Emily Blunt made a daring statement at the The Smashing Machine premiere during TIFF 2025, embracing sheer sophistication in a custom Stella McCartney Chantilly lace bodysuit and wide-leg trousers. Here’s why this look is her boldest yet.
If there’s one thing Emily Blunt’s red carpet evolution has taught us, it’s that she’s a master of the unexpected. On September 8, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of The Smashing Machine, she proved it once again—this time, with a look that was equal parts daring and refined. Stepping onto the red carpet at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Blunt embraced sheer like never before, in a custom Stella McCartney Chantilly lace bodysuit from the designer’s Spring 2025 collection. The result? A fashion moment that was as much about confidence as it was about couture.
Blunt’s ensemble was a study in contrast: the semi-sheer halter top, with its delicate lace and mesh panels, revealed just enough to intrigue, while the matching wide-leg trousers—subtly pinstriped and cropped to graze the ankle—grounded the look in effortless sophistication. The bodysuit, originally seen on Stella McCartney’s runway as Look 47, underwent a strategic edit for Blunt: opaque cups and a triangular cutout at the sternum ensured the look felt bold, not brazen. Paired with Messika Move Uno and Glam’azone double rings and a Calypso earcuff, the effect was undeniably modern, undeniably her.
Outfit Focus: The Art of the Sheer Statement
Emily Blunt’s TIFF look was a masterclass in how to wear sheer with intention. The Chantilly lace bodysuit, with its intricate floral motifs and strategic opaque panels, was the centerpiece. Stella McCartney’s Spring 2025 collection, known for its blend of romanticism and rebellion, provided the perfect canvas for Blunt’s red carpet reinvention. The lace wasn’t just decorative—it was structural, with the mesh panels around the waist creating a play of light and shadow that moved with her.
The wide-leg trousers were the unexpected hero. In a sea of skin-tight red carpet silhouettes, Blunt’s choice felt refreshingly modern. The pinstripes, barely there but unmistakable, added a touch of androgynous edge, while the cropped hem revealed a glimpse of her shoes—likely sky-high platforms, knowing her affinity for a towering heel. The absence of a belt let the trousers hang low on her hips, emphasizing their oversized fit and lending the ensemble a relaxed, almost insouciant vibe.
Her accessories were minimal but mighty. The Messika rings, stacked on one hand, caught the light with every gesture, while the Calypso earcuff added a touch of architectural drama to her beauty look. The effect was polished yet playful—a balance Blunt has perfected over her two-decade collaboration with stylist Jessica Paster.
Styling Cohesion: Hair, Makeup, and the Mood
Blunt’s beauty look was the ideal complement to her sheer ensemble. Her hair, pulled back into a sleek, low ponytail, kept the focus on the lace and the lines of the bodysuit. The makeup was equally understated: a soft smoky eye, defined brows, and a nude lip ensured the outfit remained the star. But it was her pose—confident, slightly aloof, with a knowing half-smile—that truly sold the look. Here was a woman who knew exactly the statement she was making.
The overall mood? Sophisticated, sensual, and unapologetically self-assured. Blunt didn’t just wear the outfit; she owned it, turning a potentially risky choice into a red carpet triumph.
Cultural Context: A Shift in the Red Carpet Narrative
Emily Blunt’s TIFF appearance wasn’t just another premiere—it was a declaration. In an industry where women over 40 are often sidelined or scrutinized for their sartorial choices, Blunt’s sheer moment felt like a quiet revolution. This is a woman who has spent years pushing back against expectations, both in her career and her style. From her early days in The Devil Wears Prada to her recent Oscar-nominated roles, she’s consistently chosen looks that challenge the status quo.
Her collaboration with Jessica Paster has been instrumental in this evolution. The duo has taken risks—remember the custom Alexander McQueen illusion gown at the 2024 Golden Globes? Or the nude Elie Saab couture at the BAFTAs?—but this TIFF look felt like their most personal statement yet. It wasn’t about shock value; it was about owning one’s narrative, flaws and all. In a world where red carpets can feel increasingly performative, Blunt’s sheer moment was a reminder that true style is about authenticity.
Get the Look: Sheer Sophistication for the Bold
Inspired by Emily Blunt’s TIFF triumph? Here’s how to embrace sheer with her signature blend of daring and elegance:
- The Bodysuit: Look for a lace or mesh bodysuit with strategic opaque panels. Stella McCartney’s designs are a splurge, but brands like Reformation, Fleur du Mal, or Agent Provocateur offer similar styles with a mix of coverage and intrigue.
- The Trousers: Wide-leg, high-waisted trousers in a matching fabric balance the bodysuit’s boldness. Try The Row or Khaite for luxurious options, or & Other Stories for a budget-friendly alternative.
- The Accessories: Stacked rings and a single statement earcuff keep the look modern. Messika’s designs are iconic, but Jennifer Fisher or Alighieri offer striking alternatives.
- The Shoes: Sky-high platforms or strappy sandals elongate the leg. Christian Louboutin and Gianvito Rossi are red carpet staples, but Mango and Public Desire have chic, affordable options.
- Hair and Makeup: A sleek ponytail and soft smoky eye let the outfit shine. Use a shine serum for hair and a neutral lip to keep the focus on the lace.
The Verdict: A Red Carpet Masterclass in Confidence
Emily Blunt’s TIFF look was more than just a fashion moment—it was a cultural statement. In a single ensemble, she managed to blend romanticism with rebellion, vulnerability with strength, and tradition with innovation. It’s a look that will be remembered not just for its sheer audacity, but for the way it redefined what a red carpet moment can be.
For more red carpet inspiration, explore our celebrity red carpet archives.
