17 years later, 'The Devil Wears Prada' continues to serve fashion inspo for all

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 17 years since we learned about the impact cerulean blue had on the fashion industry—from Miranda Priestly herself. When The Devil Wears Prada released in June of 2006, it undoubtedly changed how we view the fashion industry. Beyond its iconic characters, critically acclaimed acting performances, and seemingly glamorous story, the film served up some serious fashion inspiration. This inspiration continues to hold its ground, setting the standard for millions worldwide. In fact, when Anne Hathaway decided to pay homage to her character by donning a particularly Andy-eseque ensemble at New York Fashion Week 2022, the internet couldn’t get enough! And she did it while sitting in the front row, right next to Anna Wintour. When I first glanced at these images, I couldn’t help but think that this is exactly how Andy would dress in 2023, had she not tossed her phone into that fountain at the end of the film.

Anne Hathaway is possibly the queen of on-screen glow-ups, she did it memorably in The Princess Diaries, and just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, she outdid herself in The Devil Wears Prada. Who can forget Andy’s sartorial journey in montage form, set to the beats of Madonna’s 'Vogue'? In those moments of sartorial bliss, we see many wardrobe wishlist items—be it that double-breasted emerald coat, the gold stilettos, or the crochet green Fendi bag. Her transformation from “girl in the frumpy sweater”, whose world was once ruled by oversized t-shirts and plain sweaters, to “girl in the Chanel boots” is one for the ages. That iconic outfit features black Chanel leather boots from the fall collection of 2005 and a chic tailored jacket from Karl Lagerfeld’s resort runway. Patricia Field did the wardrobe for the film, you may know her work from other fashion-forward shows—she curated Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe for Sex And The City, and more recently she worked on the Netflix show Emily In Paris. 

Though fashion is all about staying fresh and on-trend, boots seem to be a staple we just can’t get enough of; especially those from Chanel’s collection. Over-the-knee boots are as fashionable as ever in 2023, as they were on the runways of 2005/06. Recently, boots were spotted on Stella McCartney, David Koma, and Victoria Beckham’s runways. Beckham’s rendition went so far as to make the rise sky high—that the boots end up as an extension of leather pants. 

Hathway’s favourite ensemble from the movie is another Chanel classic. Again in slouched boots, she is seen in a long velvet Chanel coat, a mini skirt, and a set of long, gold necklaces graced with the classic interlocked C’s. It screams chic, so it comes as no shock that this is one outfit that really stayed with Anne. 

From Andie’s tweed cap to Emily’s love of the avant-garde and Miranda’s unapologetic love of classics (we could all use a closet full of those pinstripe suits, oversized sunglasses, and enormous fur coats)—the film has undeniably been a cultural force. The high fashion looks created in this film have beat the tides of time, and this can be attributed to their classic nature. Timelessness is an apparent motivator behind every garment. Contrary to popular belief, avant-garde and statement pieces can be proven ever-stylish too—Emily Blunt’s character provides visual testimony of this. Her shimmery eyelids and “out there” outfits are still very much in. While florals for spring might not be quite so groundbreaking, the ensembles featured in this movie certainly are.

Below are some of our favourite fashion moments from the film.