With the exception of a fashion faux pas when Anna Scott asks Will Thacker to love her while wearing flip flops in Notting Hill, Julia Roberts’ character nails the lo-fi ’90s style that is making a comeback. Scott wears Vans Old Skool sneakers, leather jackets, and berets despite being a Hollywood movie star. She looks more like an off-duty model (Bella Hadid, anyone?) than a blockbuster movie star, despite the fact that she’s been on a diet every day since she was 19 years old.
Anna, in a pearlescent patterned kimono-inspired jacket, shrugged over a khaki vest and dark-wash denim, now resembles Zendaya’s Rue from Euphoria, a tomboy-turned-vintage hawk whose Jean-Paul Gaultier kimono wrap vest stole the attention in the first episode of season two. Anna looks like Hailey Bieber in a baby-blue knitted twin set and block-colored Jacquemus (albeit without the ab flash). Bella’s shirt and tie for a press junket at The Ritz are giving Dilara Findikoglu her own Windsor-knotted tailoring moment. Okay, we’ve gotten a little carried away.
Scott’s everywoman style, which consists of nondescript sunglasses, white tees, and pinstripe slacks, appears genuine, even approachable, precisely because it is. During her book shop confessional scene, Roberts wore the clothes she arrived on set in because she felt the costume she was given was simply that: a costume. When Anna was pouring her heart out to Hugh Grant’s Will, her attire had to feel genuine. Who am I to argue with Julia’s choice of flip-flops and a lovely cardi set?
Of course, the rom-com style of the 1990s and 2000s is imprinted in the cultural consciousness and will always be adored in a nostalgic way. Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton, will always be remembered for her ability to pull off mannish tailoring, Jenny Cavilleri, played by Ali MacGraw, reminds us of the importance of a great camel coat, and Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, flies the flag for big knickers, which pretty much underpin any great look. Julia Roberts’ aesthetic in Notting Hill, on the other hand, is softly superb and unobtrusive. As per Vogue.
