Emma Watson almost always turns to a black and white look to walk a red carpet – and she’s in good company as a fan of this simple yet effective style approach. “I have said that black has it all,” Gabrielle Chanel said once. “White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” Meanwhile Coco’s successor, the ever succinct Karl Lagerfeld, said that “black and white always looks modern – whatever that word means”.
Regularly seen wearing Chanel herself, the chic combination of black and white chimes with Watson’s penchant for a Parisian aesthetic (she enjoys a Mary-Jane and a red lip – and who could forget the gamine pixie crop she experimented with circa 2010?). Most recently, The Little Women star made an appearance at Elton John’s 2023 Oscars Party in a sleek Gabriela Hearst dress – a fittingly sustainable choice for an actor who has made no secret about her eco-conscious principles.
As she turns 33 today, see Emma Watson’s best monochromatic red-carpet moments to date.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
1/21
2023
In a Gabriela Hearst dress and carrying a dazzling Roger Vivier clutch for Elton John’s 2023 Oscars Party.
Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin
2/21
2022
In a white lace Alexander McQueen dress at the Kering Foundation’s Caring For Women dinner in New York City.
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
3/21
2021
On the red carpet at the 2022 BAFTAs.
Donna Ward
4/21
2014
For classic black and white suiting, it makes sense to look to Saint Laurent.
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5/21
2017
Promoting Beauty & The Beast in a romantic Oscar de la Renta.
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6/21
2012
In a Tom Ford blazer and sandals to film an appearance on David Letterman’s show.
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7/21
2011
Wearing Jason Wu to the London premiere of My Week With Marilyn.
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8/21
2012
In Calvin Klein at a 2012 awards ceremony.
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9/21
2013
Wearing monochrome Louis Vuitton at Cannes.
Dominique Charriau
10/21
2013
Emma wore Chanel couture in Cannes for a screening of The Bling Ring.
Rune Hellestad – Corbis
11/21
2014
Emma threw a Dior coat over a white jumpsuit by Meghan Markle’s friend Misha Nonoo for the 2014 Fashion Awards.
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12/21
2013
In black and white Roland Mouret at a premiere in 2013.
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13/21
2013
A Balenciaga crop top and trousers for the GQ Awards.
Lester Cohen
14/21
2014
In a Theory by Olivier Theyskens dress for a post-Golden Globes party.
Samir Hussein
15/21
2021
To attend the 2021 Earthshot Prize 2021 in London, Watson chose an appropriately conscious look by Harris Reed, upcycled using second-hand wedding dresses sourced from Oxfam.
Jason LaVeris
16/21
2013
A Chanel minidress for a premiere of The Bling Ring.
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17/21
2014
Watson wore a black and white J Mendel jumpsuit for a Madrid premiere.
Rindoff/Dufour
18/21
2014
In monochrome Christian Dior to take in the brand’s couture show in Paris.
Daniele Venturelli
19/21
2016
Watson collaborated with Calvin Klein and Eco Age on her gown/suit hybrid for the 2016 Met Gala.
Fred Duval
20/21
2014
Her Giambattista Valli couture LBD featured a visible white underskirt.
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21/21
2014
Looking sleek in Balenciaga on a 2014 red carpet.