Emma Watson almost always turns to a black and white look to walk a red carpet – and she’s in good company as a fan of this simple yet effective style approach. “I have said that black has it all,” Gabrielle Chanel said once. “White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” Meanwhile Coco’s successor, the ever succinct Karl Lagerfeld, said that “black and white always looks modern – whatever that word means”.

Regularly seen wearing Chanel herself, the chic combination of black and white chimes with Watson’s penchant for a Parisian aesthetic (she enjoys a Mary-Jane and a red lip – and who could forget the gamine pixie crop she experimented with circa 2010?). Most recently, The Little Women star made an appearance at Elton John’s 2023 Oscars Party in a sleek Gabriela Hearst dress – a fittingly sustainable choice for an actor who has made no secret about her eco-conscious principles.

As she turns 33 today, see Emma Watson’s best monochromatic red-carpet moments to date.

In a Gabriela Hearst dress and carrying a dazzling Roger Vivier clutch for Elton Johns 2023 Oscars Party.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
1/21

2023

In a Gabriela Hearst dress and carrying a dazzling Roger Vivier clutch for Elton John’s 2023 Oscars Party.

Image may contain Human Person Clothing Apparel Emma Watson Evening Dress Fashion Gown Robe and Dress

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin
2/21

2022

In a white lace Alexander McQueen dress at the Kering Foundation’s Caring For Women dinner in New York City.

Image may contain Fashion Premiere Red Carpet Red Carpet Premiere Emma Watson Human Person Clothing and Apparel

Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
3/21

2021

On the red carpet at the 2022 BAFTAs.

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Emma Watson Shoe Footwear Suit Coat Overcoat Human Person Tie and Accessories

Donna Ward
4/21

2014

For classic black and white suiting, it makes sense to look to Saint Laurent.

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2017

Promoting Beauty & The Beast in a romantic Oscar de la Renta.

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Emma Watson Human Person Footwear Shoe High Heel Suit Coat and Overcoat

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2012

In a Tom Ford blazer and sandals to film an appearance on David Letterman’s show.

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2011

Wearing Jason Wu to the London premiere of My Week With Marilyn.

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8/21

2012

In Calvin Klein at a 2012 awards ceremony.

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9/21

2013

Wearing monochrome Louis Vuitton at Cannes.

Image may contain Emma Watson Fashion Premiere Human Person Red Carpet and Red Carpet Premiere

Dominique Charriau
10/21

2013

Emma wore Chanel couture in Cannes for a screening of The Bling Ring.

Image may contain Emma Watson Clothing Apparel Sleeve Coat Human Person Fashion Word and Long Sleeve

Rune Hellestad – Corbis
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2014

Emma threw a Dior coat over a white jumpsuit by Meghan Markle’s friend Misha Nonoo for the 2014 Fashion Awards.

Image may contain Emma Watson Clothing Apparel Human Person Suit Coat Overcoat Pants Dress and Fashion

Jeffrey Mayer
12/21

2013

In black and white Roland Mouret at a premiere in 2013.

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2013

A Balenciaga crop top and trousers for the GQ Awards.

Image may contain Emma Watson Fashion Premiere Human Person Red Carpet and Red Carpet Premiere

Lester Cohen
14/21

2014

In a Theory by Olivier Theyskens dress for a post-Golden Globes party.

Image may contain Emma Watson Clothing Apparel Evening Dress Fashion Gown Robe Human Person and Wedding

Samir Hussein
15/21

2021

To attend the 2021 Earthshot Prize 2021 in London, Watson chose an appropriately conscious look by Harris Reed, upcycled using second-hand wedding dresses sourced from Oxfam.

Image may contain Emma Watson Human Person Clothing Apparel Fashion Premiere Footwear and Shoe

Jason LaVeris
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2013

A Chanel minidress for a premiere of The Bling Ring.

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2014

Watson wore a black and white J Mendel jumpsuit for a Madrid premiere.

Image may contain Emma Watson Human Person Clothing Shoe Footwear Apparel Runway and Fashion

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18/21

2014

In monochrome Christian Dior to take in the brand’s couture show in Paris.

Image may contain Emma Watson Sunglasses Accessories Accessory Human Person Fashion Clothing Apparel and Premiere

Daniele Venturelli
19/21

2016

Watson collaborated with Calvin Klein and Eco Age on her gown/suit hybrid for the 2016 Met Gala.

Image may contain Emma Watson Human Person Fashion Clothing Apparel and Premiere

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20/21

2014

Her Giambattista Valli couture LBD featured a visible white underskirt.

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Image may contain Emma Watson Clothing Apparel Fashion Human Person Blouse Premiere Sleeve and Pants

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2014

Looking sleek in Balenciaga on a 2014 red carpet.