The Devil Wears Prada 2: A Gen Z fashion insider breaks down the new looks

Suppose you have even a passing interest in movies or fashion, and haven’t been living under a rock. In that case, you’ve heard the news: The Devil Wears Prada is getting a sequel, with none other than original cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci back in action. For a Gen Z woman like me, who was in kindergarten when the original hit cinemas and now works in fashion, it’s more than just a movie release; it’s a full-circle moment that blends childhood dreams with real-life industry grit.

Filmic hyperbole aside, The Devil Wears Prada has cemented itself as one of pop culture’s most enduring portrayals of fashion journalism - equal parts satire and love letter to an industry obsessed with aesthetics, deadlines, and power. 

But the world it reflected in 2006 no longer exists. Over the past two decades, fashion media has undergone a pivotal shift: while glossy print covers and star-studded front pages still matter, the landscape looks strikingly different. Viral TikTok trends now rival cover reveals for cultural impact, front-row exclusivity has been diluted by influencer livestreams, and sustainability has moved from a niche talking point to a core brand strategy. 

The industry elites Miranda Priestly once embodied now share the stage with content creators in thrifted Mugler blazers and Adidas Sambas. This means the sequel can’t just copy the original; it needs to style itself for a whole new era, where influence and cultural relevance matter just as much as high couture.

Even the wardrobe for the sequel has already ignited plenty of buzz across social media, some outfits have been hailed as iconic, while others have drawn playful critique or mixed reactions online. Emmy-winning costume designer Molly Rogers, who worked alongside Patricia Field on the original film, isn’t surprised. 

Molly Rogers told New York Post, pointing out how every outfit is being dissected and monetized before the film even premieres. Still, Rogers is clear about her creative intent.

From what I’ve seen so far, the styling strikes a careful balance between nostalgia and modernity, hinting that the film may well deliver the high-fashion moments fans have been waiting for. The devil, after all, is in the details. This sequel can’t just copy the original; it needs to style itself for a whole new era, where influence and cultural relevance matter just as much as high couture.

The Devil Wears Prada… or should we say, The Devil Wears Jacquemus?

Behind-the-scenes shots from the Devil Wears Prada spin-off have been making the rounds online, and naturally, fans are dissecting every outfit with Miranda Priestly–level ruthlessness.

I’ll admit, seeing Meryl Streep toting Jacquemus’ sculptural La Pochette Rond Carré made me pause, in the best way. I think it’s sharp, unexpected, and a clear nod to the way accessories can carry narrative weight. Especially since Anna Wintour herself has been spotted wearing a custom “Le Paysan” look by Jacquemus during this year’s Paris Fashion Week.

That said, I’m not convinced by every look of Mrs. Priestly. Some ensembles seem to chase “quiet luxury” but land closer to banal everyday wear from high-street labels, brands Miranda would never be caught dead in.

Take the black-and-white checkered blouse paired with a brown leather midi skirt and powder-peach trench coat: it lacks the sharp tailoring, bold silhouettes, and commanding presence that defined Miranda’s original wardrobe. Instead of dominating the room, this outfit quietly fades, losing the signature edge that makes the character unforgettable.

It’s refreshing to see the iconic Met Gala make an appearance, an event that every fashion enthusiast eagerly watches each year. The red gown’s asymmetrical silhouette is a daring, high-drama choice, perfectly capturing the essence of couture at its most fearless.

In this look, Miranda Priestly truly embodies the fearless style we expect from her, it is a dazzling statement that demands attention and showcases pure fashion power. While the gown’s designer has yet to be confirmed, Molly Rogers is confirmed to be the film’s costume designer, hence we can only hope this piece becomes a true fashion moment.

If fashion were a sport, Emily just won gold

When Emily steps out, you know it’s going to be a style moment. The character – famously one stomach flu away from her goal weight (don’t we all miss the early 2000s?) and willing to do anything for fashion – is a true icon and my personal favourite. She is a real fashionista, who knows exactly what she wants and will do everything in her power to achieve it. Her elegant, avant-garde looks match her meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of success. 

Played by Emily Blunt, she was recently spotted in a pinstriped corset paired with wide-leg trousers by Jean Paul Gaultier, whose legendary creations are enjoying a well-deserved renaissance thanks to the revival of 90s and early 2000s fashion. Layered over a crisp Dior shirt and accessorised with sleek black sunglasses, the look is completed with Brandon Blackwood sneaker heels, a playful nod to quirky, high-fashion footwear trends. I know plenty of Emilys in the fashion world, and this look would definitely be their ultimate fashion it-girl moment.

What captivates me most is the impeccably tailored corset and matching oversized trousers, the vintage-inspired leather bag, and those unexpected sneaker heels that inject fun into sophistication. This outfit doesn’t just dress the character, it broadcasts her identity: confident, bold, and effortlessly chic, the epitome of a woman who lives and breathes fashion.

Is Andy Sachs a new it-girl?

Andy Sachs’s style evolution in The Devil Wears Prada is the ultimate fashion glow-up story. She starts off as the awkward assistant buried in oversized clothing ( surely we remember that infamous cerulean sweater moment) and bland neutrals, then transforms into a power-dressing icon who owns sleek silhouettes and bold statement pieces. Her wardrobe journey perfectly captures the rise of today’s it-girls hustling in fashion, showing that in this world, your outfit isn’t just clothes, it’s your armour and your voice.

Anne Hathaway was spotted effortlessly channelling spring vibes in a Gabriela Hearst maxi dress, paired with Chloé sandals, a Fendi bag, and topped off with a Shebobo Kate bucket hat. With boho-chic making a major comeback, it’s easy to imagine fashion lovers, including Miss Sachs herself,  strolling New York’s streets in flowy, patterned dresses just like this one. Bonus points for the bucket hat, a Gen Z favourite (and yes, I’m a proud owner of several).

With a suitcase in tow, it looks like Andy’s finally taking that well-deserved getaway – maybe in the Hamptons? Now that’s what we call work-life balance! Just a heads-up: don’t toss your phone in the nearest fountain, maybe just switch it to ‘Do Not Disturb’ instead..

This look channels Emily in Paris, but in the best possible way! Miss Sachs was spotted cosying up with a new love interest (goodbye, Nate - we never really liked you anyway), dazzling in a blue sparkly Rabanne dress paired with a sleek silver chainmail purse and delicate strappy heels. The real showstopper? Her perfectly coordinated glam: shimmering metallic blue eyeshadow paired with a glossy nude lip. Ultimate date-night power move. Fashion girlies everywhere would be taking notes.

Another standout: a flawless work outfit that balances classic edge with modern flair. Hathaway rocked a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier suit, paired with a Coach bag - a mid-priced designer favourite beloved by Gen Z. Every detail of this look is just right: a striped vest (an undeniable staple for any fashion-savvy professional) layered over tailored trousers, finished with sharply pointed boots that add just the right amount of polish.

And of course, no look this season is complete without a pearl necklace - a timeless accessory that’s made a serious comeback, adding a touch of refined elegance to the ensemble. 10/10.

And then…this. Perhaps aiming for a laid-back TGIF vibe? The styling misses the mark. The relaxed-fit T-shirt could have worked, but it clashes with the bizarre trousers featuring an unnecessary train. A Gen Z or millennial fashionista would have taken this in a completely different direction: oversized tee, slouchy jeans, and It-girl sneakers like Onitsuka Tigers or chic ballet flats—not pumps. Comfort and cool will always trump awkwardly forced glam.

The Devil still wears Prada, but can she keep her crown?

Nearly two decades later, The Devil Wears Prada 2 steps confidently into a fashion world that looks nothing like the glossy print universe we once knew. TikTok virality now makes or breaks designers overnight, “quiet luxury” competes with dopamine dressing, and Gen Z women in fashion demand authenticity behind every look. 

I do feel that the movie’s wardrobe refresh balances nostalgic nods with bold, era-defining statements. Miranda Priestly’s Met Gala gown proves that unapologetic drama still reigns supreme, Emily’s pinstriped Gaultier corset cements her as the ultimate “woman in fashion,” and Andy Sachs has fully leveled up into a boho-chic, bucket-hat-wearing It-girl ready for today’s street-style feeds.

That said, not every ensemble hits the mark. Moments of caution risk muting the characters’ once-unstoppable fashion authority. For a generation that treats outfits as personal branding, the sequel should lean into daring risks, let accessories do the storytelling, and embrace the fearless ambition that defines modern style. 

In 2025, clothes aren’t just costumes, they’re influence, and identity all rolled into one. The Devil still wears Prada, now the question is, can she reclaim her crown? We can’t wait to see it unfold on the big screen.