The Devil Wears Prada: Trends From The Film That Stood The Test Of Time
There are films that entertain, and then there are films that imprint themselves on the collective fashion memory—leaving behind a cultural aftertaste that lingers long after the credits roll. The Devil Wears Prada is firmly in the latter. The long-awaited sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is in motion, and with it, a rush of speculation. Paparazzi photographs from the set of The Devil Wears Prada 2 have begun to surface, capturing flashes of tailoring, the glint of jewellery, and the return of characters who defined a generation’s vision of high fashion. Some fans are revelling in every image, while others wish the unveiling had been saved for the big screen. The anticipation now centres on Anne Hathaway’s Andrea Sachs — no longer the young assistant from the original film, but a woman whose style reflects experience, intention, and presence.
In 2006, the film gave us Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly’s “glacial pace”, Andrea Sachs’ style metamorphosis, and a vision of New York that still leaves us in awe of its charm. Under the creative eye of costume designer Patricia Field, every look was meticulously built to narrate a story, where accessories were as central to character as the script itself. Emily Charlton, Miranda Priestly’s fast-talking senior assistant, embraced a bolder, more architectural approach. Her choices brought in clean metallics, statement proportions, and pieces that felt intentional with every outfit.
The jewellery, the bags, the unexpected pairings — each choice was a deliberate nod to high fashion’s language of status, power, and transformation. Fast forward to now, and that aesthetic is ripe for reinterpretation. The jewellery trends that echo the film’s world are bold yet precise, indulgent yet intentional. Here’s how the Devil Wears Prada jewellery mood translates for 2025.
Layered with Intention: Stacking for the Runway Effect
Layering was treated as an art form for The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestley and Andrea Sachs. Delicate gold chains interplayed with chunkier links, pearls were draped at varying lengths, and strands were often anchored with a central pendant for balance. This multi-dimensional styling created depth without disrupting the clean lines of the clothing, serving as a visual counterpoint to sharply tailored coats and fluid silk blouses.
The approach was meticulous. Layers were proportioned to the neckline, ensuring every chain was visible yet harmonious. The technique extended to bracelets, with cuffs and bangles worn in calculated multiples, often mixing textures — brushed metal beside high polish, or leather interlaced with gold.
Translating this today means approaching your jewellery box like a stylist on set. Start with a focal chain like the Iconette Pendant Necklace, then graduate lengths outward, alternating weights and materials for intrigue like OH Poppi Bolt Link Necklace. Allow space between each layer so the movement remains intentional, never cluttered. It’s this balance of abundance and control that keeps layered accessorising in the realm of editorial sophistication.
The Singular Statement: Necklaces that Speak in Bold
Bold necklaces in The Devil Wears Prada carried an architectural presence. Oversized pendants, sculptural chokers, and bejewelled collars often anchored entire ensembles, holding their own against couture fabrics and dramatic outerwear.
Styling favoured clean backdrops for these statements, like the Zodiac pendant necklaces, to shine. A black cashmere turtleneck became the perfect setting for a chunky gold torque. A high silk collar framed a gemstone bib like a museum display. The scale was always deliberate, and the detailing precise, whether in intricate metalwork or the glint of semi-precious stones.
Today’s interpretation continues this mood of precision. Choose one necklace with commanding presence and allow it room to breathe — no competing layers, no busy prints. Let the shape, finish, and placement of the necklace define the composition of the look, just as the film’s styling allowed its statement pieces to command attention without overpowering the scene.
The Power Carryall: Work Bags with Editorial Edge
Handbags for The Devil Wears Prada’s protagonist, Andrea, by Anne Hathaway served as both functional tools and visual markers of authority. Structured leather totes, chain-strap satchels, and vibrant top-handles moved through the film like extensions of the characters themselves. They were never over-embellished; instead, their power came from flawless construction, considered hardware, and a silhouette that held its shape from boardroom to street.
In the film, the carryall was part of the performance of professionalism. Imagine the glossy Boss tote paired seamlessly with a belted trench for street scenes. The focus was always on finish and proportion, ensuring the bag’s presence was felt even without overt branding.
For a modern wardrobe, the lesson lies in choosing a work bag like the Boss Tote that communicates refinement through form. Seek clean lines, distinctive details, and a form that balances with your frame. A bag should transition between settings with ease, carrying both practicality and the visual polish that defines editorial dressing.
Earrings in Motion: Danglers that Frame the Scene
Long, mobile earrings worn by Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestley appeared throughout The Devil Wears Prada, their movement catching light in a way that felt cinematic. These pieces like the Le Sunset Palm Free Fall Earrings drew the viewer’s eye to the face, framing expressions and punctuating dialogue with subtle flashes of gold, crystal, or enamel.
The styling balanced scale and simplicity — a pair of linear gold drops against a sleek bun, chandelier earrings grazing the jawline with a swept-back blowout. The motion was part of the composition, adding a fluid element to otherwise structured looks. This was jewellery designed not only for presence but for interaction with the camera’s lens.
To bring this energy into current styling, choose earrings that create a vertical line to elongate the neck and frame the cheekbones. Keep hair styling in conversation with the jewellery — pulled back to showcase length, or tucked just enough to reveal movement. The result is a subtle yet commanding visual rhythm, much like the deliberate pacing of the film’s costuming.
The Sleek Circle: Minimalist Hoops for Everyday Authority
While the film embraced statement pieces, it also championed the elegance of restraint through minimalist hoops. Sleek gold or silver circles like the Shroomhead Hoops Earrings In Silver Finish punctuated casual scenes, often paired with pared-back knitwear or crisp shirts. Their appeal lay in geometry — a perfect loop that felt both timeless and current, adaptable to any styling direction.
The hoops worn by The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda and Andrea sat at a scale that complemented the face and aligned with the clean lines of the outfit. Polished finishes amplified light without ornate detailing, allowing the simplicity of form to do the work.
For everyday wear, minimalist hoops remain an essential. Their versatility bridges professional and off-duty wardrobes, and their clean silhouette pairs effortlessly with both layered and singular jewellery styling. In the language of accessories, they are the punctuation mark that brings balance to a look without demanding attention.
Enduring Influence
Nearly two decades after its release, The Devil Wears Prada continues to shape the way accessories are perceived in fashion storytelling. The film distilled a set of principles that remain relevant — intentional layering, singular statements, structured carryalls, fluid earrings, and refined hoops. Each trend carries the DNA of editorial styling, where every piece has purpose and placement.
This enduring relevance lies in the film’s understanding of accessories as part of a complete visual narrative. Every clasp, chain, and handle was considered in context, contributing to a mood that still resonates on runways, in campaigns, and personal wardrobes. The Devil Wears Prada may be remembered for its couture, but its legacy is equally written in metal, leather, and the quiet authority of a perfectly chosen accessory.