(Culture)

Elle Fanning Just Embraced This "Ugly" Summer Trend

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: June 17, 2019

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Elle Fanning cemented herself as a bonafide style icon with a slew of awe-inpsiring looks at the Cannes Film Festival back in May, but now the actor is enjoying some well-deserved downtime in Los Angeles, reverting back to her signature breezy summer aesthetic. On Sat., the 21-year-old was spotted strolling alongside boyfriend Max Minghella in Silver Lake, donning a bright yellow linen dress from Three Graces. With her hair in a relaxed middle part, the bare-faced beauty kept her weekend style low-key, and Elle Fanning's rainbow Teva sandals put a funky spin on the off-duty look, making a case for "ugly" shoes this season.

The Maleficent star has been known to opt for daring footwear trends, and flawlessly styled a pair of white Chloé cowboy boots with a prairie dress earlier this spring. With the ability to pull off everything from custom couture gowns to power suits, Fanning is clearly one to watch when plotting which trends to try, and she knows how to style them. As proven by the actor's latest look, it's time to consider reviving those chunky sandals your dad wore to cookouts decades ago — the 2019 way.

Terma,SL / BACKGRID

With the vivid yellow hue and spirited footwear making a serious splash, Fanning kept accessories to a minimum with a gold heart necklace and a single band on her ring finger. The exuberant sandals added a whimsical touch to the classic linen frock, demonstrating how to offset summer dresses with a modern spin and a welcomed touch of irony. From Birkenstocks to chunky sneakers, trending street style is full of whacky footwear you might have scoffed at five years ago, offsetting the overwhelming news cycle and tense political climate with a sense of vibrant playfulness.

Follow in Fanning's footsteps and take a walk on the "ugly" side by reclaiming a questionable shoe style, and pairing it with a pretty dress. The Zoe Report outlined a few outfit ideas to start with below, and they might just have you seeing summer style in a brand new light.

Shop The Look

Three Graces

Clarissa Belted Wrap Dress

$571

Copy Elle's exact look with this feminine wrap dress that will help to summon sunshine this spring.

Teva

Hurricanee XLT2 - Outdoor Voices in Fusion Coral

$85

Put a fantastical spin on your look with these fun-loving sandals that fall in line with Pantone's Color of the Year 2019.

DÔEN

Honey Tiered Floral-Print Cotton Dress

$225

If you're in need of a great prairie dress to frolic through the fields (or navigate the sweaty subway) this summer, DÔEN is the brand for you.

Teva

Midform Sandals

$85

To try a more muted style from the brand, pair this subtle peach hue with a floral prairie dress.

Ganni

Seersucker Check Maxi Dress

$270

It's probably best to promptly schedule a dreamy picnic after throwing on this checked maxi dress from Ganni.

Birkenstock

Arizona EVA Sandals

$45

Give Birkenstocks another go and pair the earthy sandal with a romantic, Elle-approved frock.

Rachel Comey

Amplus Dress

$625

It's all about volume when it comes to this red number from Rachel Comey. Those sleeves, though!

Tibi

Bryan Leather Flip Flops

$195

$98

Yes, flip flops seem to be making a comeback. And this simple, leather option from Tibi is actually so versatile.

Zara

Polka Dot Dress

$70

Another unlikely trend of yesteryear to test this summer? Polka dots.

Nike

Air Max 97 Sneakers

$159

The best way to offset a grandma-approved print is with a modern, sporty sneaker.

This article was originally published on June 17, 2019