Scarlett gets a dressing down

She may be the centre of attention at red-carpet premieres, but Scarlett Johansson has received a dressing down - from Woody Allen.

The 21-year-old was told by the drab director of her latest film that she 'needs to stop dressing like my Aunt Minnie'.

Johansson frequently features in the 'best-dressed' lists and has been compared with Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.

She has won plaudits for her elegant Fifties-style gowns, complete with ruches, bows and Steinmetz diamonds.

But Allen, 70, is not impressed with her fashion choices.

He directed her in Match Point and forthcoming follow-up Scoop.

As well as acting tips, he has been handing out fashion advice.

'I have had many conversations with Scarlett on this subject,' he told US magazine Fashion Wear Daily.

'Be more natural. She is a beautiful girl, but I have told her to tone it down.'

He added: 'I have told her to dress her age, instead of dressing like my Aunt Minnie.'

The criticism doesn't surprise Johansson. 'Woody doesn't like anything I wear,' she said.

'I think he would prefer me to wear the white wrap dress I wore in the film, all the time.'

But she defied her director with eye-catching ball gowns at Match Point's LA and London premieres.