Samantha McMillen Stylist: Gowns, Tailoring and Shoes Linked to Her Red-Carpet Work

Samantha McMillen Stylist: Gowns, Tailoring and Shoes Linked to Her Red-Carpet Work

From the Fanning sisters’ distinct approaches to recent red-carpet looks, shop evening dresses, fall layers, shoes and eyewear.

Explore stylist Samantha McMillen’s work with the Fanning sisters and shop 32 designer pieces, from evening dresses to fall layers and shoes.

Who is Samantha McMillen, the stylist behind the Fanning sisters’ red-carpet looks

Samantha McMillen is a Los Angeles-based stylist who began her career in public relations before starting her own wardrobe styling company. The Wall Group lists Elle and Dakota Fanning, Ana de Armas, Daisy Ridley, Jodie Foster, Kirsten Dunst and Brie Larson among her clients, and credits her with campaigns and collaborations across fashion, beauty and entertainment.

 

In a 2017 interview, McMillen described styling as understanding each person’s personality, style and needs. She has also said that Elle and Dakota are different clients: Dakota leans edgier, Elle more bohemian, and she rarely pulls the same pieces for both. That client-specific thinking is what I keep coming back to.

A smiling young woman with long brown hair wearing a dark jacket
Samantha McMillen. Photo: coach.com

Evening dresses in velvet, lace and draped satin

A model in a red star-patterned vest and striped shirt carrying a dark shoulder bag
Samantha McMillen. Photo: coach.com

Fall layers with cashmere, velvet and statement coats

Recent red-carpet work moves between couture detail and sharp finishing pieces

At the 2026 Oscars, Elle Fanning and McMillen returned to Givenchy for a Sarah Burton gown hand-embroidered with wisteria, a reference to Fanning’s childhood home. At the 2026 Emmys, McMillen styled Elle in Ralph Lauren Collection and Dakota in Carolina Herrera.

 

In August, she paired Dakota’s Mugler look with Aquazzura slingbacks, and at the Film Independent Spirit Awards she styled Kirsten Dunst with Gianvito Rossi shoes. These credits set the tone for a shop that moves from evening shapes to warm layers, then lets shoes and eyewear finish the story.

A model in a navy outfit leaning over a barrier with a red leather shoulder bag
Samantha McMillen. Photo: coach.com

Velvet, suede and tulle shoes for day and evening

Elle Fanning smiling with a dark shoulder bag beside a large black event banner
Samantha McMillen. Photo: coach.com

Eyewear, outerwear and sculptural dresses with strong lines

Where I would start with Samantha McMillen’s style

Start with one defining shape, such as an off-the-shoulder dress or a velvet shoe, and let the rest follow. McMillen’s work with the Fanning sisters shows how a personal detail can anchor an entire look. I would keep the final styling move simple and let texture carry the story.