look, a statement of fierce individuality that grounds the softer, more feminine dress. Paired with her blunt bangs, cat-eye sunglasses, and a casual confidence, the outfit exudes a cool nonchalance that’s entirely her own. For more on her latest looks, check out our celebrity photos section.

Melissa Benoist attends the ATX TV Festival 2025 Portraits, captivating onlookers with an unexpected (and utterly chic) take on tailored separates.

The allure of a crisp white shirt is a well-worn path in fashion, but what happens when you deconstruct it? What happens when you turn it on its head? Melissa Benoist, for one, provides a compelling answer. In a series of striking portraits for the 2025 ATX TV Festival, Benoist debuts a look that’s both sharp and disarmingly relaxed, a study in modern tailoring that feels more like an architectural sketch brought to life than a mere outfit.

Melissa Benoist - 7 Melissa Benoist - 8

Paired with what appear to be matching navy shorts with structured pockets, the look is pure, unadulterated polish. It’s a look that speaks to confident simplicity and a savvy understanding of silhouette. The overall effect is streamlined, a masterclass in controlled elegance. This isn’t just about clothes, but about how they move—or in this case, how they hold their form.

The entire mood is a testament to the power of deliberate styling. Her hair, a cascade of soft waves, and a natural makeup look keep the focus squarely on the clothing’s clean lines. It’s a smart choice, preventing the ensemble from feeling too severe. It’s an understated statement that proves you don’t have to be on a red carpet to make a memorable fashion moment. For more on how celebrities are redefining their public image, check out our coverage of other popular celebrities. So, is this a fresh blueprint for the new power suit—or simply a stunning celebrity style moment to be filed away for inspiration?