Actress Carey Mulligan Commits Ultimate Red Carpet Faux Pas

on January 20, 2012 at 2:31 PM

Actress Carey Mulligan looks cute in this flowy quirky red dress, doesn't she? I love how she accessorized the Roland Mouret Spring 2012 gem with fun suede blue pumps!

Turns out really she loves it too. So much so that she decided to wear it twice to two different events in the span of only two weeks. The first time to a Los Angeles party, and the second time to the London Critics' Circle Film Awards.

For you and me, I could understand wearing the same thing twice, three times, whatever. For a wealthy actress in the spotlight? Grave mistake, my dear.

Part of an actress's job is keeping up their image. The way that others see them determines how they get certain roles. How does the Shame actress expect to be taken as a serious professional when she's flouncing around town in the same gown? Sure, I'd say it's no big thing if she was rockin' her favorite cardigan for the bajillionth time headed to the grocery store or her go-to yoga pants en route to the gym. Come on, though! This is a red carpet event!

Not to mention, Mulligan picked a pretty distinct gown to rock twice. It's not like this is a little black dress or something! With the bold flowers toward the bottom of the dress and the fun neckline, this is a look that makes a drastic statement every time it's taken off the rack. She does deserve a little praise, though. At least she swapped up her accessories!

For you and me, rewearing clothes is different. My golden rule is if there aren't photos from a certain event, then I can 100 percent definitely rewear a fancy dress. For everything else from sweaters and jeans to that comfy classic long sleeve, there are no rules. Wear your favorites all you want.

The good news: Rumor has it that Mulligan may have worn the dress again as a challenge from Colin Firth's wife, Livia. Seems that Livia is launching her third annual Green Carpet Challenge, daring actresses to re-wear gowns during the awards season. Let's hope that's the reason behind this. If so, good for her! Otherwise -- I'm sorry Carey. Let's hope there's no round three.

Do you wear the same dress to different occasions?

Image via Dave Hogan/Getty Images

About the author Emily Abbate

is a blogger and Editorial Assistant here at The Stir.

Filed Under: celeb style, celebrity

Comments (36)

Nonmember comment from hellno

on Jan 20, 2012 at 2:57 PM

Hell no.

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micheledo

on Jan 20, 2012 at 3:09 PM

Why is it a good thing IF she did it for the Green Carpet Challenge but such a TERRIBLE thing if she did it on her own to not be wasteful???

Good for her. It's ridiculous that wearing a dress twice is such a HUGE deal.

banana-bear

on Jan 20, 2012 at 9:05 PM

The outfit is hideous, IMO. But really? She has to be a wasteful person and only wear something once??? Take that attitude to those who have NOTHING to wear, see what happens. Clothes are not a one-time-wear-deal. They are meant to be worn, washed, repeat.....You're ridiculous. Good for her for not being a wasteful person; you could learn something from her.

BriLee

on Jan 20, 2012 at 9:19 PM

I agree! I don't any problem with her wearing a dress twice. It would be nice to see more celebrities do this.

PonyChaser

on Jan 20, 2012 at 11:06 PM

I think a big reason why many actresses only wear a fancy dress once is because those dresses are loaned to them. I know a lot of the jewelry is.

But I'm with the rest. GOOD FOR HER for not throwing good money after bad on overpriced gowns that she's only "allowed" to wear once. I've only had one dress that I only wore once, and that was my wedding dress. And I'm considering donating it because it's still in perfect shape.

I love how Hollywood people get bashed for being "elitist" and "out of touch", but then when they do something like this, it's treated with shock and horror. How hypocritical.

princezzmommie

on Jan 21, 2012 at 11:40 PM

yes. that's why its called a favorite. good for her for being herself and wearing what she felt like instead of what some stylist told her.

nacholibre

on Jan 22, 2012 at 12:59 PM

It's a mistake to reuse something and not waste money or resources?

Yeah, wow, she should be ashamed of herself ( <----sarcasm, for those who can't note it on their own)

on Jan 22, 2012 at 1:01 PM

and to answer the question at the end....I still have a dress from a high school homecoming that I've worn to several events! It's pretty, still in great shape, and looks fantastic on me. Why WOULDN"T I wear it every chance I got!?