The Devil Wears Prada: A Definitive Ranking of the Film’s Iconic Outfits
Dive into every unforgettable outfit from The Devil Wears Prada, celebrating both the fashion triumphs and missteps that defined this legendary movie.
The Devil Wears Prada: Every Notable Outfit Ranked and Analyzed
Since its debut, The Devil Wears Prada has stood as a cultural touchstone for both film and fashion lovers alike. From Miranda Priestly’s icy glamour to Andy Sachs’ iconic transformation, the movie’s wardrobe remains a talking point more than a decade later. Here, we rank every memorable outfit from the film, diving into why each look endures (or doesn’t) in fashion memory. Whether you’re team Runway or just here for serious style inspo, this list is your essential sartorial guide.
Why We Still Care About The Devil Wears Prada Style
The Devil Wears Prada isn’t just a story of ambition and transformation—it’s a visual feast of early-2000s high fashion, capturing everything from dazzling highs to cringe-worthy lows. Audiences still debate Andy’s legendary makeover, Miranda’s ruthless elegance, and just how much a bag can make or break an outfit. Each character’s style tells a story, making the film a timeless classroom for fashion critique.
Best to Worst: 27 Outfits That Defined the Movie
1. Andy’s Winter White Coat
The pinnacle of elegant simplicity, Andy’s winter white coat remains the standout look of the entire film. Its crisp tailoring, snowy shade, and sophisticated fit represent Andy’s new confidence post-makeover, perfectly balanced by her minimal makeup and gentle waves. Even years later, this coat could walk straight into any fashion week.
- Classic appeal: Effortlessly chic and versatile, this coat set a benchmark.
- Styling: Paired with black boots and a subtle scarf, it’s flawlessly pulled together.
2. Andy’s Black and White Dress
This semi-formal dress with contrasting cuffs and collar is still in style a decade later. The monochrome palette and tailored silhouette channel Parisian sophistication, while Andy’s high ponytail and minimal accessories keep it young and fresh. A classic example of how less is more.
- Timeless design: The color contrast pops without being overwhelming.
- Perfect for: Power lunches, gallery events, or that dream editorial meeting.
3. Andy’s Layered Tops
Notoriously tough to pull off, multiple layered shirts and necklaces look a little chaotic in real life, yet on film, Andy makes it work (with an assist from that unforgettable newsboy cap). Her confidence—and the camera angles—let this fashion risk take flight, if only for a fleeting scene.
- Early-2000s vibes: Bold, carefree, and a little impractical.
- Memorable accessory: The cap sparks nostalgia for turn-of-the-century street style.
4. Andy’s “Serious Journalist” Outfit
One of Andy’s most grown-up looks, this ensemble marks her progression from awkward intern. Structured blazers, a confident stride, and pared-down accessories signal she’s learned a lot since joining Runway—even if the look is more practical than high impact.
- Subtle growth: A great entry point for those new to office fashion.
5. Andy, Miranda, and Emily’s Black Eveningwear
All three leads in simple black dresses at evening events show restraint, letting personality shine over embellishments. Despite being a tad boring compared to other scenes, the uniformity signals a shared sense of professionalism and understated taste.
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- Joined by theme: Proves formality doesn’t need to shout to be fashionable.
6. Miranda’s Pinstriped Ensemble
Sharp tailoring meets boundary-pushing layers as Miranda rocks pinstripes with a layered tank and collared shirt. It’s unconventional, but she wears it with enough confidence (and exquisite hair and makeup) to make it work, proving she truly is fashion royalty.
- Experimental layering: A rare Miranda risk that sticks the landing.
7. Miranda’s Purple Dress
A rare dose of color for Miranda, this purple number’s simplicity keeps it classy. Unmemorable compared to her other looks, but the regal shade complements her steely demeanor—proof even minimalism can make a statement.
8. Andy’s Big Makeover
The famous transformation scene: A sleek black jacket, fitted skirt, and iconic Chanel boots. It’s the moment Andy literally struts into her own. But that much-maligned Fendi bag and oversized necklace nearly drag the whole look down—reminders that accessories can be everything.
- Best part: The boots, which launched a thousand Google searches.
- Worst part: The crocheted bag split the fashion crowd.
9. Andy’s Green Coat
An aspirational nod to Jackie O., this coat is bold, bright, and headline-grabbing. Some say it tries too hard, but at least Andy is taking a risk. It’s a key moment that reminds viewers fashion is meant to be fun—and sometimes polarizing.
- Classic retro influence: Jackie Kennedy elegance for the 21st century.
10. Emily’s Brown Gingham Dress
Emily’s best moment comes courtesy of a brown gingham shift dress—well-tailored at the waist, just a bit odd in the neckline. Still, it gives her an approachable, retro charm for a character usually defined by edge.
11. Miranda’s Blinged-Out Jacket
Miranda meets maximalism in a jacket encrusted with heavy embellishment. It’s almost too much, especially when paired with stacks of necklaces and bold hoop earrings. For most, more would be less, but Miranda Priestly bends the rules her way.
- Takeaway: Don’t compete with statement pieces. Let one element lead.
12. Andy’s James Holt Bag
This look gets points for modern Parisian flair—but the bag, a mangled pile of leather, causes fashion distress. It’s memorable for the wrong reasons, a case study in how one accessory can overshadow an otherwise cute ensemble.
13. Miranda’s Matador Costume
Waist belts and jewelry overload send Miranda’s matador-inspired suit from high fashion into Halloween territory. Even a legend can have a misstep, as too many statement pieces create confusion rather than cohesion.
14. Andy’s Paris Day Look
This outfit tries to channel chic Parisian sensibilities with a structured jacket—but the execution falls flat, especially with the ill-advised bag that looks more wildlife than designer accessory. Proof even Andy’s transformation wasn’t foolproof.
15. Miranda’s Striped Statement Coat
Brown stripes and clashing textures make this coat one of the most controversial looks. Instead of elevating Miranda’s status, it muddies what could have been a dramatic moment.
- Fashion lesson: A busy pattern needs restraint elsewhere.
16. Andy’s Shapeless Beige Coat
This was purposely frumpy, reflecting Andy’s awkward early days at Runway. Baggy, neutral, and uninspired, it’s a “before” in every sense—a clever costume decision even if it’s a style misfire.
17. Emily’s Sculptural Top
Bold structure, shiny fabrics, and a fit reminiscent of alternative rock bands make this a memorable yet divisive look for Emily. Not for everyone, but unforgettable in its own right.
Table: Iconic Outfits and Their Style Score
| Rank | Outfit Description | Signature Element | Fashion Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy’s Winter White Coat | Elegance, Modern Minimalism | 10 |
| 2 | Andy’s Black & White Dress | Monochrome, Tailoring | 9 |
| 3 | Andy’s Layered Tops | Early 2000s Layering | 8 |
| 8 | Andy’s Big Makeover | Transformation, Chanel Boots | 7 |
| 11 | Miranda’s Blinged-Out Jacket | Maximalism | 5 |
| 15 | Miranda’s Striped Coat | Statement Pattern | 3 |
Trends That Made the Movie Fashion Legendary
- Winter whites: Proving cold-weather fashion need not be dreary.
- Monochrome power dressing: From black eveningwear to pinstripes, simple palettes echo professionalism.
- Accessories matter: Statement bags and bold necklaces either elevate or sabotage a look.
- Makeover moments: Instant transformations can hinge on tailoring and the right boots.
- Risk-taking layers: Early-2000s showed fashion was up for anything—sometimes to its own detriment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who was the costume designer for The Devil Wears Prada?
A: The film’s costumes were masterminded by Patricia Field, the Emmy-winning designer also famous for her work on Sex and the City. Her influence is felt in every risk-taking and unforgettable look shown onscreen.
Q: Why do some outfits in the movie feel outdated?
A: Fashion moves fast, and trends like over-accessorizing, voluminous layering, or questionable bag choices mark a very specific era—the mid-2000s. Yet, the film’s more classic pieces remain influential to this day.
Q: What did Andy’s makeover symbolize?
A: Andy’s style transformation isn’t just about appearance—it mirrors her growing professionalism, confidence, and adaptability to the high-stress world of magazine publishing. Each fashionable update reinforces her personal journey.
Q: Are any outfits from the movie still fashionable today?
A: Absolutely. Andy’s winter white coat, monochrome dresses, and sharply tailored blazers are timeless, and regularly see revivals on modern runways and city streets alike.
Q: Which character’s style is most influential?
A: Miranda Priestly defined icy power dressing, mixing perfectly cut suits, high-quality fabrics, and statement jewelry. Andy’s journey from frumpy to fierce, however, is more relatable and replicable for viewers undergoing style evolutions of their own.
Legacy: What the Film Taught Us About Fashion
The true message of The Devil Wears Prada isn’t just about nailing the perfect outfit—it’s about embracing transformation, taking risks, and ultimately, letting personal confidence lead. The boldest, most beautiful looks in the movie endure because they balance trend and timelessness, attitude and authenticity. Whether you’re channeling Miranda’s decisiveness or Andy’s adventurous spirit, the film proves that great style is less about brands and more about self-assuredness.
- Best fashion advice from the film: When in doubt, opt for clean lines, statement pieces, and never underestimate the power of a great coat.
- Remember: Sometimes, the accessory makes (or breaks) the look.
References
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