Kirsten Dunst Brough Back Indie Sleaze Bangs in an Ultra-Chic Way

In case you haven’t heard by now, indie sleaze is back. The aesthetic that dominated that late half of the 2000s and the early 2010s (hi, Tumblr) has returned with a vengeance, taking over our makeup, wardrobe, and hair. Need proof? Check the hundreds of videos replicating Venetia from Saltburn’s  makeup, anything Lily Rose-Depp or Addison Rae have worn recently, and, surprisingly, Kirsten Dunst’s latest hairstyle.

On January 4, the iconic actor was in Palm Springs, attending the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival. For the glamorous event, Dunst opted for an edgy-chic ensemble, some “rockstar girlfriend” makeup, and bangs that sent us right back to 2011 in the best way possible.

The hair in question was very bang-forward. With her hair parted down the side and, for the most part, pulled behind her head, she left a few wispy strands lying across her forehead. Her bangs wept to the side, nearly grazing her brows. The hair that was left out of the half-up was styled in loose, flowing waves.

Her bangs are what give the look that indie sleaze touch. Side bangs were all the rage during the time period, but fell out of favor in the late 2010s and were traded for retro curtain bangs—in fact, Dunst herself had similar side bangs in 2012. However, following the return of the side part, side bangs are making their way back into the mainstream thanks to celebs like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, and now Dunst. The actor's 2024 take on the trend included a wispy pair that was efforltessly pushed to the side.

The sleazy vibes continued to her eye makeup that, might we add, shares a lot of similarities with the aforementioned Venetia look. Her lids had a base of bronzy brown that added depth and structure. Then, she wore dark, thick liner on her waterlines, blending it outward onto her lids and under her eyes. Some wispy lashes finished off the eyes. Glowy, hydrated skin and satin pink lips completed the look.

As for her outfit, it was sort of as if someone in the royal family got down with the sleaze. Dunst wore a long black dress that billowed at the skirt to create a bit of a train. The gown was also backless, featuring some thick straps and exposed sides. She accessorized with a thin diamond necklace, some matching earrings, and her husband Jesse Plemons, who coordinated in a black suit and bowtie.