As Lily James’s new film, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, hits UK cinemas, we look at six memorable outfits from her wardrobe and reveal how you can copy each look
Lily James has come a long way since Cinderella, the 2015 live-action rendition of the classic tale, in which she starred alongside Richard Madden. Not only has the actress gone on to play more complex roles since then, from Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We go Again to Ellie in Yesterday, but her fashion sense has also evolved, with minimal sundresses, extravagant gowns and casual-chic coats featuring in her recent style choices.
Here, we look back on six of her most fabulous looks and suggest a few key items to help you recreate them.
View this post on Instagram
This beautifully understated outfit from 2017 will still work wonders when the warmer temperatures return. Take a page out of Lily’s book and try this Monsoon midi lace dress or this River Island broderie smock dress, pairing either of them with your favourite sandals. Birkenstocks are an excellent choice; check out this pair in mocha or this one in khaki.
Accessorise with a relaxed cross-body bag, such as this Fatface leather option (available from Marks & Spencer) or this purse with suede detail from Accessorize.
View this post on Instagram
The actress is often pictured in relaxed black dresses while on holiday — as seen in Sicily in 2019, taking in the sunset while wearing a mid-length black dress and plain black sandals.
To update the look for 2023, swap the dress’s spaghetti straps for wider straps, opting for this A-line midi frock with exaggerated ruffled square neckline and tie-back closure from Free People or this more minimal sundress from Asos. Complete the outfit with black sandals, such as this laid-back strappy pair from New Look or this leather Ted Baker pair.
Read more: Margot Robbie Street Style: How to get the look
View this post on Instagram
During her promo tour for the 2019 film Yesterday, Lily was photographed in Liverpool wearing a stylish Victoria Beckham wool coat in timeless grey with cream elbow patches. While this exact piece is no longer available, spring-ready Victoria Beckham coats, such as this monogram cotton-blend trench coat and this vibrant check-print piece, are available on Farfetch and are more than adequate alternatives.
Layer your coat over a classic shirt or a white blouse with mandarin collar, such as this Conquista piece, available from Wolf & Badger. Don’t forget to accessorise with a statement piece, like this stunning gold-and-silver necklace from Oliver Bonas.
View this post on Instagram
For a more casual-chic option, follow Lily’s lead with a suit in spring shades. Opt for an on-trend hue with this lavender jacket and trousers from Sézane or copy Lily’s stripes game with this cream-coloured Ariella pinstripe blazer from Phase Eight. Match with your favourite plain white top.
Copy the actress’s Veja trainers or browse other Veja styles online and in high-street stores such as Office. The French brand has seen a boom in popularity in recent years, with Emily Ratajkowski, Chloe Grace Moretz and Emma Watson among the celebrities spotted wearing its trainers.
Read more: Fashion meets… The style trends making waves in 2023
View this post on Instagram
Puff sleeves have stayed on trend since 2018 and remain a playful, stylish choice for a fun outing. Lily opted for a dramatic puff-sleeve bejewelled crop top in pink here, which she paired with high-waisted black trousers.
Follow her lead in this white Nissa crop top with puff sleeves and golden straps, available on Wolf & Badger, or this sleek Asos crop top. Pair with these high-waist ‘palazzo’ trousers from Mango.
View this post on Instagram
Lily wore this dazzling Versace gown at the 2022 Emmy Awards. While the dress was custom-made, you can imitate its shine and get your own showstopper for a special night out. Try this House of CB Charmaine corset satin maxi dress — its corset bodice is all the rage right now, and its adjustable straps make it easy to wear no matter the fit.
Alternatively, Vivienne Westwood has you covered with a sparkly option: this golden slim-fit evening dress is perfect for all sorts of fancy galas and events.
