At Harper’s Bazaar, we’re constantly asking: What exactly makes a good outfit a good outfit? In our column Why This Outfit Works, an editor dissects the anatomy of a look, zeroing in on the one specific piece (or pieces) that pull the entire ensemble together.
To this day, nestled in my saved Instagram posts is a photo of Elle Fanning wearing Loewe’s iconic cracked-egg stilettos to a fancy brunch in 2021. She styled them with beige corset pants that cinched high on the waist, and a classic white tee—the three pieces coming together to form a combination of edge and elegance I’ll just never get over.
Since then, the star of the satirical, alternate-historical drama The Great has only continued to prove her impeccable, quietly inventive minimalism—and her latest off-duty look, with the most perfect peach cardigan, is just a peek at it.
Earlier this week, Fanning stepped out for a day of shopping in New York City, where she was seen ever so casually carrying around a massive Prada shopping bag. For the low-key outing, she put together a look composed of five timeless staples—each with a little wink.
It started, as many things do, with a simple white T-shirt, this one a crisp piece from the Row with a high scoop neck (which retails for a cool $590). Fanning tucked the tee into high-waisted cream trousers with a single tan button, also by the Row. The loose pants pooled around her shoes, grazing the ground in a way that implied two things: Her chicness is effortless, and she’s not worried about dry-cleaning money.
Now, the shoes. The actor chose a pair of Prada’s suede leather driving shoes, in tan, with a classy little gold detail at the top featuring the house’s logo. Moccasins notably showed up all over the Spring 2024 runways, with brands including Loewe, Miu Miu, and Prada featuring them in their collections. To match, Fanning accessorized with a skinny beige croc-embossed belt with a gold buckle.
But the cherry on top of it all was her cardigan: a fuzzy open-knit piece in the dreamiest creamy peach hue—yet another design from the Row. The extra-long sweater has deep slouchy pockets and breezy sleeves, which Fanning rolled up. She finished the look with brown tortoiseshell shades, a messy low bun, and no makeup.
Call it coastal grandmother, call it balletcore, call it quiet luxury if you must, but Fanning knows what she’s doing.
Shop a similar style to her cardigan—and the rest of Fanning’s outfit—below.
The Row Evesham V-Neck Merino Wool Cardigan
The Row Charo Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
The Row Rufos Pleated Cotton Wide-Leg Pants
Prada Triangle Logo Driving Loafers
