A developing trend on the red carpet: white girly strapless sweetheart-neckline dresses with a black ribbon sash belt cutting across the waist. Very simple and very understated — almost country, and very very American. We love its quiet chic — especially on Michelle Pfeiffer, a living legend.

Michelle Pfeiffer knows how to look quintessentially naughty-or-nice-girl-next-door — it’s all about a little tousle of the hair, a coy glance over your shoulder, and wearing head-to-toe skin-complementing shades of off-white, cream, and beige. Classic California dress-up dress, perfect for summertime occasions anywhere. (Note: This is a great wedding-guest outfit!)

A living legend wearing an all-time classic navy tiered silk chiffon dress. Pick up a frock like this for your wardrobe and wear it until you die — this flapper-inspired style, modified to bring it into the 21st century, will never go out of style — pair it with a demure cardigan and be the best-dressed girl at the office and wear it out for a hot dinner date. Remember, though, with such a gloriously simple, but elaborately detailed dress, to under-accessorize. Simplicity is the key. You’re wearing the dress, don’t let the dress wear you.

The thing about Michelle Pfeiffer is this: No matter what role she’s playing, no matter what she’s wearing, you always get the feeling that what you see is what you get. There’s something plainly honest about her — and “effortless elegance” doesn’t just sum up what she’s wearing here, a simple black strapless shift, one sparkling cuff, and a pair of black pumps, but it sums up her image, her public approach to life. She’s the perfect all-American screen star, and that’s why we love her.