When it comes to movie premieres, celebrities have always used the red carpet as a platform to promote their work and turn heads with their fashion choices. Recently, however, stars have taken a more creative approach to their wardrobe selections by incorporating the themes of their films into their outfits. This phenomenon, known as “method dressing,” allows actors to embody their on-screen characters in real life.
Method dressing goes beyond wearing stylish clothing — it’s about taking the aesthetic and thematic elements of a film (such as the plot, props, scenery, and character arcs) and channelling them into red carpet looks. This trend is not entirely new, but recently, it has reached new heights, thanks in large part to actors like Margot Robbie and Zendaya, who have turned their press tours into extensions of their work.
Scroll down to see more examples of actors using method dressing to promote their films.
Jenna Ortega – Beetlejuice
Jenna Ortega embraced the dark, gothic vibes of Beetlejuice by sporting striped looks and black ensembles, paying tribute to the film’s eerie aesthetic and iconic characters.
Zendaya – Challengers / Dune / Spider-Man: No Way Home
Zendaya is another actress who has embraced method dressing on multiple occasions. While promoting Challengers, a film in which she played a tennis star, Zendaya wore sporty yet chic outfits that mirrored her character’s athleticism.
For the Spider-Man: No Way Home press tour, she wore a stunning webbed gown by Valentino — a nod to the superhero’s iconic web-slinging abilities.
And for the promotion of Dune, Zendaya wore a Mugler bodysuit that captured the futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic of the film, solidifying her status as a style icon who can seamlessly blend her fashion choices with her on-screen roles.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo truly brought the enchanting world of Wicked to life through their press tour outfits. Grande, who portrays Glinda, embraced the character’s iconic pink hues, while Cynthia, playing Elphaba, showcased emerald green accents. By incorporating these colors and whimsical designs, they paid a stylish tribute to the magical land of Oz.
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling – Barbie
Margot Robbie’s Barbie press tour was a masterclass in method dressing and a prime example of the art. The actress consistently wore outfits inspired by the iconic doll’s original wardrobe, featuring plenty of neon pink and playful accessories that encapsulated Barbie’s signature style. Each look was carefully curated to reflect different aspects of the Barbie brand, from vintage-inspired dresses to modern, high-fashion ensembles, showcasing Robbie’s versatility and commitment to her role.
Halle Bailey – The Little Mermaid
Halle Bailey’s ocean-inspired ensembles during The Little Mermaid press tour were nothing short of breathtaking. At the first premiere, she wore a shimmering blue custom gown by Valdrin Sahiti, reminiscent of the ocean waves and perfectly capturing the essence of her character Ariel.
Hunter Schafer – Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Hunter Schafer’s outfits for The Hunger Games press tour aligned with the dystopian, avant-garde world of Panem. With bold, statement-making pieces, Schafer embodied the rebellious spirit of the franchise.
Blake Lively – It Ends With Us
Blake Lively plays a florist named Lily Bloom in the film It Ends With Us, and she cleverly incorporated floral motifs into her promotional wardrobe. Wearing a series of floral-themed outfits, Lively brought her character’s profession to life off-screen.
Anya Taylor-Joy – Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga / The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Anya Taylor-Joy’s press tour outfits for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga featured metallics and spiked details, evoking the gritty, action-packed atmosphere of the film. For her role as Princess Peach in the Super Mario Bros. movie, Taylor-Joy channelled the video game character by wearing a pink leather Dior jumpsuit, bringing a playful twist to her red carpet appearances.
Timothée Chalamet – Wonka
Timothée Chalamet paid tribute to his role as Willy Wonka with a purple suit (a color synonymous with Wonka’s chocolate empire) and a brown leather suit that resembled the rich hues of chocolate. His outfits not only promoted the upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake but also delighted fans with their clever nods to the beloved character.
Angelina Jolie – Maleficent
Channelling the evil character’s style for the world premiere of Maleficent, Jolie mimicked the vengeful queen’s look, but gave it a glamorous red-carpet twist, wearing a black leather gown with bracelets made of spikes.
Beyoncé – The Lion King
Beyoncé, who voiced Nala in The Lion King, stunned in a yellow, cut-out, and pleated gown by designer Cong Tri. The gown’s golden hue matched the iconic colors associated with the beloved animated film, blending elegance with a touch of nostalgia.
Zoë Kravitz – The Batman
Zoë Kravitz embodied her role as Catwoman during The Batman press tour with a custom Oscar de la Renta gown for the New York premiere. The gown featured a laced-up bodice and subtle cat silhouettes, echoing the feline allure of her character.
In recent years, method dressing has become an increasingly popular way for actors to promote their films, creating memorable moments on the red carpet. By drawing inspiration from their on-screen roles, these celebrities not only generate buzz for their new movies but also showcase their creativity and commitment to their craft. As method dressing continues to gain traction, we can expect even more iconic fashion moments that blur the lines between cinema and reality, making press tours as exciting as the films themselves.
