Jessica Alba Style Breakdown: What’s Right, What’s Wrong, and How to Fix It
Trying to find a bad photo of Jessica Alba is like trying to find a flattering photo of Donald Trump's comb-over. They just don't exist.
In addition to being an actress, Alba is an entrepreneur and a mom of two young daughters, not to mention being naturally and unfairly gorgeous. And as she settles into motherhood, her style has hit its stride. She's always well put-together, clothes-wise, but we must admit, she does have an Achilles heel.
And that's her hair. Given her sun-smooched tawny skin and pouty lips, she's a stunner when she rocks darker hair and bangs. But when she goes short and blonde, the change is drastic enough to just make her blend into a crowd.
On the other hand, when she gets all dolled up, like she did in a flowered dress, she rarely falters. The hair always fits the outfit. A pretty, pale and frilly dress is paired with a pretty, slicked back 'do. Flawless.
She isn't afraid to go short and show just the right amount of skin, either. Pairing a jewled bust with a cobalt skirt, dark tights and heels is undeniably chic on her.
See what we mean about how gorgeous she is with blunt bangs and brown locks? In a word, she's a head turner.
Oh, those lips. Like pillows.
Even with a lighter, blonder 'do, she's still causing jaws to drop with the bangs, volume and waves.
The stick straight, flat-ironed look is also flattering on her, although she could use some blotting sheets or mattifying powder.
But as a full-on blonde? She's a nondescript, generic California girl.
What's Right:
Alba is blonde below, but we can forgive the hair hue because her anything-but-basic black dress and bling are perfectly matched. She makes black look new and vibrant -- that's not easy to do.
She can also wear a straight and side boob-exposing dress with equal elegance. On another body, like that of a celebutante whose last name ends in "Dashian," this could look vulgar. But on Alba, it's smoking hot. The length is tricky, but with her updated edgy makeup and chunky heels, she makes it contemporary.
The actress never shows too much skin, but when she does, it's elegant. She can make a simple LBD halter look even classier. The red satin heels are a gorgeous touch, and an unexpected one at that.
Look at those stems. Everything about this look is spot on: from the texture to the strappy heels to the short front and long back. This could have gotten messy, but on her, it's polished with panache. You're starting to hate her, aren't you?
Alba earns an A+ on her fashion report card. The frilly white fabric, the short hem, the red sash and black heels prove fashion opposites attract. Another flawless execution.
Alba also goes on a limb by pairing safe silhouettes with edgier or unexpected fabrics.
What's Wrong:
Okay, this is no tongue bath -- Alba does occasionally misstep, but it's incredibly rare. Her stylist and her innate fashion sense are pretty ironclad.
Her pregnancy attire was usually fabulous, but this patterned frock ended up looking a bit like a sack. We'll give her a break, though, since she did have a bun in the oven.
While she was accessorizing for warmth here, too many layers overwhelmed her petite frame.
But Alba didn't cruise into Hollywood with perfectly cultivated style. This photo, from back in the early '00s, indicates she clearly needed help on arrival. Those clown pants should have been burned in some sort of ritualistic sacrifice to the fashion gods.
While the tube top and crossbody bag are on point with current trends, we hate these pants too. But as we said before, it's a small misstep in an otherwise decent outfit. Alba is the rare Hollywood star who can be sexy without being vulgar, and who pretty much never steps a heel onto the red carpet without looking her very best.
How to Fix It:
Our No. 1 suggestion? Jessica, baby, keep doing what you're doing, and you'll end up on Best Dressed lists. But keep the hair dark, as it suits you. When you go lighter, it's just so "meh." And you and "meh" do not belong in the same sentence.
More of this, please.