If you’ve spent any time scrolling through fashion Twitter or Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed something different. The ethereal, "princess-core" vibe we’ve associated with the younger Fanning sister for a decade is officially evolving. Honestly, the latest photos of Elle Fanning from the 2026 awards circuit aren't just red carpet fodder—they’re a masterclass in how to grow up in the public eye without losing your soul.
She isn't just "Dakota’s little sister" anymore. Hasn't been for a long time. But 2026 feels like the year the industry finally stopped treating her like a porcelain doll and started treating her like a titan.
The 2026 Golden Globes and That Sapphire-Less Cartier Moment
Let’s talk about the Golden Globes. If you saw the Getty Images stream that night, you saw Elle in a silver Gucci gown that basically looked like liquid moonlight. It was stunning, sure. But the real nerds—the jewelry obsessives—were looking at her neck.
As a global ambassador for Cartier, she was wearing the "Pavocelle" necklace. It's this insane piece from the En Équilibre high jewelry collection. Usually, that necklace features a massive 58-carat Sri Lankan sapphire. But in a move that had everyone zooming in on their high-res photos, Elle wore it without the sapphire.
She opted for the transformable diamond version instead.
It was a total "quiet luxury" flex. She took one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in the world and made it subtle. That’s the kind of confidence you only get after years of being the most-watched person in the room.
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From Princess Aurora to Sentimental Value
It’s easy to forget she’s only in her mid-twenties because she has the filmography of someone twice her age. But if you look at the promotional photos of Elle Fanning for her new film Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, the shift is obvious.
Gone is the heavy Rococo embroidery of The Great.
In its place? A lot of moody, European-inflected street style and archival Ralph Lauren. At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, she showed up in a liquid-gold gown with a plunging neckline that felt way more "70s rockstar" than "Disney Princess." It’s a deliberate pivot. She’s working with stylist Samantha McMillen to move toward what she calls a "fashion adventure."
Basically, she’s bored of being safe. And honestly? We are too.
The Best Shoots of the Year (So Far)
If you want to see her actually having fun, you have to look at the editorial work. Not just the red carpets where everything is stiff and posed.
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- The "Paper Doll" Shoot: Just a few days ago, Who What Wear released a feature shot by Szilveszter Makó. It’s wild. She’s posing with paper props, looking like a literal collage. It’s a middle finger to the "perfect" AI-generated imagery we’re seeing everywhere else.
- The Coach Fall 2025/2026 Campaign: Captured by Elaine Constantine. These photos are all about "Revive Your Courage." There’s a shot of her climbing a tree in a leather jacket that feels so much more authentic than the usual perfume-ad pouting.
- W Magazine’s "Best Performances": Shot by Tyrone Lebon for the January 2026 issue. It’s gritty. It’s raw. It highlights her role in Sentimental Value and proves she can do "messy" just as well as she does "majestic."
What Most People Get Wrong About Her "Look"
People think Elle Fanning is just lucky because she’s tall and blonde. But if you look at the technical side of her photography—the way she moves in front of a lens—she’s a technician.
She understands light like a cinematographer.
There’s a reason photographers like Alexi Lubomirski and Norman Jean Roy keep coming back to her. She doesn't just stand there. She creates a narrative. Whether she's wearing a 1958 Cartier diamond choker with a Sarah Burton-designed Givenchy gown (like she did at the 2025 Oscars) or just a plain white tee in a candid Instagram post, she knows how to tell a story through a single frame.
The "Margo" Era and What's Next
We’re about to see a whole new wave of photos of Elle Fanning as she starts the press tour for Margo’s Got Money Troubles. If you haven't heard, it’s an Apple TV+ series where she plays a struggling mom who starts an OnlyFans to pay the bills.
Think about that for a second.
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The girl who played Sleeping Beauty is now playing a gritty, modern role alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman. The early production stills show her looking exhausted, wearing lived-in clothes, and sporting a much more grounded look. It’s going to be the most "human" she’s ever looked on screen.
How to Get the "Elle" Aesthetic (Without the Cartier Budget)
You don't need a million-dollar jewelry contract to pull off her 2026 vibe. The "New Elle" look is actually pretty accessible if you focus on the right things:
- Skin First: She’s famous for that "glass skin" look. It’s less about heavy foundation and more about high-quality hydration. Check out her Met Gala prep photos; it's all about the prep, not the cover-up.
- Archival over Fast Fashion: Elle has been leaning hard into vintage Balmain and Ralph Lauren lately. Hit the thrift shops or The RealReal for structured, mid-century silhouettes.
- The "Undone" Hair: Even at the Golden Globes, she’s been wearing her hair in loose, natural waves or sleek but simple buns. The goal is to look like you didn't try too hard, even if you spent two hours in the chair.
- Confidence in the "Missing" Piece: Like her wearing the necklace without the sapphire, try removing one expected element from your outfit. It creates a point of interest.
The takeaway here is that Elle Fanning isn't just a face on a screen. She’s an artist who’s using her public image to signal a massive career shift. She’s moving away from the "ingénue" label and into "leading lady" territory, and her photography is the first place that change is happening.
Keep an eye on her Instagram over the next few months as the Margo promo kicks off. It's going to be a wild ride.
Next Steps for the Obsessed:
If you're looking to upgrade your own photography or style inspired by Elle, start by researching the photographers she works with most—specifically Elaine Constantine for that candid, high-energy movement. Also, keep a tab open for the 2026 SXSW Film Festival updates in March; that’s where the first "real" red carpet looks for her new era will likely debut.