7 of Lily Allen’s best luxury fashion looks this summer: The Pillowman theatre star rocked the same Erdem dress as Taylor Swift, stunned in Chanel, and looked pretty in pink Victoria Beckham

Oct 3 , 2023

Lily Allen in Philosophy, Erdem, and Self-Portrait – the actress has been serving look after look in recent weeks. Photos: @kyledevolle/Instagram

If the last time you saw singer Lily Allen was as a baby faced 21-year-old singing her hit “Smile”, you may have missed the fact that the 38-year old is now a serious theatre actress appearing in 2:22 A Ghost Story – for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award – and, most recently, The Pillowman.

But the real story is the singer-turned-thespian’s fashion renaissance. For the last few months, Allen has been leaving London’s Duke of York theatre in a series of jaw-dropping outfits – and fans and fashion editors alike can’t get enough.

A baby-faced Lily Allen in 2009, and stepping out in a Madonna-inspired Richard Quinn dress this summer. Photos: SCMP Archive, @lilyallen/Instagram

“The role that I’m doing is pretty harrowing,” Allen wrote on her Instagram, referring to the part of Katurian in The Pillowman. “It’s nice to come offstage and transition into something glamorous, it really helps me to separate from what’s happened on stage.”

Adding that “people” (presumably fashion houses) send her nice things to wear, Allen has also credited her stylist Kyle De’Volle for her transformation. De’Volle has already worked with the likes of Cara Delevingne, Rita Ora and Bruno Mars.

Here are eight of Lily Allen’s best looks so far.

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1. Barbiecore with Magda Butrym

Allen looked decidedly doll-like – and every inch a star – in this hooded halter dress by Polish designer Magda Butrym in August. The one-piece formed a corsage at her left shoulder and Allen paired the dress with hot pink Jimmy Choo heels, a matching clutch, and a diamond Garrard bracelet.

2. Self-Portrait two-piece

Lily Allen wearing a co-ord by hip label Self Portrait. Photo: @lilyallen/Instagram

This floral-embroidered lace cropped shirt and shorts co-ord was one of the starkest reminders yet that Allen is in a new phase of life. The actress kept the look ultra-modern with a pair of white Christian Louboutin stilettos, slicked back hair, and a single finishing touch: a pair of pastel Bond Street fan earrings by Lebanese L’Atelier Nawbar.

3. Ethereal in Erdem

Lily Allen in Erdem. Photo: @lilyallen/Instagram

This August post-show outfit is up there as one of our favourites. From Erdem’s spring 2023 collection, the coral midi dress’ sheer white corset made the petite star look gorgeous and ethereal – and just screamed summer.

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4. Queen of the night in Armani

“I’ll be watching the Wimbledon men’s final this afternoon, but I think the week’s strongest serves go to me,” the actress joked on Instagram when she posted photos of this striking black satin Giorgio Armani look.

The ultra-wide leg trousers formed the perfect contrast to her matching bolero with three quarter-length sleeves, which she wore with nothing underneath to enhance the silhouette further.

5. Pretty in pink with VB

Some of Allen’s best looks have been her simplest, and this delicate Victoria Beckham design is no different. The pale bubblegum pink dress had drape sleeves and a boat neck, and the actress opted for a pair of sky-high Louboutins to finish the look.

6. Tay Tay take 2

Lily Allen and Taylor Swift wore the same baby blue dress. Photos: @lilyallen, @swiftiewholovesfolklore/Instagram

Taylor Swift may have worn it first to Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley’s wedding, but we’re only too happy to get a second take on this stunning asymmetric Erdem number. Another piece from Moralıoğlu’s spring/summer collection, its fitted bodice and lace ruffles don’t swamp Allen at all despite her being 17cm shorter than Swift.

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7. Chic in Chanel

While this outfit wasn’t from one of Allen’s post-show appearances, we think it deserves an honourable mention for demonstrating her ability to meet the fashion moment wherever she goes right now. Arriving to a Chanel event in New York, Allen proves that if you want to channel Coco Chanel, first wear the clothes, then get the hair and jewellery right. And boy does she get it right.

Celebrity style

Once better known for pairing oversized gold earrings with prom dresses and sneakers, 2023’s Lily Allen is more likely to be spotted in Chanel dresses, Jimmy Choo shoes and Garrard bling
The ‘Smile’ star-turned-thespian credits stylist Kyle De’Volle, who has worked with Cara Delevingne, Rita Ora and Bruno Mars, for her transformation, and once went pretty in pink in Victoria Beckham