Selena Gomez (and Her Classic Red Manicure) Just Ignored Another Style Convention at Cannes

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If Selena Gomez isn’t pressed about pairing navy and black at Cannes Film Festival, don’t be surprised that she embraced another controversial color combo this weekend.

Okay, maybe controversial is the wrong word to describe red and green, but there is something rather wintery about the festive pairing. In the fashion world, the colors are rarely mixed outside of Christmas season. And yet, Gomez had no problem pairing all of her Cannes looks with a short, classic red manicure by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, including the unexpected little green dress she changed into after her triumphant return to the Cannes red carpet.

“I painted Essie’s ‘Rock The Runway’ to achieve a young, chic, sophisticated look,” Bachik said of the manicure on Instagram. “Perfect for Cannes.”

No look was better suited for short red nails than the stunning Giambattista Valli dress Gomez wore to a press event on May 19. The Emilia Perez star couldn’t have looked more ladylike in the red midi-dress featuring a voluminous rose-embellished trim, which she paired with matching Louboutin pumps, Messika statement earrings, and a classic Hollywood wavy hairstyle.

While she avoided overwhelming the look with another bold red lip, Balchik was absolutely right about the look’s finishing touch.

Selena Gomez on May 19, 2024 in Cannes, France.

Mike Marsland

This manicure was so “perfect,” that Gomez didn’t mind ignoring styling conventions on May 18, changing out of her black and white Saint Laurent gown into a short, yet cozy green cowl-neck minidress.

Side note: Has anyone else noticed that Gomez has worn four off-the-shoulder looks in a row? Between that first navy and black dress by Oscar de la Renta, yesterday’s looks, and her most recent red floral dress, the theme of Selena Gomez’s Cannes wardrobe is clavicle.

Instagram/@SelenaGomez

To the 31-year-old pop star’s credit, there’s nothing Christmasy about this after-party look. Given the olive tone of the semi-sheer dress and subtle touch of red from the mani, Gomez’s vibe is more sexy dirty martini than boughs of holly. Forget dressing as citrus fruits this summer, 2024 is all about literal cocktail attire.