Beyond the Red Carpet: How Aubrey Plaza’s Style Reflects a moment of Vibrant Bloom
aubrey Plaza isn’t just wearing clothes; she’s telling a story. her recent red carpet appearances, particularly at the 2025 Gotham Awards and the Emmys, offer a captivating glimpse into how the actress is using fashion to articulate her evolving self-perception. It’s a masterclass in intentional dressing, and a signal of a star truly coming into her own.
As a stylist who’s observed red carpet trends for years, I’ve seen how celebrities increasingly use fashion as a form of self-expression. Plaza’s choices are particularly compelling as they’re rooted in a thoughtful exploration of contrast – strength and comfort, maturity and playful exuberance.
A Thom Browne Statement at the Gotham Awards
At the Gotham Awards, Plaza donned a striking Thom Browne ensemble. Notably, she wore a similar Browne look for both events. She described the outfit as a perfect blend of structure and comfort.
But it was the oversized red flower adorning the sternum that truly captivated. Plaza playfully likened it to “a pie winning frist prize,” highlighting the element of pure joy woven into the design. “The dress is an exact expression of how I feel about myself and my work right now,” she explained. she feels strong, prepared, and mature, yet together embraces a sense of vibrant energy and celebration.
Embracing Minimalism at the Emmys
for the Emmys, Plaza opted for a more understated approach. She kept jewellery and makeup minimal, a deliberate shift towards a more pared-down aesthetic. Her longtime makeup artist, Kirin Bhatty, achieved a luminous finish using Chanel Water-Fresh Tint mixed with moisturizer.
This move away from heavier makeup - previously including lashes – reflects a growing comfort with authenticity. Though, Plaza remains devoted to a classic element: the lip. She chose Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Velvet in Énigmatique, a testament to her enduring love for a bold lip color.
To calm pre-carpet jitters, Plaza curated a soundtrack featuring artists like Adrianne Lenker, Big Thief, Aldous Harding, and Chet baker. The inclusion of Chet Baker, in particular, evokes a sense of nostalgia and “soft, cushy feelings,” connecting her to cherished memories of her grandmothers and the feeling of true love.
Finding Comfort in Contrast
Plaza’s ability to navigate contrasting spaces is a defining characteristic. She was discussing her look while wrapping a film shoot in Cleveland, residing in a decidedly… spirited rental apartment. “It’s just a ton of team spirit in here,” she laughed, noting even the sconces were adorned with Cleveland Browns branding.
This juxtaposition – high fashion and football fandom - speaks to Plaza’s grounded nature and her ability to find humor in unexpected places. It also underscores a broader theme: her growing awareness of how outward appearances can reflect and support inner transformation.
Style as a Reflection of Inner Journey: Dying for Sex
this exploration of style as a mirror to emotional states is powerfully illustrated in her role as Nikki Boyer in Dying for Sex. The character undergoes a meaningful style evolution as she grapples with a cancer recurrence.
In the opening scene, Nikki is a whirlwind of textures and colors – a plaid coat, mustard velvet bag, layered jewelry. This “muchness” visually represents the overwhelming flood of emotions she experiences upon receiving the devastating news. She cycles through grief, shock, and anger in a matter of moments, her clothing serving as a visual shorthand for her internal turmoil. As her best friend Molly poignantly observes, “She’s an actress. Her emotions live very close to the surface.”
What You Can Learn From Aubrey Plaza‘s Approach
aubrey Plaza’s style journey offers valuable insights for all of us.Here’s what you can take away:
* Intentionality is Key: think about what you want your clothing to communicate.
* Embrace Contrast: Don’t be afraid to mix elements that seem opposing. Strength and softness, boldness and minimalism can coexist beautifully.
* Authenticity Matters: Choose pieces that genuinely reflect your personality and how you feel.
* Don’t Underestimate the Power of Accessories: A bold