Deepika Padukone at Cannes 2017 – hit or hot mess? The Bollywood star's best and worst looks

All eyes will be on L'Oréal Paris' new face Deepika Padukone as she arrives at the world's most prestigious film festival, Cannes 2017.

While it's not her first global red carpet appearance, it would indeed be a significant opportunity for the Bollywood actress to wow critics, especially after the flak over her past sartorial choices.

However, before her much-awaited red carpet appearance in the French Riviera, Padukone already turned heads with a stylish airport look – in a boho-style lace maxi by Alberta Ferreti – put together by stylist Shaleena Nathani.

And, looks like she even got it right with the vibrant red Johanna Ortiz dress as she stepped out at the L'Oréal beach studio.

So far so good. But it will ultimately boil down to what the 31-year-old global actress chooses to wear when she officially walks the red carpet on 17 May. With the bar raised by contemporaries such as Priyanka Chopra – whose Ralph Lauren trench coat dress was the talking point at Met Gala 2017 – Padukone must push the envelope further this time.

In the build-up to the actor's much-anticipated Cannes appearance, IBTimes UK takes a look at the L'Oréal Paris' global ambassador's stunning style transformation; from the MTV EMAs to the recent Met Gala.

Glittery green MTV EMAs 2016

Padukone rocked a glittery green top-to-toe outfit as she presented an award at her very first international outing, the MTV European Music Awards 2016. Instead of putting her in the ranks of A-listers, the actor's Monisha Jaising outfit brought her the tag 'Bollywood Blunder' at certain outlets.

Yet she carried herself well in the thigh-high slit skirt and olive-green bustier paired with Valliyan fringe earrings and a Balmain belt with panache.

Golden girl at xXx premiere

Serena Unger (aka Padukone) chose to flaunt her vintage styles with an all-golden sequined gown by Naeem Khan at the Mumbai premiere of her xXx movie. Unfortunately, between the rumours of a wardrobe malfunction and a dangerous neckline that went far below her chest, Padukone's shimmering gown failed to do her justice.

Golden Globes after-party

After the not-so-subtle previous looks of the past year came Padukone's elegant and feminine look at the Warner Bros and InStyle Golden Globes after-party. Her one-shoulder Ralph Lauren outfit stood apart, so did her side-swept soft waves. Although there was some talk about the attire's not-so-neat hem, Padukone unfailingly shone in the composed and classic look.

Not-so-heavenly Met Gala debut

In short, the cream-hued Tommy Hilfiger satin gown might have been just right for any other occasion, but it brought the actress a lukewarm response at the Met Gala, which is known for statement fashion.

So what if it wasn't the showstopper ensemble, Padukone's subtle gown made it to the fifth most googled outfits from Met Gala night.

New York Fashion Week done right

So far, the actress' best fashion moment was at NYFW wearing Michael Kors' Spring 2017 collection. From the navy blue trench coat to the complementing colour-block wedges, everything just felt right about Padukone's front-row look.

And brownie points for that chic hair-do and winged eyes!