Cate Blanchett is a vision in shimmering midnight blue gown at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of Carol... before changing into tiered white number for film bash

Earlier in the day, she had dazzled at the film's photo call in a white silk jumpsuit.

But as Cate Blanchett stepped out for the BFI London Film Festival premiere of her new movie Carol on Wednesday evening, she looked a complete knockout in a gorgeous red carpet-worthy dress.

The inexplicably youthful 46-year-old actress made for a resplendent leading lady at the Leicester Square-based premiere as part of the annual film festival.

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Stunning: Cate Blanchett was a vision as she walked the red carpet at the Carol premiere during the BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday

Stunning: Cate Blanchett was a vision as she walked the red carpet at the Carol premiere during the BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday

The Australian actress encased her slim, willowy curves in a midnight blue-black shimmering gown that hugged her figure flawlessly.

But the almost iridescent gown wasn't a traditional style: cut with a distinct fishtail hemline with a train, the luxe fabric flowed down over her long legs, allowing a glimpse at her ankles and classic pointed heels.

The top half, however, was the star, finished with a cape sat across her shoulders and falling down past her shoulders, the thick white edging accentuating the waterfall effect perfectly.

Completing the incredible garment was the matching white trim cascading down the front of the skirt, and also the sexy cut-out detail on the back, which Cate showed off proudly in front of the hundreds of fans gathered to see her.

Quick change: Cate later emerged in a dramatic white tiered dress to attend The Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences bash in London 

Quick change: Cate later emerged in a dramatic white tiered dress to attend The Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences bash in London 

Great from all angles: The Hollywood beauty's dress was out of this world, constructed perfectly and seemingly to flatter just her

Great from all angles: The Hollywood beauty's dress was out of this world, constructed perfectly and seemingly to flatter just her

Get your fashion thrills in a statement dress like Cate's

Earlier today, the power duo Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett stepped out at the Carol film photo call in London looking gorgeous. Rooney opted for a Giambattista Valli white number while Cate chose a Givenchy jumpsuit.

The pair upped the ante even more though at the première, choosing statement red carpet attire. While Rooney selected Alexander McQueen, Cate went for a glittery frill piece by the lesser known designer, Esteban Cortazar.

Cate's dress stunned with its all-over sparkling finish and contrasting white cape sleeve. The piece came from the brand's spring 2016 collection so isn't up for grabs just yet, but click right to check out the brand's current designs at Farfetch.

Want to get the look right now? See below for a variety of dresses with cape details, frills, fishtails hems and contrast hues and take your pick. You're sure to find one to suit your taste and budget.

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Iridescent: The gorgeous gown appeared black and sometimes blue while Cate, 46, posed in front of the crowds

Iridescent: The gorgeous gown appeared black and sometimes blue while Cate, 46, posed in front of the crowds

Stunner: Cate beamed as she posed at the Carol premiere, showing off her classic black pointed heels that worked well with the detailed gown

Stunner: Cate beamed as she posed at the Carol premiere, showing off her classic black pointed heels that worked well with the detailed gown

Caped crusader: The stunning frock included a cape-style swathe of fabric falling in a waterfall style over her shoulders and arms

Caped crusader: The stunning frock included a cape-style swathe of fabric falling in a waterfall style over her shoulders and arms

Glowing: The Australian star couldn't hide her smile as she got to work promoting her latest film

Glowing: The Australian star couldn't hide her smile as she got to work promoting her latest film

The stunning star understandably kept the rest of her appearance simple, her mid-length blonde locks worn straight and in a deep side parting, with just an extra touch of bling thanks to a pair of silver earrings.

Her striking eyes were lined with kohl, and she wore a suitable shade of peachy pink on her lips.

Cate beamed hugely as she made her effortless appearance on the red carpet, glowing with natural beauty and lavishing the attention.

She also spent time chatting happily to her gorgeous co-star Rooney Mara, who looked a dream in a stunning nude gown with layered ruffles all the way down to the ground.

All of the lights: Cate posed expertly in front of the hundreds of flashing cameras

All of the lights: Cate posed expertly in front of the hundreds of flashing cameras

Perfect: Cate's make-up was pared-back enough to allow her graceful beauty to shine through

Perfect: Cate's make-up was pared-back enough to allow her graceful beauty to shine through

Youthful: The Hollywood favourite exuded an enviable glow as she smouldered at the BFI event

Youthful: The Hollywood favourite exuded an enviable glow as she smouldered at the BFI event

Owning it: And she certainly commanded attention while posing up a storm

Owning it: And she certainly commanded attention while posing up a storm

All-smiles: Cate's huge beaming grin was visible from everywhere, as she showed off her lovely dress from every which way

All-smiles: Cate's huge beaming grin was visible from everywhere, as she showed off her lovely dress from every which way

The intricate design flattered her svelte frame, and the pale shade worked wonders against her alabaster skin tone.

But it was the 30-year-old's hair that really stole the show.

Her brunette locks had been twisted into serious submission, giving both the illusion of an undercut while the lengths of her mane had been bound tightly into a tube-like hair accessory. 

It was a super-slick look, her hair pulled neatly away from her face, showing off her sharp cheekbones and deep ruby red lips. 

Earlier in the day, they had both appeared at the London Film Festival's official photo call for the movie.

Pals: Cate was joined by her co-star Rooney Mara, who looked sensational in a nude dress

Pals: Cate was joined by her co-star Rooney Mara, who looked sensational in a nude dress

Atmospheric: The two leading ladies were the star attraction at the latest of the BFI premieres on Wednesday

Atmospheric: The two leading ladies were the star attraction at the latest of the BFI premieres on Wednesday

Power couple: Rooney and Cate oozed superstardom on the red carpet for Carol, a film set in 1950s New York which tells the story of a department store clerk, who dreams of a better life and falls for an older woman

Her time to shine: The Girl With The Dragon tattoo star's figure shone through the transparent gown

Her time to shine: The Girl With The Dragon tattoo star's figure shone through the transparent gown

She had looked elegant in a white silk jumpsuit at the event, which had lace panels which had a semi-sheer panelling running throughout.

The style-savvy Cate teamed the light-coloured number with a black blazer and peep-toe heels as she sported minimal make-up for her red carpet appearance held at the Soho Hotel in London.

And Rooney also wore white for the occasion, choosing a mini dress which had frills on the sleeves and down the front.

Chic: Rooney, 30, cut a striking figure in the pale nude dress, complete with layered ruffles falling down the garment

Chic: Rooney, 30, cut a striking figure in the pale nude dress, complete with layered ruffles falling down the garment

Pony Mara? The actress showed off her unique style with her hair twisted into submission and encased in a tightly-bound accessory

Pony Mara? The actress showed off her unique style with her hair twisted into submission and encased in a tightly-bound accessory

Simply stunning: The gorgeous dress featured delicate ruffles down the full length of the semi-sheer skirt
Simply stunning: The gorgeous dress featured delicate ruffles down the full length of the semi-sheer skirt

Simply stunning: The gorgeous dress featured delicate ruffles down the full length of the semi-sheer skirt

Chilly! She was seen arriving with a chic tailored coat wrapped around her

Chilly! She was seen arriving with a chic tailored coat wrapped around her

Sculpted: Rooney's flawless, defined cheekbones and strong features were lit up against the night

Sculpted: Rooney's flawless, defined cheekbones and strong features were lit up against the night

Don't you look nice! The superstar ladies seemed to be complimenting each other on their respective ensembles

Don't you look nice! The superstar ladies seemed to be complimenting each other on their respective ensembles

Oscar-worthy moment: Cate and Rooney posed together in front of the lines of photographers

Oscar-worthy moment: Cate and Rooney posed together in front of the lines of photographers

Carol, set in 1950s New York, tells the story of a department store clerk, who dreams of a better life and falls for an older woman. 

Slated for release on December 18, the film also stars Sarah Paulson and Kyle Chandler. 

Meanwhile, Cate recently recently became a mother again as she adopted a seven-month-old daughter called Edith in March.  

True beauties: Once inside the venue - where a Gala was being held - the ladies once again made for a stunning duo together

True beauties: Once inside the venue - where a Gala was being held - the ladies once again made for a stunning duo together

Altogether now: Castmembers and filmmakers united - (L-R): Stephen Woolley, Elizabeth Karlsen, Phyllis Nagy, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Todd Haynes and Christine Vachon at the official American Express Gala

Altogether now: Castmembers and filmmakers united - (L-R): Stephen Woolley, Elizabeth Karlsen, Phyllis Nagy, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Todd Haynes and Christine Vachon at the official American Express Gala

Selfie time! They posed together in front of an iPad to get a good personal shot

Selfie time! They posed together in front of an iPad to get a good personal shot

Cate already has three biological sons, Dashiell, 13, Roman, 11, and Ignatius, seven, with husband of 18 years, Andrew Upton. 

Appearing on Good Morning America last week, the Blue Jasmine star revealed the boys adore their sweet little sister.

She said: 'So I have three boys and a girl, she's great. It is a wonderful thing when you see your children becoming a pack, sort of independent of you and I am very proud of my sons.' 

Later in the evening, Cate stopped off at a pre-Oscars party held the US Ambassador's Residence in London during the annual BFI London Film Festival.

The 46-year-old donned a unique white layered dress, complete with gaping cut-outs over her shapely torso, a high neck and large bell-shaped sleeves, and a black bow to tie it together at the front.

It was certainly a tricky garment to wear - not one for the faint of fashion heart - but the slender stunner pulled it off with aplomb. 

The American Express Gala film Carol is part of the diverse programme of 240 international and British films being shown at the 59th BFI London Film Festival. To see more from behind the scenes of other exciting events, check out the AmericanExpressUK YouTube page. 

See more news and updates from the London Film Festival at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/london

All white: Actresses Cate and Rooney  joined forces earlier in the day as they posed for pictures together at the LFF photocall  at the Soho Hotel in London

All white: Actresses Cate and Rooney joined forces earlier in the day as they posed for pictures together at the LFF photocall at the Soho Hotel in London

New look: Cate later emegered at a pre-Oscars party held the US Ambassador's Residence in London, wearing a showstopping white dress

New look: Cate later emegered at a pre-Oscars party held the US Ambassador's Residence in London, wearing a showstopping white dress

Party pals: The Oscar-winning Blue Jasmine actress cosied up to Topher Grace 

Party pals: The Oscar-winning Blue Jasmine actress cosied up to Topher Grace 

Subtle skin: The blonde beauty's dress boasted cut-outs at the waist which made the most of her figure

Subtle skin: The blonde beauty's dress boasted cut-outs at the waist which made the most of her figure

Bow detailing: The daring dress boasted a black ribbon tied in a knot at the waist  

Bow detailing: The daring dress boasted a black ribbon tied in a knot at the waist  

Firm friends: Cate chatted away to acclaimed director Ridley Scott as they enjoted a drink 

Firm friends: Cate chatted away to acclaimed director Ridley Scott as they enjoyed a drink

Getting the giggles: The pair appeared to be getting on like a house on fire at the event 

Getting the giggles: The pair appeared to be getting on like a house on fire at the event 

Friends in high places: The star caught up with Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Dawn Hudson, the CEO of Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Science

Friends in high places: The star caught up with Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Dawn Hudson, the CEO of Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Science

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