Blake Lively at the 2025 Time100 Gala Channels the Glamour of Prom Night

Blake Lively has consistently followed her own fashion guidelines, but in recent years, she has been joyously shattering the boundaries. She has alternated between looks that would have fit in a pop star's closet or a Parisian runway archive while on the press tour for her next movie, Another Simple Favor. These include a high-shine latex dress fit for Lady Gaga, a full-fringe David Koma coat dress, and even a Chanel skirt suit, but with that distinctive Blake twist.

Lively made yet another abrupt left turn last night at the 2025 Time100 Gala in New York, this time directly into the nostalgia of prom season. She wore a blush pink Zuhair Murad gown from the brand's spring/summer 2025 collection when she walked the red carpet. It was the type of dress that seems to have been sewn from a dream: a strapless silhouette with a delicate fishtail skirt, a sweeping train that hung behind 1

her like a whisper, and a draped, boned corset.

Lively finished the ensemble with brushed-out curls parted gently to the side and accessorized with beaded bracelets that glittered under the gala lights, a massive matching cocktail ring, and earrings set with turquoise stones. 2

Even her manicure, which was exquisite and embossed with gold foil, conveyed a sense of subtle luxury. The total impact? Extremely feminine, little dramatic, and extremely close to prom queen perfection. Despite not being anointed royalty, Lively was recognized as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people, which was appropriate given that prom season has officially begun.

Arriving at the Jazz at Lincoln Center arm in arm with husband Ryan Reynolds, Lively and Reynolds experienced a number of hilarious and loving moments on the carpet. Reynolds, who is always the encouraging spouse, politely moved aside to allow his wife to enjoy the camera flashes alone.

Fashion insiders are aware that Blake Lively fashions herself, creating her own red carpet mythology one look at a time, rather than hiring a stylist. She handles couture like an artist, whether she is wearing sultry Versace dresses, airy Chanel knits, perfectly fitted Stella McCartney jackets, or ultra-romantic Tamara Ralph gowns. With its structured neckline and subtle vintage Vivienne Westwood echoes, this Murad creation felt like a throwback to the Lively style ethos: prom committee-curated special event attire.

A group of celebrities, including Simone Biles, Nicole Scherzinger, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Bell, Demi Moore, and Serena Williams, were also recognized that evening.

When Lively took the stage to accept her award, her sentiments were so honest that they broke through the glitz. She considered the "huge responsibility" that accompanies with the title of influential in the complex world of today:

It matters how we use that. It concerns who and what we defend, what we say nothing about, and what we make money from versus what we truly do.

Lively honored her mother Willie Elaine McAlpin, who she characterized as a survivor of one of the worst crimes against women that can be imagined, as her greatest influence. Her voice was firm despite the weight of her story being heavier than any couture gown, and the emotion was evident.

She acknowledged the quiet upheaval of her recent years, even though she has been mostly limiting her public appearances due to an ongoing legal fight with director and co-star Justin Baldoni of It Ends With Us:

"Tonight is not the right time to discuss the past two years of my life, but I have a lot to say."

She did, however, close her speech with a strong, uncompromising statement that was a love letter to tenacity:

"I am aware of the superpower of female success. I have shaken hands with it and touched it. even when it seems unattainable. even in excruciating pain. Never undervalue a woman's capacity for pain tolerance. Everything in life is a bowl of cherries.

Wearing her gown and her tale like armor, Blake Lively did more than just walk the red carpet last night; she took it back.