HIGH CLASS: Ah, Venice…Placid canals, breathtaking architecture and sunsets that last for days. Eva Mendes captured the spirit of a classic muse on her stop in this romantic Italian city for the 66th Venice Film Festival in September with a timeless, feminine look.
It begins with a simple dress made stunning with the addition of a skinny, waistline-slimming belt. Get the look with this belted number from Jones New York ($140), which will take you from fall to winter to spring. We also love Ann Taylor LOFT’s Animal Ikat Print Dress ($49.99), which brings a sophisticated pattern to the party. Finally, the Storm-of-Shapes Dress ($79.95) by Anthropologie features an embellished sash and shorter skirt for a playful riff on the theme.
STEP TO IT: Eva’s strappy heels set off her style while keeping things classy, and you can do the same with the vintage-inspired Daria pump ($198) by Via Spiga from Piperlime. These double buckle Mary Janes with a 4” heel would do double-duty under a pair of wide-leg jeans for a more casual look. You also can’t go wrong with the Naturalizer Princeton ($69) from Dillard’s. In brown and bronze, they’re neutral, but certainly not boring.
DAINTY DETAILS: Complete your Old-Hollywood-Meets-Venice look with a simple daytime clutch. We love the options at Express (most under $30), many of which feature thoughtful embellishments and unique textures. In the jewelry department, keep it sleek with a bangle from Bendel’s (prices vary), and maybe add a sparkling rhinestone ring ($12) from Pitaya at cocktail hour. (Hey, even classy ladies like a bling.)