This 1996 Red Carpet Moment Is One Of Goldie Hawn's Most Underrated Looks

A celebrated performer known for being as bubbly as she is gorgeous, "Overboard" actor Goldie Hawn has a long history of stunning on the red carpet. Befitting Goldie Hawn's lavish lifestyle, she's worn sparkles and sequins, florals, feathers, and fur. In fact, her wardrobe has been so chock-full of memorable moments that it's all too easy to overlook some hidden gems in Hawn's sartorial catalog, such as the statuesque look she wore to the 11th Annual Moving Picture Ball American Cinematheque Award in 1996.

Steve Granitz/Getty

Hailing from Gucci's 1996 Fall/Winter collection, the deceptively simple gown was a lesson in understated luxury — a hallmark of the fashion house during this era. Tom Ford, who would later go on to establish his own brand, was the creative director of Gucci throughout the late '90s, and Hawn's dress was a perfect example of his fashion ideology, which prioritized clean silhouettes, monochromatic neutrals, and a minimalist finish.

Of course, it's easy to mistake "minimalist" for "basic." And compared to some of the "Death Becomes Her" star's other looks — like some of Goldie Hawn's best-dressed moments in her 60s — the '96 Gucci gown might come across as a little tame. But stitch for stitch, we think it can compete with more extravagant pieces as one of her top red-carpet outings.

At first glance, Goldie Hawn's Gucci gown might seem too subtle with its matte white finish and sleek lines. However, closer inspection reveals craftsmanship and attention to detail that elevate the entire 'fit. Delicate spaghetti straps and an open, square neckline were de rigueur for '90s fashion, establishing a trendy foundation for the piece. But never content to follow the crowd, Tom Ford's fashion-forward vision emerges in the impeccable draping and tailoring, which show off Hawn's figure to its best effect — in the classy but tantalizing cutouts down Hawn's ribcage, evoking a Grecian toga, and in the single, oversized gold buckle on the gown's white belt, which creates a rich (and conveniently branded) focal point for the final look.

The choice of jersey as its fabric was also inspired, giving the dress a sense of organic flow and movement. No wonder it looked equally effortless on Hawn as she strolled the red carpet with partner Kurt Russell and on model Kate Moss, who originally walked the dress down the runway. And while the gown was also available in black, white felt like the perfect choice for Hawn's blond bombshell look. She came out resembling some timeless goddess or angel — an aesthetic that was only helped by her styling, from Hawn's matching gold accessories to her perfectly balanced '90s makeup.

Ultimately, we'd rank this throwback ensemble as one of our all-time favorite looks from the star of "The First Wives Club," and Hawn has continued to impress and inspire with her sartorial savvy in the years since. Even today, we still have style lessons to learn from Goldie Hawn's over-70s wardrobe.