Carys Douglas Channels Mom Catherine Zeta-Jones in 20-Year-Old Vintage Dress at NYC Gala

The actress’s daughter exuded classic Hollywood charm as she stepped out in her mother’s vintage dress, effortlessly stealing the spotlight at the star-studded event.

Carys Zeta Douglas stepped out with her father, Michael Douglas, at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala on Tuesday, October 28, turning heads in a vintage look borrowed from her mother, Catherine Zeta-Jones. The 22-year-old's throwback choice set social feeds buzzing about the striking resemblance and impeccable styling.

A Daring Throwback with a Deep Family Tie

Carys slipped into a black lace midi slip dress with intricate detailing — the very gown Catherine wore to the 2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Catherine paired the dress with embellished heeled sandals, a diamond drop necklace, and diamond hoops.

In contrast, Carys modernized the silhouette with classic black pumps and colorful statement earrings. The actress's daughter was born on April 20, 2003, two years before the original moment her mom wore this dress.

Meanwhile, Michael complimented her in a black suit and purple tie. Fans quickly took to social media to praise the dress tribute and the family likeness.

Fans Are Swooning Over the Style – and the Sentiment

One admirer gushed, "Such a gorgeous moment! Carys has definitely inherited her mom's effortless glamour. I love how she's paying tribute to Catherine’s iconic style while still making it her own. That 20-year-old designer dress is a total statement proof that classic pieces never go out of style!✨."

Another comment celebrated the deeper meaning behind her look, "This vintage gown is truly timeless! To wear a design from twenty years ago with such fresh elegance is deeply meaningful, showcasing a family's enduring fashion legacy. Such an ensemble is not only elegant but brimming with narrative charm."

For some, it was all about the touching connection between mother and daughter, with one fan simply noting, "Stunning nod to her mother’s legacy." Of course, comparisons were inevitable, with one cheeky fan adding, "Catherine looks better in it. lol."

Other fans marveled at the striking resemblance between the two, saying, "She's her Mother's twin...gorgeous and sweet ♥️." Another admirer couldn't help but point out, "She's her mams double Beautiful photo of Michael and his daughter 💕 [sic]."

While Carys's style drew attention, her father, Michael Douglas, also received plenty of love. One fan remarked, "❤️ she's got her father’s smile," while another sweetly observed, "Looks half and half of each parent ❤️❤️."

The warm father-daughter bond didn't go unnoticed either, with a user noting, "He looks at her with such love and pride!! ❤️." And as fans admired the family resemblance, one observed, "Mike looks like his dad now," while another concluded, "The older Michael gets the more he is his father's twin."

Carys Talks Sustainability, Sentiment, and Post-College Life

At the event, which was held at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, Carys shared that she has a deep appreciation for vintage fashion. "I don't really like to buy. I'm not really into fast fashion stuff, just for sustainability reasons, so I feel very lucky that I have a wonderful closet that I can pick from," she gushed.

Carys admitted that she sometimes borrows a little too freely from Catherine's collection and doesn’t always let her know beforehand. "She's like, 'Is that my bag?' I'm like, 'I don't know. I don't think so,'" she shared with a laugh.

It's no surprise that Carys has been exploring more of her mother's wardrobe as she begins a new chapter after graduating from Brown University with a degree in Film and International Relations.

Now stepping into post-college life, Carys has expressed interest in returning to her roots in the performing arts. "I grew up doing theater, and I didn't study acting in school, but that's why I'm happy to be in such a performative arts space, so hopefully more of that," she noted.

In 2024, when Carys Zeta Douglas celebrated her 21st birthday, she once again honored her mother by wearing one of her dresses. Fans of the family quickly filled the comments section of her Instagram post with warm messages about the touching tribute.

Stepping into the spotlight with vintage flair, Carys donned Catherine's pink slip dress from 1999 for her birthday dinner.

Her Instagram post was captioned with heartfelt simplicity, "The most perfect 21st I could ask for!" It showcased the celebrations of her special day, but also Carys basking in the legacy of her mother's iconic style.

Through a series of photographs, we saw Carys enjoying a birthday dinner with friends. She blew out her birthday candles and laughed with friends. In most of the photos, Carys was wearing a pink slip dress. Her mother first wore the dress on the 1999 MTV Movie Awards red carpet.

Fans and followers loved the affectionate nod to her mother's iconic fashion moment. The collective charm of the past meeting the present was not lost on the observers, who expressed their admiration. "Your mom's dress?😍" one user commented.

Another left a heartfelt message, "Your mother’s dress this sweet Carys you’re so pretty!😘💖💞 [sic]" Similarly, another posted, "OMG CZJ DRESS APPEARANCE," while another commented, "carys! beautiful like her mother love u beautiful ❤️ [sic]." Rounding out the sentiments, one fan observed, "Stunning beautiful gorgeous grow [sic] woman, just like her mother 😍 x"

As fans marveled at the striking resemblance between Carys and Catherine Zeta-Jones, she took to social media to honor her daughter's milestone.

She shared a series of images on Instagram — precious snapshots of Carys as a child and a recent portrait of the woman she has become.

Her message was laden with emotion and pride: "Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter @carys.douglas You are the joy of my life. 21 years of watching you blossom into the most incredible woman you are today is a God-given gift that I never take for granted and cherish every day of my life. Thank you for being you. I love you with all my heart ♥️ Mama."

Carys, touched by her mother's words, replied affectionately, "I love you Mama ❤️ thank you for everything— I am so proud to be your daughter." Her father, Michael, also shared a birthday tribute. He shared a photograph that captured a candid moment between them. In the photo, Carys poses for a photo as he gazes on admiringly.

The image was aptly captioned, "Happy 21 my darling Carys! You bring me and the world such happiness @carys.douglas ❤️ Dad." Carys responded to her father's post with a sentiment that mirrored the love and appreciation evident in her mother's tribute. "I love you so much Dadda! Thank you for being the best dad in the world ❤️," she commented.

In a throwback to her childhood, Catherine offered a glimpse into Carys's early years. The Instagram clip from a school concert showcased Carys amidst her peers, where, instead of singing, she gave the camera a wide-eyed look, a playful grimace, and then glanced away.

Carys may not have sung in that video, but Catherine has often spoken of her daughter's many talents. She's lauded Carys as a wonderful singer, actress, and musician, yet it is fashion that Carys holds dearest.

Michael has also shared insights into the joys of parenting, revealing how the process of watching Carys grow has been filled with wonder. He candidly remarked on the experience of being an empty nester alongside his wife, Catherine.

He shared, "We're empty nesters so we can get around a lot more than we used to raising two children in your fifties, sixties, and into your seventies. I have to thank my kids, Dylan and Carys. They're just extraordinary beings."

Michael also thanked his wife for their kids. He continued, "They've just been a joy. We've had no issues per se. Had a lovely, lovely life together. Dylan is completely out of school now and Carys has got one more year of college."

He reflected on their bond, “But they brought both Catherine and I, just a tremendous amount of joy.” Michael also humorously disclosed that enticing Carys and her brother Dylan with exciting trips has become a way to spend quality time together now that they are adults.

Michael has openly expressed the bittersweet sentiments that come with the children leaving home. With both children, Dylan and Carys, moving through the final stages of their education and into adulthood, he and Catherine have navigated their fifties, sixties, and seventies through the lens of parenthood.

He has shared how much of a "treat" it is to hang out with Carys and Dylan now that they are eager to spend time with him, rather than it being a parental obligation.

As Carys continues to forge her path, whether in fashion, the arts, or any other endeavor she chooses, she does so with the legacy of her parents' accomplishments and the unwavering support of a family that delights in each other's happiness.