Maggie Shines for "Dark Knight"

The stars came out for the "Dark Knight" premiere in New York on Monday, although the conspicuous absence of Heath Ledger -- who plays the Joker to Christian Bale's caped crusader -- cast a shadow over the proceedings. Navigating a course between light and dark isn't always easy, but the night's leading lady, Maggie Gyllenhaal, blazed a style trail that's worth following.

In a strapless Dries Van Noten gown that fitted her form to perfection, Maggie looked both radiant and comfortable. Trusting the gown's bright floral print to turn heads, the style-savvy actress wisely kept other adornments to a minimum, leaving her neck bare and limiting her jewelry to a classic Fred Leighton gold bangle and earrings. Other than her vivid red lips, which picked up the color splash on her dress, her make-up was simple and youthful. And her pulled-back hair completed the elegant silhouette.

Move over, Gwyneth -- looks like Maggie's the new guiding light of premiere fashion.

What do you think of Maggie's look?