No celebrity wants to end up on the worst-dressed list, especially not at an event devoted to high fashion. Unfortunately, “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan found herself in that exact position during Paris Fashion Week 2025. Wearing a full Dior ensemble, Coughlan attempted to embrace the rising windbreaker trend of the year but missed the mark. The look featured a windbreaker jacket with shoulder cutouts, zipped over a matching midi dress. She completed the outfit with opaque black tights, black pumps, sunglasses, and a handbag, all in the same dark monochrome tone.
The outfit failed for several reasons. Zipping the jacket completely altered the garment’s intended silhouette, making it appear wrinkled and shapeless due to the nylon material. Moreover, the length of the skirt overwhelmed Coughlan’s petite 5’1″ frame, elongating her torso but visually shortening her legs. Pairing the look with solid black tights further compounded the issue by emphasizing her lower half in a way that made her appear even shorter. While the oversized clothing trend can be flattering, it requires careful styling—particularly for petite figures—and in this case, it simply did not work.
Color choice also played a major role in why the ensemble fell flat. This isn’t the first time Nicola Coughlan has struggled with darker outfits. Her fair skin and pink undertones contrast harshly with all-black looks, making them appear severe and unflattering. Lighter, muted tones like pastel blue or soft yellow would likely be far more complementary to her complexion. This was also evident during her appearance at Wimbledon 2024, where she once again leaned into the oversized look with a floor-length trenchcoat and a matching maxi dress. Paired with white slide-on shoes, sunglasses, and a handbag, the silhouette had the same disproportionate effect. Moreover, Wimbledon typically encourages fresh, bright attire, and the monochromatic look felt out of place for such a vibrant setting.
Although black remains a timeless staple in fashion, head-to-toe monochrome in such a dark tone can sometimes look outdated if not styled creatively. When Coughlan incorporates color into her wardrobe, the results are noticeably more flattering. Her 2024 photoshoot in Brazil with “Bridgerton” co-star Luke Newton proves this point—color helped breathe life into her look, drawing attention in a positive way. However, even adding color doesn’t always guarantee success.
A post from June 2023 shows Coughlan in a fitted black midi dress with a sweetheart neckline and structured sleeves, paired with pointed-toe pumps for a press event. While this outfit was a step in the right direction compared to previous ones, she added a pair of powder-blue leather gloves that clashed with the rest of the look. Instead of elevating the outfit, the gloves appeared awkward and disconnected, drawing attention for the wrong reasons. Despite her fashion missteps, there’s potential for stronger style moments if Coughlan embraces color and proportions more thoughtfully.
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