The Cannes Film Festival is famous for its strict red-carpet dress code — floor-length gowns, tuxedos, and bow ties are mandatory, while naked dresses and sneakers are banned outright. Yet some of the most memorable style moments happen far from the Palais des Festivals steps. Celebrities arriving at airports, stepping out of cars, or checking into hotels offer a masterclass in cannes 2026 street style. These off-duty looks blend French Riviera elegance with relaxed practicality, creating outfit formulas anyone can adapt. Let us explore seven standout ensembles that defined the festival’s street style this year.
The Trench-Coat-and-Dress Formula: Ashley Simone in Toteme
Ashley Simone turned a simple car exit into a fashion statement. She wore head-to-toe Toteme, pairing a crinkled midi dress with a satin trench coat. Pointed Mary Janes from the same brand and a Tod’s leather bag completed the look. The combination of a soft, textured dress with a glossy outer layer is both practical and polished.
Why This Works for Street Style
The trench coat serves double duty. It protects against the unpredictable Mediterranean breeze while adding structure to a fluid silhouette. Simone’s choice of a satin finish rather than classic cotton elevates the trench from everyday staple to festival-appropriate outerwear. The pointed Mary Janes ground the outfit with a touch of retro sophistication.
How to Recreate This Look on a Budget
Start with a midi dress in a crinkled or pleated fabric — look for viscose or Tencel blends that mimic Toteme’s texture. Choose a trench coat with a subtle sheen; satin or silk-cotton mixes work well. For shoes, pointed flats or low block heels with a strap across the instep capture the Mary Jane vibe without the designer price tag. A structured leather tote in a neutral tone ties everything together.
The Funnel-Neck Jacket: Demi Moore’s Transitional Masterpiece
Demi Moore proved that winter’s favorite jacket deserves a spring encore. She paired a funnel-neck bomber jacket with black straight-leg trousers, Gucci’s Borsetto bag, and Savoy pumps. The jacket’s high neckline creates a clean, architectural line that works as well on a sunny Riviera afternoon as it does in a cooler evening breeze.
What Is a Funnel-Neck Jacket?
Unlike a traditional collar or hood, a funnel neck rises straight up around the neck, often without a lapel. It originated in sportswear but has become a fashion-insider staple for its minimalist appeal. Demi Moore’s version is padded yet sleek, offering warmth without bulk.
Styling Tips for Daytime Wear
Pair a funnel-neck jacket with high-waisted trousers in a contrasting fabric — cotton gabardine or wool crepe adds polish. Keep accessories minimal: a structured bag and pointed pumps maintain the clean silhouette. For a more casual take, swap the pumps for white leather sneakers. The jacket’s neutral color (black, navy, or camel) allows for easy mixing with existing wardrobe pieces.
The Archival Capri Set: Bella Hadid’s Off-Duty Nod to Prada
Bella Hadid, often called the queen of Cannes, chose an archival Prada capri set for her off-duty moment. The cropped pants and matching top, paired with Puma Speedcat sneakers, offered a sporty contrast to her custom Prada gown. This look captures the tension between formal festival glamour and genuine comfort.
Why Capri Pants Are Back
Capri pants, which hit mid-calf, have cycled in and out of fashion since the 1950s. Their return in 2026 reflects a broader shift toward breathable, movement-friendly silhouettes. Bella Hadid’s set demonstrates how a coordinated two-piece can look intentional rather than accidental.
Making the Capri Set Work for You
Choose a set in a single color or subtle pattern to avoid a disjointed appearance. Linen or cotton blends keep the look airy. Sneakers are the natural footwear choice, but flat sandals or loafers also work. If you prefer separates, pair a cropped top with high-waisted capris in a matching hue. Add a bucket bag or a small crossbody for a relaxed finish.
The Slip Skirt and Gray Tee: Rebecca Donaldson’s Effortless Combo
Rebecca Donaldson, girlfriend of Formula One driver Carlos Sainz, demonstrated that simplicity can be striking. She wore a white satin slip skirt with a soft gray crewneck tee. The contrast between the fluid, shiny skirt and the matte, casual top creates visual interest without effort.
Why This Outfit Resonates
The slip skirt has been a wardrobe staple since the 1990s, but its pairing with a basic tee feels modern. It solves a common problem: how to dress for a warm day that might turn cool, or for an event that straddles casual and semi-formal. The gray tee tones down the skirt’s formality, making it suitable for daytime exploration or a relaxed dinner.
How to Build This Look
Invest in a midi-length slip skirt in satin or silk — white, black, or nude are versatile. Choose a cotton tee in a complementary neutral; gray, navy, or cream work well. Tuck the tee in fully or half-tuck for a relaxed vibe. Add kitten heels or flat sandals. A small crossbody bag and minimal jewelry complete the outfit. This formula works for everything from museum visits to rooftop drinks.
The Minidress and Trench Coat: Riley Keough’s Airport Arrival
Riley Keough took the trench-coat-and-dress concept in a shorter direction. She arrived at the airport wearing a white minidress, a Nour Hammour trench coat, peep-toe sandals, and classic Wayfarer sunglasses. The outfit balances coverage and skin exposure, making it ideal for travel.
Why the Minidress Works for Travel
A minidress is easy to move in, requires minimal styling, and can transition from plane to pavement. Riley Keough’s white version feels fresh and seasonally appropriate. The trench coat adds a layer of sophistication while hiding any travel wrinkles. Peep-toe sandals keep the look airy without sacrificing elegance.
Recreating This for Your Own Trip
Choose a minidress in a wrinkle-resistant fabric like cotton poplin or a polyester blend. White, beige, or pastel shades read as Riviera-appropriate. A lightweight trench coat in a contrasting neutral (khaki, camel, or black) adds depth. Wayfarer-style sunglasses are a classic choice that flatters most face shapes. For footwear, peep-toe sandals or espadrilles keep the look grounded. This outfit works for airport arrivals, hotel check-ins, or casual lunches.
You may also enjoy reading: Jimmy Butler’s Designer-Approved Color Formula: Slam Dunk.
The Hotel Lobby Look: Effortless Elegance for Checking In
Several celebrities were photographed in their hotel lobbies wearing outfits that straddled the line between travel comfort and public polish. A common formula emerged: tailored trousers, a silk blouse, and a lightweight blazer. This combination reads as intentional without appearing overdressed.
The Key Elements of a Lobby-Ready Outfit
Tailored trousers in a breathable fabric like linen or cotton provide structure. A silk or satin blouse adds a touch of luxury. A cropped blazer or a soft cardigan offers layering flexibility. Accessories remain minimal — a watch, a simple necklace, and a structured handbag. Shoes are often low-heeled mules or loafers, allowing for easy movement through marble floors and carpeted corridors.
Why This Matters for Festival Attendees
Hotel lobbies at Cannes are unofficial networking hubs. You might run into industry professionals, photographers, or fellow guests at any moment. An outfit that looks polished yet unstudied signals confidence. It also makes packing easier: these pieces can mix with red-carpet accessories or casual daytime items.
Daytime on the Riviera: The Casual-Chic French Style
Off-duty celebrities often embrace the relaxed elegance of French Riviera style. Think striped boatneck tops, wide-leg linen pants, raffia bags, and espadrilles. This aesthetic prioritizes comfort without sacrificing visual appeal.
The French Riviera Style Philosophy
This approach values quality over quantity. A single well-made linen shirt, a pair of perfectly faded jeans, and leather sandals can carry you through a week of daytime activities. The palette leans toward neutrals — white, navy, beige, and soft pink. Patterns are limited to stripes or subtle checks. The goal is to look effortless, not assembled.
How to Capture This Look
Start with a foundation of neutral separates: white linen trousers, a navy striped tee, and a beige cotton blazer. Add a straw tote or a leather crossbody. Espadrilles or leather slide sandals complete the outfit. For cooler moments, a cashmere wrap or a lightweight denim jacket works. Avoid logos or bold prints — the French Riviera style thrives on understatement.
Balancing Red Carpet Glam with Off-Duty Ease
The transition from formal evening wear to relaxed daytime style is a challenge for any festival attendee. Celebrities at Cannes 2026 demonstrated several strategies for this sartorial shift.
The Art of Layering
A gown can be transformed with a trench coat and sneakers for a post-event dinner. A tuxedo jacket worn over a simple tee and jeans creates a dressed-down look. The key is to maintain the same color palette — if your gown is black, keep your off-duty pieces in black, white, or gray. This creates visual continuity across your wardrobe.
Accessory Swaps
Swap statement jewelry for minimalist pieces. Replace a clutch with a crossbody bag. Change heeled sandals for flat slides or sneakers. These small adjustments shift the formality level without requiring a complete outfit change. A single accessory, like a silk scarf tied around a handbag or worn as a headband, can bridge the gap between formal and casual.
Packing for Mixed Dress Codes
For anyone attending a film festival or similar event, pack with the 3-3-3 rule in mind: three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes that all coordinate. Add one formal outfit for the red carpet and one transitional piece, like a trench coat or a blazer. This approach minimizes luggage while maximizing outfit combinations.
The street style at Cannes 2026 proved that off-duty moments are just as influential as red carpet appearances. From Ashley Simone’s trench-coat elegance to Bella Hadid’s sporty capri set, each look offers a lesson in balancing comfort with sophistication. Whether you are packing for a festival, a business trip, or a vacation, these celebrity outfits provide a blueprint for looking polished without trying too hard.
