Honestly, it’s wild to think about how much the internet’s obsession with Anne Hathaway sexiest pics has shifted over the last couple of years. Back in the Princess Diaries era, she was the girl next door. Fast forward to 2026, and she’s basically the high-fashion final boss. People search for those "sexiest" shots expecting something standard, but what they actually find is a masterclass in how a woman in her 40s can absolutely dominate the red carpet through pure, unadulterated style.
She isn't just "wearing clothes" anymore. She’s commanding them.
Why her Versace era changed everything
If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen those Mert & Marcus shots from the Versace Icons campaign. That was a turning point. Donatella Versace basically took Anne and said, "Let's show them the bombshell."
The metallic mesh slip dress from the Fall 2024 campaign is arguably one of the most iconic things she’s ever put on her body. It’s a 90s throwback that feels futuristic. It’s sultry but structured. Most "sexy" lists just look for skin, but Anne’s recent looks prove that a well-tailored corset or a perfectly placed Medusa safety pin can be way more impactful.
Take the 2023 Met Gala, for instance. That white Versace tweed dress? It was held together by those gold pins, barely. It was a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, sure, but it was also the moment everyone realized Anne was no longer playing it safe. She looked like a work of art.
The 2025 Vogue shoot and the "Madame X" scandal
The recent August 2025 Vogue cover shot by Annie Leibovitz at the Met Museum caused a bit of a stir. Some people hated the lighting, but the photos themselves? Unreal. There’s one shot where she’s standing in front of John Singer Sargent’s "Madame X" wearing a textured Givenchy crop top and a satin skirt.
"I will never forget how everyone made me feel like a work of art those magical days," Anne said about the shoot.
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That’s the thing—she’s leaning into the "sexy" through a lens of high-art sophistication. One of the standout images from that set features her in a top made entirely of giant gems and diamonds. It’s transparent. It’s daring. It’s the kind of photo that defines her 2020s Renaissance. She isn't hiding; she's presenting herself with a level of confidence that wasn't there during her Les Mis press tours.
Breaking down the "Anne-aissance" style
You can't talk about her best photos without mentioning her stylist, Erin Walsh. Ever since they started working together, the "Genovian Princess" vibe has been replaced by "Global Fashion Powerhouse."
- The "Naked" Dress: At the She Came To Me premiere, she wore a sheer Valentino Couture gown over a nude bodysuit with black leather gloves.
- The Cerulean Callback: At the 2024 SAG Awards, she wore archival Versace in that specific shade of blue. It was a total Devil Wears Prada moment, but with a thigh-high split that made it feel 100% current.
- The Hooded Gold Look: Remember the 2015 Met Gala? The Ralph Lauren liquid gold look with the hood? It’s still one of her most searched images because it was so unexpected.
The Gap dress that went viral
Even her "casual" looks are hitting different now. Remember the custom Gap shirtdress she wore to the Bulgari event in Rome? Zac Posen made it for her. It was just a white dress, but she wore it off-the-shoulder with high-jewelry diamonds. It proved that "sexy" doesn't have to mean $50,000 sequins. Sometimes it's just a crisp white shirt and a hell of a lot of attitude.
Redefining the "Sexiest" label in 2026
What people get wrong is thinking Anne is trying to be a "babe" in the traditional sense. She’s not. She’s playing with the concept.
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Her recent birthday look—a sultry Dolce & Gabbana dress that played with the "underwear as outerwear" trend—showed she knows exactly what’s trending with Gen Z, but she does it with a grown-up, polished edge. She’s mentioned in interviews that she’s inspired by the way younger generations use fashion to define themselves, and you can see that influence in her bolder choices.
How to get the "Anne" look (The 2026 Edition)
If you're looking to channel that same energy, it isn't about buying the most expensive dress. It’s about three specific things:
- Tailoring is non-negotiable: Whether it's a blazer or a slip dress, if it doesn't fit like a second skin, it won't work.
- Contrast textures: Mix leather with lace, or tweed with silk. Anne’s best photos always have a bit of "friction" between the fabrics.
- Confidence over everything: The reason she looks so good in those 2025 Vogue shots isn't just the Givenchy; it’s the way she’s standing. She owns the space.
Anne Hathaway's transformation from a teen icon to a fashion-forward powerhouse is basically complete. Those who are still looking for the 2001 version of her are missing the best part of her career. She’s currently at the top of her game, proving that style only gets sharper with age.
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Keep an eye on her upcoming 2026 red carpet appearances for the The Devil Wears Prada sequel—if her recent track record is any indication, she’s about to break the internet all over again.