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The Pleated Dress Trend Dominated The Red Carpet At The 2025 Gotham Awards: See Elle Fanning And More Rock The Look!

December 2, 2025 by Mariam Qayum

 
Splash News

The 35th Gotham Awards took over New York last night, drawing a wave of major stars—and plenty of standout fashion moments. Unlike the more formal looks typically seen at the Oscars, the Gotham Awards give celebrities the chance to experiment with bolder, more unconventional red-carpet style. This year, while many of the men gravitated toward satin suits with eye-catching details, the women embraced a familiar warm-weather favorite: pleated designs.

Below, see some of the best pleated looks from top stars at the event.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning, celebrated for her chic red-carpet style, turned heads in a Marilyn Monroe–inspired Ralph Lauren gown.

The white halter dress featured a plunging neckline that reached her midriff, a sleeveless cut, a cinched waist, and a flowing pleated skirt. The backless design was elevated with a Cartier diamond and emerald necklace and delicate bracelets.

Her makeup embraced a warm fall palette, with a soft smoky eye, a satin brown lip, and subtle pink cheeks. She wore her blonde hair straight with a sleek center part.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts embraced a Greek goddess vibe with a pale pastel blue chiffon gown. The pleated dress featured a cape, the top half tucked into the skirt, and semi-sheer panels that added ethereal movement.

The dress was complemented by silver jewelry, while her bob was styled in soft waves. She finished the look with a bright pink lip. Naomi even posed alongside Elle, highlighting their matching pleated ensembles.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough opted for a bolder look, stepping away from the ethereal pleats of Fanning and Watts. She wore a black and red waist-drop ensemble, featuring a long-sleeved top with ruffled hems and a thigh-high skirt adorned with a black, white, and red splash pattern in a tiered pleated design.

She completed the outfit with ankle-strap heels, statement earrings, and a nude lip, wearing her dark hair down in a center part.

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