STYLE

By Ava Gilchrist

20 November 2024

In Celebration Of Chloë Sevigny’s Eternal Style, 50 Looks For Her 50th Birthday

Half a century of a forever It Girl.

Chloe-Sevigny — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: Chloë Sevigny attends the 2024 LACMA Art+Film Gala, Presented By Gucci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for LACMA)

At what stage do you consider someone a bona fide It girl? Is it when they make their film debut in Larry Clark and Harmony Korine’s provocative 90s cult-classic Kids? Or make their first appearance on the runway for Miu Miu in 1995? Or, is it when they become a staple in Manhattan’s underground circles, featuring in numerous Sonic Youth music videos and partook in a renegade fashion show thrown by Sofia Coppola? Perhaps it’s when you’re awarded the coveted moniker by The New Yorker at age 16, no less.

For perennial style icon and the definitive coolest woman alive, Chloë Sevigny, it’s all of the above.

Throughout her five decades, many have tried to dissect just what makes Sevigny so inspirational. But as an eternal muse, it’s her insouciant attitude and effortless approach to clothing that’s mythologised her one of the most inimitable figures in film and fashion.

As a pinnacle indie cinema darling, Sevigny began her career adorned in thrifted tiger-striped stockings, as she did for the premiere of 1996’s Trees Lounge, and chintzy vintage finds before soon capturing the eye of luxury designers who clamoured to have her endorsements—both on and off the runway. Though the labels she wore might’ve been more elevated than the ones she hawked in East Village boutiques, her penchant for the unexpected and tact for making you covet something you’d never think you’d like remained.

The latter is probably due to her street style know-how. Unlike other celebrities, Sevigny dresses for real life and it’s the concrete jungle that proves to be her best arena. (Though, she’s no stranger to the red carpet either.) This was proved in 2023 when Sevigny proudly declared “The Sale Of The Century” by peddling off her personal archive. The line wrapped city blocks just for a chance to buy pre-loved pieces from her closet, with everyone from socialites to singers (see: Olivia Rodrigo) buying what Sevigny was selling.

Now, as Sevigny reaches her milestone 50th birthday, it’s fitting that her recent roles in Luca Gaudingo’s Bones And All or Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, Feud: Capote vs The Swans and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, have reminded us all of why she’s so everlastingly beloved.

In celebration of a half-century of style, look back at Chloë Sevigny’s best fashion moments, below.

Chloë Sevigny’s Best Fashion Moments

Chloë-Sevigny — Chloe Sevigny at the Entertainment Weekly 9th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party. (Photo by L. Busacca/WireImage)

chole sevigny fashion — NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 16: Seen in Soho. (Photo by Alo Ceballos/GC Images)

chole sevigny — PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 30: Walking the runway during Miu Miu 2019 Cruise Collection Show at Hotel Regina. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

chole sevigny fashion moments — NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 10: Seen on March 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/GC Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 23: FX’s “Feud: Capote VS. The Swans” New York Premiere at Museum of Modern Art. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)