Breathtaking Renee Zellweger Makes First Red Carpet Appearance in 5 Months!

Renee Zellweger made a welcome return to the red carpet in New York City Oct. 25.

The actress looked sensational in a slate gray, off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress at the 29th Annual Fashion Group International Night of Stars at Cipriani Wall Street. The Bridget Jones' Diary actress paired the design with Christian Louboutin pumps and an embroidered clutch.

Zellweger, 43, attended the event to honor her longtime pal Herrera, 73; she also bonded with Sarah Jessica Parker. (The fashion designer created the actress' wedding gown for her short-lived marriage to country singer Kenny Chesney in 2005; Zellweger has also worn Herrera's designs to a number of high-profile events.)

Renee Zellweger and Sarah Jessica Parker attend the Fashion Group International 29th Annual Night of Stars: DREAMCATCHERS held at Ciprani Wall Street, NYC on October 25, 2012.
Credit: Joe Schildhorn /BFAnyc/Sipa USA

"The red carpet is very important," Herrera once told The New York Times. "You have to be very careful to have the right person dressed in right way. For me it has to be a perfect look. I love to dress Renee Zellweger."

The event also marked the first time Zellweger has walked the red carpet in five months; she last attended the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City in May 2012.

VIDEO: Renee Zellweger dazzles at the Costume Institute Gala

The actress will next appear in Bridget Jones' Baby, a follow-up to the 2004 comedy Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. It will be the third installment of the film franchise based on the bestselling British novels.

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