Women over 40 ruled the red carpet at Cannes

Julianne Moore

Two sequined cobras slither up the front of Julianne Moore’s magnificent Givenchy gown. This was the most badass dress at Cannes by far. 

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron usually wears sweeping Dior gowns, so this frothy-light cream Givenchy dress with a belt was a sweet change. Bonus points for matching hair to dress. 

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren could wear a greasy MacDonald’s bag as a dress and still look effervescent because she wears everything with such joie de vivre. Case in point: she brought this mildly funereal lace dress (by Bruce Oldfield) to life with a crowd-winning twirl. 

Kate Moss

Kate Moss channelled the ’70s in this vintage Halston number that bared her left shoulder and entire left leg (that slit goes all the way up to her hip).

Chloe Sevigny

Chloe Sevingy wore a puffed-sleeve, Big Love–appropriate Chanel gown that drew the biggest oohs and awes at Cannes, but this Chanel Couture mini, which shows off her coltish legs, was our favourite. 

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek traded her usual cleavage-y style for a more demure day dress that still shows a hint of black bra. The elastic waist shows off her teeny waist, too. 

Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis

Thelma and Lousie, er, Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis donned matching necklines. 

Vanessa Paradis

How do the polka dots, ruffles and sheer panels on this Elie Saab look so cool and casual on Vanessa Paradis? 

Aishwarya Rai

The appliques on Aishwarya Rai’s Disney princess–worthy dress are gorgeous and girly. (The purple lipstick is a little Disney villain, though.) 

Amal Clooney

Amal Clooney is technically 39 but earned a spot on this list with her ethereal pale yellow goddess dress from Atelier Versace. 

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche’s hot pink jacket would look tacky on anyone else, but it’s garçon perfection with those slim-cut trousers and stiletto booties.

Julia Roberts

The Armani Privé gown is good, but the bare feet are great. Julia Roberts went without shoes to protest festival organizers who reportedly turned away a group of women in their 50s for not wearing heels to a screening of Carol.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria’s embellished top and white mermaid skirt are totally fresh, especially paired with her row of earrings and glint of gold eye shadow.

Victoria Beckham

Pockets give Victoria Beckham’s tuxedo–inspired strapless top and trousers a casual feel, as does her messy hair.

Naomi Watts

Tiny metallic flowers turn Naomi Watt’s tiered lilac gown into a stunner.

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