From Venice to the Red Carpet: Zoe Saldana’s Love Affair With Black Dresses

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It’s no secret that Zoe Saldana usually wears black dresses, and I couldn’t blame her—black is a classic and versatile color that can effortlessly create a stylish and sophisticated appearance.

After showcasing a series of black ensembles during the promotion of “The Absence of Eden” last month, Zoe Saldana made a striking return to the red carpet. Remarkably, she appeared in two identical black dresses at events only a few days apart.

Embracing Quiet Luxury: Zoe Saldana in Maison Margiela Midi Dress

Zoe Saldana and her husband of 11 years, Marco Perego, flew to Venice, Italy, recently to attend a gala dinner hosted by business magnate Francois Pinault, Salma Hayek’s husband, in celebration of the 60th Biennale Art 2024.

Arriving arm-in-arm at the Giorgio Cini Foundation, the lovebirds wore coordinating black outfits, with Marco in a classic suit and Zoe in a black midi dress.

Sporting his signature mustache and long blond hair, Perego looked dashing in a black blazer, pleated pants, and heeled black loafers. He wore a black knit sweater underneath his suit instead of a regular collared shirt, which I think is a great touch that departs from the traditional suit look.

Marco Perego and Zoe Saldana are chic in matching black outfits at the gala dinner hosted by Francois Pinault celebrating the 60th Biennale Art 2024 in Venice, Italy on April 17, 2024Marco Perego and Zoe Saldana are chic in matching black outfits at the gala dinner hosted by Francois Pinault, celebrating the 60th Biennale Art 2024 in Venice, Italy, on April 17, 2024 (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

The Avatar actress, meanwhile, exuded understated elegance in a strapless black Maison Margiela dress. I love how the dress’s form-fitting style accentuates her slim figure. Although it appears to be a simple strapless midi-length design, the peplum accent at the waist gives the outfit a sophisticated touch.

I’m not sure if she has a sheer corset lingerie bra underneath or if that’s a feature of the dress, but it lends extra allure to the otherwise straightforward design. Had it not been for the large rosette attached to the hip, her outfit would have been too plain for me. It has contrasting white threads, which I think enhance the flowery effect.

At one point at the gala, Zoe was seen sporting a cropped blazer, which I didn’t like. It didn’t do the dress any good as it looked ill-fitting. I also thought the folded cuffs, which revealed the white pinstripe lining, were tacky.

Zoe Saldana looks classy in a black strapless midi dress with a peplum and a large rosette by Maison MargielaZoe Saldana looks classy in a black strapless midi dress with a peplum and a large rosette by Maison Margiela (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

Pairing Sleek Accessories with Understated Glam

The dress ends at Zoe’s calves, giving us a clear look at her heels. She wore the French luxury fashion house’s Tabi split-toe shoes, modeled after traditional 15th-century Japanese socks. Apart from the split toes, the pumps feature delicate crisscross straps across the vamps and high heels, boosting Saldana’s 5’7” height.

Zoe Saldana pairs her black midi dress with the Maison Margiela Tabi pumps inspired by traditional Japanese split-toe socksZoe Saldana pairs her black midi dress with the Maison Margiela Tabi pumps inspired by traditional Japanese split-toe socks (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

Her stylist, Petra Flannery, decided to forgo the jewelry, save for Zoe’s wedding band adorning her red-manicured hands. Flannery counts Reese Witherspoon, Emma Stone, Claire Danes, and Ellen Pompeo as some of her high-profile clients.

Saldana’s black leather JW Anderson hobo bag carried her necessities for the event. I adore its sleek, modern style, giving her classic black outfit a dash of playful element.

The Guardians of the Galaxy actress kept her beauty look understated. Her tresses were worn down in unfussy waves, and her remarkable features were accentuated with muted makeup, highlighting her natural beauty.

Zoe Saldana opts for a natural makeup look with an unfussy hairstyleZoe Saldana opts for a natural makeup look with an unfussy hairstyle (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

Less Is More: Zoe Saldana Dazzles in Minimalist Givenchy Gown

A few days before jetting to Italy, Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego graced the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, which honored the accomplishments of notable figures in fundamental physics, life sciences, and mathematics. Stars like Olivia Wilde, Katy Perry, and Lizzo also graced the event.

The couple opted for matching black looks, as usual. Marco looked neat in a black suit composed of a fitted jacket with satin lapels, slim-fit trousers, and a glittering black shirt. I think it fascinating that he accessorized with a cocktail ring, a gold bracelet, and a pearl necklace because I don’t often see men wearing pearls.

Marco Perego and Zoe Saldana hold hands in black ensembles at the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 13, 2024Marco Perego and Zoe Saldana hold hands in black ensembles at the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 13, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Zoe, meanwhile, opted for her signature style, wearing a strapless black gown that accentuated her curves. She donned a Givenchy Fall 2024 creation, covered in glistening black sequins from the strapless neckline to the midi-length hem.

I love how the shimmering adornments balanced out its relatively straightforward silhouette. Though the front seemed simple, the back had a party vibe with a draping design highlighting Zoe’s toned back.

Zoe Saldana dazzles in a strapless black sequin-embellished midi dress from Givenchy's Fall 2024 collectionZoe Saldana dazzles in a strapless black sequin-embellished midi dress from Givenchy’s Fall 2024 collection (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldana’s Statement Accessories

Zoe kept her neck bare to maintain the elegant appearance. Still, she added additional glitter to the brilliant gown with chunky stud earrings and several gold statement rings by Brazilian jewelry designer Fernando Jorge.

Further elevating her look, Zoe slipped her tattooed feet into a pair of Givenchy pumps crafted in Italy from shiny black patent leather. They have sharply pointed toes and 3.7-inch stiletto heels and are secured to her ankles by thin buckled straps.

A version of these pumps in smooth leather is available for $1,085 at Browns Fashion.

Jennifer Tioseco glammed Zoe up with subtle red smoky makeup, rosy cheeks, and vibrant lip color, while Mara Roszak arranged her lustrous hair in natural waves with one side tucked behind one ear.

Zoe Saldana teams her black sequin dress with black patent leather Givenchy pumps to boost her heightZoe Saldana teams her black sequin dress with black patent leather Givenchy pumps to boost her height (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)