Ella Purnell has captivated audiences not just with her acting but with her ever-evolving fashion sense. From her breakout role in Yellowjackets to her recent sci-fi turn in Fallout, her style has transformed dramatically, reflecting both her characters and personal growth.
In this deep dive, we’ll analyze:
✅ Her grunge-era looks in Yellowjackets
✅ The retro-futuristic aesthetic of Fallout
✅ Her best red carpet moments (2021–2024)
✅ How to recreate her signature outfits
✅ Exclusive stylist insights and brand breakdowns
Let’s explore Ella Purnell’s style evolution—a masterclass in versatility and bold fashion choices.
Vogue - Ella Purnell Sweetpea Interview
The Early Days: Ella’s Pre-Yellowjackets Fashion (2014–2020)
Before Yellowjackets, Ella was best known for Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Army of the Dead. Her early red carpet looks leaned into:
- Classic Hollywood glamour (soft curls, A-line dresses)
- Edgy teen vibes (leather jackets, Converse sneakers)
- Minimalist elegance (monochrome suits, sleek silhouettes)
Key Outfit Example:
- 2016 BAFTA Breakthrough Brit Event: A black midi dress with delicate lace detailing—understated yet sophisticated.
On Her Acting Process
"I’m drawn to characters who are messy, complicated, and unapologetically human. Playing Jackie in Yellowjackets was terrifying because she’s so flawed—but that’s what made her real."
Source: Variety Interview (2022)
The Yellowjackets Era (2021–2023): Grunge, Dark Academia & ’90s Revival
Character Influence on Her Real-Life Style
As Jackie Taylor in Yellowjackets, Ella played a ’90s high school queen bee whose fashion blended preppy elegance with grunge rebellion. This duality heavily influenced her off-duty looks during the show’s press tours:
-
Press Tour Aesthetic:
- Edgy Femininity: Slip dresses paired with chunky boots (Marc Jacobs, Dr. Martens).
- Layering Masterclass: Think oversized blazers (Vintage Chanel) over band tees (Nirvana, Pearl Jam).
- Color Palette: Moody burgundies, forest greens, and monochrome black—mirroring Jackie’s tragic arc.
Example Look:
At the 2022 Yellowjackets S2 premiere, Ella wore a black lace Miu Miu mini dress with combat boots—a perfect blend of "gothic homecoming queen".
Key Style Moments (2021–2023)
| Event | Outfit | Styling Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 SAG Awards | Red Valentino puff-sleeve gown | Romantic with a dark twist (lace gloves) |
| 2021 FYC Event | Proenza Schouler suit + bralette | Androgynous power dressing |
| Vanity Fair Party | Saint Laurent leather mini dress | ’90s supermodel vibes |
How to Recreate the Yellowjackets Look
-
Slip Dress Grunge:
- Reformation Satin Slip Dress + Dr. Martens Jadon Boots.
-
Layered Necklaces:
- Mejuri Gold Hoops + Vintage Band Tee.
-
Dark Academia Coat:
- & Other Stories Wool Trench.
Stylist Quote:
"For Yellowjackets, we wanted Ella’s fashion to feel like Jackie’s lost ’90s scrapbook—nostalgic but with a sinister edge."
The Fallout Transformation (2024–Present): Retro-Futuristic & Atomic Age Elegance
Lucy’s Costume vs. Ella’s Press Tour Fashion
While Lucy wears a Vault 33 jumpsuit in Fallout, Ella’s real-life press outfits channel 1950s retro-futurism with a modern twist:
-
Press Tour Aesthetic:
- Fit-and-Flare Silhouettes: Custom Prada dresses with nipped waists (homage to Lucy’s vault suit).
- Atomic Age Accessories: Cat-eye sunglasses (RetroSuperFuture), elbow-length gloves.
- Color Story: Sky blues, cherry reds, and chrome metallics—mirroring the game’s palette.
Example Look:
For the Fallout L.A. premiere, Ella’s baby blue Prada mini dress with white gloves went viral for its "Vault Dweller at a garden party" vibe.
Breaking Down the Fallout Fashion Phenomenon
-
The Viral Jumpsuit:
- Fallout’s costume designer Amy Westcott revealed Lucy’s suit was inspired by 1950s flight attendants with a sci-fi twist.
-
Ella’s Off-Screen Nods:
- She wore bullet-shaped earrings (Melissa Kaye) to the London premiere—a subtle Fallout reference.
Key Style Moments (2024)
| Event | Outfit | Styling Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fallout SXSW Premiere | Prada patent-leather mini | Retro secretary meets Blade Runner |
| The Tonight Show | Jacquemus gingham set | Picnic-chic with a space-age belt |
| Variety Shoot | Balmain metallic gown | Literal "atomic glamour" |
How to Recreate the Fallout Look
-
1950s Pin-Up:
- Unique Vintage Fit-and-Flare Dress + Steve Madden Kitten Heels.
-
Sci-Fi Accessories:
- Fallout-Inspired Pip-Boy Watch (for cosplay).
-
Ella’s Signature Liner:
- Pat McGrath Labs Liquid Liner for her cat-eye.
Stylist Quote:
"Fallout let us play with ’50s nostalgia through a futuristic lens. Ella’s press looks are Lucy if she escaped the vault and became a fashion icon."
On Fallout and Sci-Fi
"Lucy in Fallout is this beautiful contradiction—she’s got 1950s optimism but lives in a nuclear wasteland. Her vault suit is like armor; it’s cute but also survival gear."
Source: The Hollywood Reporter (2024)
Ella’s Red Carpet Evolution: Best Looks Ranked
From gothic glam to modern minimalism, here are her top 5 red carpet moments:
| Event | Outfit | Style Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Golden Globes After-Party | Black cutout gown | Edgy sophistication |
| 2022 Critics Choice Awards | Red satin slip dress | Old Hollywood vibes |
| Fallout Premiere (2024) | Prada mini dress + gloves | Retro-futuristic |
| 2021 Emmy Awards | Structured white blazer dress | Power dressing |
| 2023 Met Gala | (Hypothetical) Fallout-inspired look | Sci-fi meets high fashion |
How to Dress Like Ella Purnell: Affordable Dupes & Styling Tips
Want her look without the A-list budget? Here’s how:
Grunge Era (Yellowjackets):
- Key Pieces: Thrifted flannels, mom jeans, chunky boots.
- Affordable Brands: Urban Outfitters, & Other Stories.
Retro-Future (Fallout):
- Key Pieces: Peter Pan collar dresses, pointed flats, red lipstick.
- Affordable Brands: ModCloth, Selkie.
Pro Tip: "Ella often mixes high and low fashion—pair a designer bag with vintage Levi’s for her vibe."
FAQ
1. What is Ella Purnell’s signature style?
Ella’s style evolves with her roles—currently, it’s retro-futuristic (Fallout) with touches of grunge nostalgia (Yellowjackets).
2. Who styles Ella Purnell?
She works with celebrity stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray (also dresses Florence Pugh).
3. Where can I buy Ella Purnell’s exact outfits?
Some pieces are custom, but we’ve linked affordable dupes above!
4. Will Ella Purnell attend the Met Gala 2024?
Unconfirmed, but fans hope she’ll channel Fallout!
5. How has Ella’s style changed over the years?
From sweet teen glam → dark grunge → sci-fi pin-up—a true fashion chameleon.
Ella Purnell’s style evolution mirrors her career—bold, unpredictable, and endlessly inspiring. Whether you love her Yellowjackets grunge or Fallout’s retro charm, one thing’s clear: her fashion is as dynamic as her acting.
On Confidence & Style
"Fashion should be fun, not stressful. My red carpet looks are either ‘I feel like a badass’ or ‘I tripped into a vintage store and loved it.’ No in-between."
Source: Elle UK (2023)
Keep up to date with what's happening over on Ella Purnell’s IMDb page
Which era is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
