Every year, there comes a time for A-list celebrities to transform themselves into Greek gods and goddesses—at the Cannes Film Festival—and we sit at home in our PJs wondering, “There’s no way I would be able to pull that off.”

Oh, I SO live for the glamour. The gowns, the headpieces, the jewellery—all of the jazz. But honestly? Most of the stuff we see on the Cannes carpet is… not exactly something you could wear to your best friend’s engagement party or dinner at that bougie new place in town.

So, let’s play a little game: What They Wore vs. What We’d Wear. I picked some of the most iconic Cannes style moments and reimagined them into outfits we could pull off in real life. Because who says we can’t channel that energy in our everyday slay?

Elle Fanning – Fairy-tale realness

• What Elle wore: She looked straight-up magical in this pale pink, tulle explosion of a Gucci gown. Like if Grace Kelly and a Disney princess had a fashion baby. It was romantic, soft, and just-perfection.
• Cannes style tip: Lean into that dreamy vibe without the floor-sweeping gown.
• What we’d wear: A blush-toned midi dress with a corset-style top and a floaty skirt. Add nude heels, soft curls, and maybe a pearl necklace. There you go, you royalty.

Timothée Chalamet – Hot, shirtless, and fearless

• What Timmy wore: Honestly, this guy never misses. He pulled up in a deep red Haider Ackermann suit with no shirt and an open back. It was giving rockstar-on-vacation and I was here for it.
• Cannes style tip: Confidence over convention, always.
• What we’d wear: Think burgundy blazer over a mesh or silky black tank, paired with tailored pants and sleek shoes. Still edgy, still hot, just more… breathable in public.

Deepika Padukone – Bollywood glam meets Cannes cool

• What Deepika wore: A whole moment. She turned up in a black-and-gold striped Sabyasachi saree with a dramatic liner and a retro headband. It was old-school glam but with a fierce modern twist.
• Cannes style tip: Use bold prints and accessories to instantly level up.
• What we’d wear: A gold pleated midi skirt with a black off-shoulder top or crop blouse. Throw in a bold cat-eye, gold hoops, and you’ve got yourself a lewk.

Bella Hadid – Fashion, but make it sculpture

• What Bella wore: Probably the most talked-about look—she showed up in a black dress with a massive gold lung-shaped necklace. It was fashion meets art museum meets “how is she even breathing in that?”
• Cannes style tip: Go dramatic with one statement piece, and keep the rest clean.
• What we’d wear: A classic black bodycon dress, bold gold jewelry (think chunky earrings or a statement choker), and a sleek bun. Minimal effort, maximum effect.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Literal goddess energy

• What Aishwarya wore: The queen herself in a gold Dolce & Gabbana gown that looked like it was spun from sunlight. Dramatic sleeves, a full skirt, and all the regal energy in the world.
• Cannes style tip: Metallics = instant glam. Just balance them with sleek styling.
• What we’d wear: A shiny gold satin wrap dress or a midi with metallic touches. Pair it with gold heels, glowy skin, and you’re serving “Cannes, but chill.”

So, What’s The Takeaway?
Cannes style doesn’t have to be untouchable. You can take inspiration from these A-listers and make it work off the red carpet. It’s all about translating the vibe, not copying the exact look. Color, shape, fabric, accessories—that’s where the magic is.

Quick Tips to Cannes-ify Your Wardrobe:

• Go bold with accessories. Hair Bands, statement earrings, or layered chains can change a whole outfit.
• Textures > everything. Satin, velvet, shimmer—those little fabric moments add big drama.
• Good tailoring is your bestie. A fitted blazer or nipped-in waist makes any outfit feel designer.
• Confidence, always. You don’t need a stylist, you just need that main character’s energy.

So go on, channel your inner Cannes style icon. You don’t need a red carpet—you just need a reason (even if it’s just brunch with your besties). Because honestly? It’s real-world slay above runway slay.