Cate Blanchett [1] has always been a minimal style queen. Even in the '90s [2], when fellow up-and-coming actors were finding their fashion bearings, Cate had already mastered her personal style. The reason she always looks so elegant on the red carpet is because of a winning combination: her go-to colour palette that complements her skin, hair, and eyes perfectly, a careful balance of classic gowns and casual suited looks, and consistently poised poses — she definitely knows her angles.
Cate is a fan of classic black-and-white looks, and we can't blame her; it's the most timeless colour combination to grace the red carpets. When she isn't in a sophisticated monochromatic outfit, she isn't afraid to experiment with frothy floral gowns and sweet pastel suits. Embellishment, feathers, and fringed pieces are a favourite of Cate's, and she always incorporates her signature minimalism when trying the latest fashion trends.
Our favourite Blanchett looks? The black velvet Armani Privé gown she wore to the A Star Is Born [3] premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2018. We also love the black sheer John Galliano slip dress that Cate wore to the Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty in 1999. The sweet embellished Armani Privé champagne gown she wore to the 2014 Oscars is a great example of how she combines her classy personal taste with a trend of the moment — that is, the naked dress [4]. And her maternity style, courtesy of Donna Karan at the 2004 Golden Globes, was just divine.
Ahead, 13 of Cate Blanchett [5]'s most elegant and memorable style moments.
Cate Blanchett at the Oscars, 2014
Cate wears a champagne Armani Privé gown at the 2014 Oscars.
Cate Blanchett at the "A Star Is Born" Premiere at Venice Film Festival, 2018
Cate wears a black velvet Armani Privé gown at the 2018 Venice Film Festival [6].
Cate Blanchett at the Met Gala, 2007
Cate wears a gold fringed Balenciaga dress at the 2007 Met Gala.
Cate Blanchett at the Roksanda Fashion Show, 2020
Cate wears head-to-toe Roksanda at the brand's Autumn/Winter 2020 fashion show.
Cate Blanchett at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, 1999
Cate wears a sheer black John Galliano dress at the 1999 Vanity Fair Oscars Party [7].
Cate Blanchett at the Oscars, 2016
Cate wears a cornflower blue Armani Privé gown at the 2016 Oscars [8].
Cate Blanchett at the "Suspiria" Premiere at Venice Film Festival, 2018
Cate wears a black velvet Armani Privé gown at the 2018 Venice Film Festival [9].
Cate Blanchett at the Golden Globes, 2020
Cate wears a yellow Mary Katrantzou gown at the 2020 Golden Globes [10].
Cate Blanchett at the Golden Globes, 2004
Cate wears a scarlet Donna Karan gown at the 2004 Golden Globes.
Cate Blanchett at the Golden Globes, 2004
Cate wears a scarlet Donna Karan gown at the 2004 Golden Globes.
Cate Blanchett at the Academy Awards, 2011
Cate wears a structured white Givenchy Couture gown at the 2011 Academy Awards [11].
Cate Blanchett at Giorgio Armani's 40th Anniversary, 2014
Cate wears a white-and-black Giorgio Armani suit at the designer's 40th anniversary.
Cate Blanchett at the "Blindness" Premiere at Cannes Film Festival, 2008
Cate wears a peach one-shoulder Armani Privé gown at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.
Cate Blanchett at the "Cold War" Premiere at Cannes Film Festival, 2018
Cate wears a floral Mary Katrantzou gown at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival [12].
Cate Blanchett at the "Cold War" Premiere at Cannes Film Festival, 2018
Cate wears a floral Mary Katrantzou gown at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival [13].