Style Idol: Jessica Chastain

“I’ve spent my life being embarrassed,” actress Jessica Chastain said in the September 2012 issue of Vanity Fair. “I don’t want people to look at me.”

You wouldn’t know it to watch Chastain on the red carpet. The star of nine films in the past two years, and of the recently released Zero Dark Thirty, has rarely taken a public style misstep. Since she emerged on the film scene, she’s appeared impeccably groomed, preferring girlish dresses that fall around the knee and luxurious monochrome gowns. Her strawberry hued hair is the often unspoken accessory topping off her great ensembles.  Take a gander at some of her recent looks and be inspired:

   

From left: Jessica Chastain in an LBD and matching Casadei platform sandals; in a vintage YSL cocktail dress from Decades with the label's platforms and colorful Tom Binns jewels; in a belted black dress with an Aurelie Bidermann statement cuff and ankle-strap heels.

From left: Jessica Chastain in a pastel Roksanda Ilincic dress with gold earrings and pointy-toe Louboutins; in a lace Elie Saab cocktail dress with diamond Harry Winston jewels and gold Charlotte Olympia sandals; in Preen's floral design and nude Christian Louboutin heels.

From left: Jessica Chastain in a beaded Marios Schwab cocktail dress, yellow diamond Harry Winston earrings and satin Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toes; in Stella McCartney's yellow lace dress with Harry Winston diamonds and nude Louboutins; in an embellished cocktail dress and belt from Oscar de la Renta and glitter Jimmy Choo peep-toes.

From left: Jessica Chastain in an embellished Armani gown and rose gold Chopard floral earrings; in a silk faille Alexander McQueen gown and a 19-carat diamond cuff and white gold earrings from the Louis Vuitton high jewelry collection; in a sparkling Gucci gown with pear shape Chopard danglers.

From left: Jessica Chastain in Carven separates, Jack Vartanian studs and patent leather Brian Atwood pumps; in a Kirna Zabête for Target ensemble that included a polka-dot blouse, black blazer and full skirt, with a gold watch and patent leather peep-toes; Calvin Klein sherbet sheath with a metallic box clutch and leather Elie Saab heels.

From left: Jessica Chastain in a sleek coat, chain-strap bag and studded suede pumps; in a tuxedo blazer over skinny J Brand cords accessorized with an Emilio Pucci bag, lace-up wedges and two-tone sunglasses; in a coral minidress worn with a classic black coat, flat boots and an Emilio Pucci top-handle bag.