Get The Look On A Budget: Emily Ratajkowski's Newspaper-Print Dress
At the turn of the millennium, Carrie Bradshaw hit the streets of Manhattan in a John Galliano-designed newspaper-patterned dress, per Independent. It quickly became one of the most memorable "Sex and the City" looks, going down in history with the likes of Carrie's iconic tutu and picture-perfect little black dress. Over two decades later, model Emily Ratajkowski paid homage to Sarah Jessica Parker in her own newsprint fit.
Ratajkowski got her start as a teenage star on the hit Nickelodeon show, "iCarly," later transitioning to modeling (via Distractify). It wasn't until 2013 that the actor achieved mainstream recognition, appearing in Robin Thicke's controversial "Blurred Lines" music video. The video, and Ratajkowski's role within it, jumpstarted a cultural conversation surrounding female objectification and consent. In the wake of criticism, the song's co-writer and producer, Pharrell Williams, reexamined his relationship with the lyrics. "My mind opened up to what was actually being said in the song and how it could make someone feel," he told GQ in a 2019 profile.
In the years since, Ratajkowski has not only continued to build her acting and modeling resume but she's also reflected on her experiences in the industry — and the world at large — in her celebrated book of essays, "My Body." In September 2022, she continued to make headlines (literally), attending New York Fashion Week in the aforementioned Carrie Bradshaw-inspired newspaper dress. Don't worry, if you have plans to emulate Emily Ratajkowski's enviable style, you can do it without dropping designer prices.
Emily Ratajkowski made headlines in an homage to Sex and the City
During 2022's star-studded New York Fashion Week, supermodel Emily Ratajkowski hit the Harper's Bazaar's Icons x Bloomingdale's 150th Anniversary party red carpet in vintage John Galliano (via Hello!). The mini dress, decorated with bold headlines just like Carrie Bradshaw's early 2000s look, is form-fitting and sleeveless. Though the John Galliano design retails in limited supply on Etsy — and Carrie Bradshaw's dress costs upwards of $200,000 — other platforms sell similar newspaper looks for far less.
Available on Asos for under $50 is a button-front newspaper print mini dress made with satin-style fabric. Though headlines on this dress are more muted than on Ratajkowski's (and "John Galliano" isn't boldly printed across the front), the design is form flattering. Alternatively, on sale for under $25 at Garage is a strapless newspaper-style mini dress, perfect for pairing with the supermodel's signature knee-high boots.
For those looking to put their own spin on the fit, Lucy in the Sky sells a body-con mini with comic panels rather than classic newsprint.
Emily Ratajkowski paired the dress with a black velvet jacket and zebra boots
In more than one way Emily Ratajkowski stood out from Carrie Bradshaw — notably, she layered a black velvet jacket over her John Galliano newsprint dress. To recreate Ratajkowski's coat on a budget, look no further than Amazon. For just $43 you can buy yourself a velvet long sleeve jacket — yes, it even has pockets. If you're looking to shop somewhere other than the Amazon powerhouse, check out resold velvet on Poshmark or this discounted Steve Madden blazer on Nordstrom Rack. Alternatively, pair your newsprint with a faux fur black coat from Target, or give the look an edgy spin with an oversized faux leather jacket from NastyGal — get creative!
Emily Ratajkowski is known for her knee-high (or even thigh-high) boots, and at New York Fashion Week she certainly did not disappoint. The "My Body" author wore zebra print lambskin leather boots that retail for over $1,000. Fortunately, you can invest in your own (similar) pair for just $50 at DSW or $42 on NastyGal — a small fraction of the original price, albeit without the lambskin.
The A-lister finishes off her fashion week look with a Fendi baguette bag, per InStyle. To channel this '90s aesthetic, check the virtual shelves of Asos. For just over $28, you can purchase your very own croc-effect black shoulder purse.