Shailene Woodley made a bold statement at the Jay Kelly premiere during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, stepping out in a black satin mini dress. Could this Kallmeyer Eloise design be the “it” dress of 2025, echoing a trend seen on Zoë Kravitz and Ayo Edebiri?
The first time I observed the quiet resurgence of the minimalist mini dress, it was clear a shift was underway. Now, with Shailene Woodley’s appearance at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival for the Jay Kelly premiere on August 28, 2025, Hollywood’s embrace of this sleek, abbreviated silhouette has officially made its mark on the red carpet. It’s a defiant whisper against the typical gown grandeur, and quelle surprise , it’s utterly captivating.
While Venice often calls for sweeping trains and dramatic ballgowns, Woodley, ever the unconventional spirit, chose a different path. She arrived in a black satin ruched mini dress — the Kallmeyer Eloise from the brand’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection — a choice that was both unexpected and undeniably chic. The dress, with its scooped neckline and form-fitting cut, highlighted her statuesque frame and those enviable legs. It’s a powerful statement of confidence, rejecting the notion that red carpet gravitas must always equate to length.
We’ve seen iterations of this particular Kallmeyer design before, solidifying its trajectory as an “it” dress of 2025. Ayo Edebiri famously sported the original back in May, and just days before Woodley’s turn, her Big Little Lies co-star Zoë Kravitz wore a custom Barbie pink version to the Caught Stealing after-party on August 26. This rapid adoption by A-listers on major stages speaks volumes. As a close observer of both Parisian runways and Hollywood’s sartorial choices, I find it fascinating how certain designs resonate so profoundly, crossing from curated collections to widespread celebrity adoption with such speed. It’s a testament to the design’s inherent appeal—its ability to be both understated and powerfully sensual. As one industry insider, a seasoned fashion director I spoke with recently, quipped, “This Kallmeyer mini has an ‘if you know, you know’ quality. It’s not screaming for attention, but it commands it with an effortless, almost subversive elegance.”
Woodley, with her inherent cool, perfectly amplified the dress’s minimalist allure. She paired the black satin with Gianvito Rossi Ribbon stiletto sandals, allowing the dress and her silhouette to take center stage. But it was her choice of Bvlgari Serpenti High Jewelry – a stunning necklace, earrings, and ring – that truly elevated the ensemble. These are not mere accessories; they are declarations of luxury and craftsmanship, pieces that instantly transform a simple black dress into a moment of sophisticated glamour, reminiscent of how Italian alta gioielleria can turn a whisper into a roar. With a look this polished and legs that demand attention, why wouldn’t she opt for a silhouette that celebrates them?
The evolution of the “it” dress, from its subtle introduction to its eventual ubiquity, is a cycle I’ve observed countless times throughout my career, from the hallowed halls of Paris Fashion Week to the bustling streets of Milan. This Kallmeyer Eloise mini, much like its predecessors, holds a certain je ne sais quoi that transcends fleeting trends, hinting at a new era of understated yet impactful red carpet dressing. We can only hope it maintains its distinct charm and doesn’t succumb to the dreaded fashion déjà vu that some past “it” dresses have experienced.
Get the Look: The Modern Mini Dress
- Embrace the Silhouette: Look for mini dresses with a clean, unembellished cut. Satin, silk, or high-quality crepe fabrics will offer the best drape and sophisticated sheen.
- Strategic Accessories: The key to elevating a minimalist mini is impactful jewelry. Think statement necklaces or intricate earrings.
- Heeled Sandals: A delicate heeled sandal, much like Woodley’s Gianvito Rossi choice, will lengthen the leg and maintain the outfit’s sleek lines.
- Confident Stance: The most crucial accessory is confidence. A mini dress is about owning your style and making a statement with ease.
- Hair & Makeup: Keep hair sleek and makeup subtle, allowing the dress and jewelry to shine.
This look serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, less is indeed more – a philosophy deeply ingrained in timeless celebrity style .
Sadie Sink’s off-duty style—a masterclass in effortless layering—was on full display in Venice, proving that comfort can still be a statement.
The actress, known for her roles in Stranger Things and The Whale , offered a refreshing counterpoint to the citys typically high-glamour red carpet looks. Stepping out, she was a study in practical, unbothered dressing. The mood was less “Venice Film Festival” and more “casual cool on a cool evening.” Her posture was relaxed, a stark contrast to the posed perfection often captured by paparazzi, and the soft lighting of the evening underscored the relaxed, unforced vibe of the entire look.
Sink layered a dark brown jacket—seemingly a sturdy canvas or denim—over a light-colored top and a zip-up hoodie, creating a practical yet stylish silhouette. The pieces were functional and unfussy, with the relaxed fit of the jacket adding to the nonchalant feel. This utilitarian approach to her outerwear grounds the entire outfit in a sense of genuine, wearable style. Below, she wore loose-fitting blue jeans that pooled slightly over her black shoes, contributing to the overall casual, low-key aesthetic.
The star of the show might just be the accessories. Sink’s camouflage baseball cap, worn low over her eyes, added a playful, rustic touch, while her angular, dark sunglasses provided an element of classic celebrity anonymity. This pairing—a nod to both rural outdoor wear and urban cool—makes the look feel unique and personal. Her glossy black shoulder bag adds a touch of subtle polish, its sheen a surprising textural contrast to the matte fabrics of her jacket and hoodie. Her hair, a cascade of red waves, was left to fall naturally under the hood, and with minimal makeup, the entire ensemble felt genuine and unconstructed. This is a perfect example of street style done right.
Selena Gomez returns from a pre-wedding getaway looking refreshed, comfortable, and casually chic in an all-white ensemble perfect for a post-vacation landing.
Arriving in Los Angeles, Selena Gomez ditched the usual jet-setting glamour for a look that felt both relaxed and elegant. She was spotted stepping off a private jet, wrapped in a cozy, oversized white blanket or shawl draped over a simple white T-shirt and loose-fitting white pants . This monochromatic outfit is a testament to the power of simplicity, proving that sometimes, less truly is more, especially after a celebratory trip. The outfit’s silhouette is billowy and fluid, suggesting a desire for comfort after her bachelorette party in Cabo, which aligns perfectly with her overall laid-back aesthetic.
The star’s casual vibe was the main event. She paired her outfit with sunglasses, her dark hair pulled back, giving the look a no-fuss feel. While designer details are unknown, the style of the outfit gives off a quiet luxury feel—a choice for comfort without sacrificing style. This is a look that doesn’t scream for attention but rather exudes a cool, effortless confidence, a far cry from the typical extravagant travel outfits we see from other celebrities. It’s a reminder that authenticity is the ultimate accessory.
