Fashion

These Cover Girls Know How to Work the Red Carpet

by Mary Avant

There’s a lot to love about the world of Hollywood, particularly the never-ending crop of fresh faces, new names, and bright stars to obsess over. But it’s the lasting fresh faces we’ll love for years to come — no matter which young star steals the spotlight for a short time — that are truly remarkable. And it looks like Marie Claire has done us a favor and narrowed down not one, but three of those stars for us, choosing instant-sensation Lupita Nyong’o, the young and talented Elle Fanning, and the always beautiful Kate Mara as its May cover stars.

And not only did the magazine give the ladies a trio of May covers, but it also celebrated the sure-to-be-successful stars yesterday with a “Fresh Faces Party” in West Hollywood, California. Naturally, Nyong’o, Fanning, and Mara proved once again at the soiree that their talents aren’t just limited to the big and small screens, but also expand to the red carpet.

Nyong’o — who became our overnight obsession after her inspiring performance in Oscar-winning film 12 Years a Slave and stunning awards-season style run — definitely didn’t let us down, soaking up the much-deserved spotlight in a spring-ready Giambattista Valli Couture dress. The fit-and-flare frock not only featured floral-embroidery detailing and a feminine, voluminous skirt, but also provided the perfect backdrop for Nyong’o to show off an edgy faux-hawk and pretty, pink lips. Styled with a sparkling cocktail ring and metallic silver pumps, the ensemble seamlessly combined the actress's flare for bold-meets-classy fashion.

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This time around, Fanning left her traditionally quirky style sense at home in lieu of something quite a bit more mature. Donning a red, satin slip dress from Versace — which featured a slightly flared and asymmetrical hemline, along with bronze straps — bronze Louboutins, a matching clutch, and barely-there makeup, the actress struck the perfect note of sophisticated style without looking too grown up.

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Like Fanning, Mara hit the Fresh Faces party in a red-hot number, opting for a menswear-inspired dress by Christian Dior. Adding a feminine edge with a sparkling clutch and strappy, rose-gold sandals, the cover girl channeled a subtly sexy look that was perfect for the occasion.

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Though Nyong’o, Fanning, and Mara were the guests of honor, they weren’t the only Hollywood favorites — both old and new — to join the party. Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland made an appearance, pairing a cute, long-sleeved, white crop top with a soft pink, flared midi skirt. Styled flawlessly with a floral-embroidered clutch, satin pumps, and a casual shoulder-length ’do, the starlet was understatedly (and outstandingly) glamorous.

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Glee star Naya Rivera turned up the heat on the red carpet, showing off her gorgeous body with a black capri pant, matching black heels, an embellished bralet, and a long-sleeved Philosophy top that put plenty of sexy skin on display.

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Up-and-comer Zoey Deutch was also in attendance, taking a note out of Fanning and Mara’s books with her bold, red Alexander Wang dress, which she paired with a slicked-back bun, black open-toed booties, and a lucite clutch.

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After seeing all of the fabulous style and fresh faces at Marie Claire's celebration, we have no doubt that Hollywood is in good hands for years — and even decades — to come.