Monica Barbaro Has Stunned On The Red Carpet More Than Once

She trained as a ballet dancer, but these days Monica Barbaro seems committed to carving out a spot for herself among Hollywood's A-listers. And she's getting it done in an old-school, underrated way: interesting project after interesting project. She was a fighter jet pilot in "Top Gun: Maverick" and she played Joan Baez in "A Complete Unknown" — the latter earning her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nom. 

And we have to talk about the fashion. Befitting a rising young star, Barbaro regularly struts the red carpet at awards shows, pressers, buzzy film festivals, and the like, and while she may be wearing a sly smile, her outfits have got plenty to say. If you listen closely, you'll hear them declare that she's one to watch, a gal who knows how to use her style to strike that delicate balance between playfulness and elegance. Among other hits, we're still drooling over the champagne-colored lace Barbaro chose for The Gotham Awards and the one-shoulder floral gown that showed up at the Critics' Choice Awards.

When Monica Barbaro popped out for Elle's Women in Hollywood celebration in Los Angeles in November 2024, the "Crime 101" star opted for a luxe-looking tea-length halter dress courtesy of Schiaparelli. The sand-colored denim could almost be mistaken for a luscious suede, giving it a casual ease that still felt elevated and totally put-together. We're loving the sexy corseted bodice and center split. Her bronze makeup and dark espresso locks were the perfect complementary touches, and the minimal jewelry kept the look feeling youthful and cool. 

Monica Barbaro walked the red carpet at the BAFTAs in London in February 2025 draped in a sheer Armani Privé column dress that transported us right back to the jazz clubs of the 1920s. Festooned in silver and gold beading, the delicate material hung on the star's frame like liquid for a dreamy moment that we're still thinking about. The bare shoulders, nude fabric, and the hip-hugging silhouette all came together to help Barbaro achieve that sultry-meets-chic aesthetic.

It seems like Monica Barbaro had a ton of fun wearing the outfit she chose for a New York City screening of "A Complete Unknown" in December 2024. The actor rocked Schiaparelli again, but for this affair, in the form of a snappy black romper. She totally brought the '80s glamour with the puffy sleeves, gold hardware, above-the-knee shorts, and statement belt. The whole look delivered on the decadence of that decade — especially the matching pointy toe pumps — but the messy updo was the perfect dash of modernity.

Monica Barbaro looked beyond dreamy in the gown she reached for to walk the red carpet at the Critics' Choice Awards in Los Angeles in January 2023. The Del Core creation was as charming and whimsical as it was strong and powerful. Barbaro's vibrant gown featured a single structured shoulder and strips of delicate fabric artfully placed to read like beautiful, mermaid-shaped armor. Basically, we could happily get lost in this ethereal sea of splashy pinks and greens. 

Fierce is a forever favorite, but we're also so here for a sugary-sweet romantic moment on the red carpet. Monica Barbaro looked like a leading lady in the Rodarte gown she donned for The Gotham Film Awards in New York City in December 2024. The strapless champagne-colored 'fit felt like something a vintage-obsessed bride would choose for the way it delivered old-school charm and intrigue. And don't get us started on the dreamy bell sleeves. Some of your favorite '70s fashion trends are having a resurgence, and we're hoping to see billowy sleeves enter the chat.

The '90s are back and Monica Barbaro clearly got the memo, showing up to the premiere of "A Complete Unknown" in Rome in January 2025 rocking a lemon yellow slip dress that could've come from the era. Designed by Versace, the slinky number was dusted in a teeny floral print. Her blowout helped round out the look, and we love the thick silver choker for how it infused a bit of gothic glamour. If you're after tips to elevate a slip dress for any occasion, follow Barbaro's lead and throw on a piece of opulent jewelry.

Monica Barbaro must have been channeling Cher when she chose her look for the Hollywood premiere of "A Complete Unknown" in December 2024, because the Armani Privé gown she went with was heavy on the disco diva glamour. The stark black fabric of Barbaro's dress was encrusted in diamonds and pearls, and turned up the temperature by way of a plunging neckline, open back, and side cutouts. And her sleek blowout and subtly smokey eye makeup only added to the overall sultry vibe. 

Monica Barbaro stomped the red carpet at the Santa Barbara Film Festival in February 2025 rocking a two-piece tank top and bubble skirt set, designed by Marni and delivering plenty of quirky, playful energy. The colorful ensemble played with proportion in the loveliest way possible courtesy of the skintight top and voluminous skirt combo. The funky floral print, with its reds and pastels, mingled nicely with Barbaro's bubblegum pink ankle strap pumps — and bonus points for the vintage red lip.

No It-girl's wardrobe is complete without a cheeky little minidress, and Monica Barbaro pulled out a structured A-line version for the "A Complete Unknown" photocall in London in December 2024. The actor donned a powder pink frock that was embellished in silver studs and spikes for a 'fit that was equal parts cute and punk-rock. We're so into the barely-there makeup, and the nude pointy toe pumps were a smart move to up the sophistication level while still keeping things feeling cool.  

When the 95th Annual Academy Awards commenced in Hollywood in March 2023, Monica Barbaro was in attendance elegantly draped in a gorgeous Elie Saab gown. The whisper sheer ice-blue dress was romantically enveloped in a Bordeaux overskirt that was old money come to life. The deep V-neckline combined with Barbaro's sophisticated updo struck just the right balance. This one flew a little under the radar, but give it time. We think it's among the Oscars dresses from the 2020s that are destined to be in the red carpet hall of fame.