Elizabeth Banks Makes Mod Look Totally Modern

You know those lovely ladies in Hollywood whose fabulous sense of style tends to fly under the radar more times than not, or never really gets the appreciation and recognition it deserves? Ladies like Zoe Saldana, Naomi Watts, and Emmy Rossum, who never fail to look flawless on the red carpet but somehow don’t make it into conversations with style greats like Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie, and People ’s new most beautiful person Lupita Nyong’o? Well to me, Elizabeth Banks is one of those women.

The actress — whose recent blockbuster films include the Hunger Games series and Pitch Perfect — has an elegance, grace, and edge on the red carpet that few stars can dream of and even fewer can replicate. And when she’s not wowing us in couture gowns, delicate dresses, and even the occasional (and adorable) patterned jumpsuit, she’s showing up in outfits that give a nod to the past while looking boldly into the fashion future.

Her ensemble at Wednesday night’s Walk of Shame special screening in New Orleans is just the most recent example of her knack for retro numbers. Hitting the red carpet in an undeniably chic midi-length sheath dress, the charming star channeled a mod vibe with her hot-pink-and-black, honeycomb-patterned number from designer Monique Lhuillier.

And it wasn’t just the curve-hugging dress that subtly screamed “mod” either: From the voluminous, side swept curls and thick lashes to the patent-leather waistband and boxy Rauwolf clutch, Banks brought a perfectly-pulled-off retro vibe to the Walk of Shame red carpet.

This wasn’t the first time in the last several months that Banks has gone modernly mod. In February, the actress showed up to a press event in California donning an A-line Roksanda Ilincic frock that featured vintage color blocking and a ’60s-style cut.

Just the month before, Banks made her Sundance Film Festival rounds sporting a classically mod print and shape with her turtleneck, checkered mini dress from Ralph Lauren. Finishing the look with over-the-knee boots and opaque black tights, Banks’s ensemble had me clamoring to recreate the retro style immediately.

Sure, Banks may not be the only star to look amazing in mod styles — Zooey Deschanel and Michelle Williams deserve credit where it’s due, of course — but when she makes them look this effortless and modern, it’s just another reminder of her limitless fashion potential.