Nicola Coughlan's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The talented actress has captivated audiences with her standout performance in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, cementing her status as a leading lady. But Coughlan's success extends far beyond the screen, as she has also established herself as a true fashion icon, gracing the red carpet with her impeccable style. In this in-depth profile, we delve into Coughlan's style evolution, her collaborative approach to fashion, and the confidence-boosting power of her sartorial choices.Nicola Coughlan: The Breakout Star Turned Fashion Trailblazer
Embracing the Dior Difference
Nicola Coughlan's affinity for Dior has been a defining aspect of her style journey. The actress first discovered the French fashion house during the Bridgerton world tour, where she donned a classic black dress that captivated audiences. "I loved it so much," Coughlan recalls. "It's funny, because people often feel a lot of different ways about what I wear. But with that Dior dress, everyone adored it – and I adored it." The connection between Coughlan and Dior only deepened, with the fashion house designing a stunning gown for the actress to wear to the prestigious Time 100 Gala in New York. "That felt like that was another big moment for me," Coughlan shares. When it came time to choose her look for the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, the decision to go with Dior was a natural one. "It's been such a winning combo," she explains, "so when I was considering what to wear, we just thought, why not go for Dior again?"
Collaborative Couture: Coughlan's Styling Process
Coughlan's approach to fashion is a collaborative one, with her stylist, Aimée Croysdill, playing a pivotal role. "It's a very collaborative process between myself and Aimée, and we're constantly sending ideas back and forth," Coughlan reveals. The actress brings her own unique perspective, often drawing inspiration from specific characters or films, while Croysdill leverages her extensive fashion expertise to translate those ideas into stunning, red-carpet-worthy ensembles."Aimée always has so many different options, ideas, and such passion, so she's always a pleasure to work with," Coughlan says. The duo has developed a strong rapport, with Coughlan feeling more confident in voicing her likes and dislikes. "I've also got better at saying what outfits I do and don't like. When I was first starting out, you just want to go, 'Oh yeah, that's fine, everything's great.' But now I think myself and Aimée have such a shorthand that we both know when something isn't working and we can move on quite quickly."
Confidence and Comfort: Coughlan's Sartorial Sensibilities
For Nicola Coughlan, the key to feeling confident on the red carpet lies in finding the perfect balance between style and comfort. "The most important thing is that I feel like I'm wearing the dress, and the dress isn't wearing me," she explains. When all the elements – from the makeup to the hair and nails – come together seamlessly, Coughlan experiences a "very satisfying feeling."However, Coughlan's off-duty style is a stark contrast to her glamorous red-carpet looks. "When I'm off-duty, I'll wear simple black dresses. I really love autumn and winter for wearing coats. I went into the back of my coat cupboard the other day and found a Penny Lane coat. I love feeling put-together with a nice coat and nice bag," she shares.
Evolving Style: From Skater Chic to Refined Elegance
Coughlan's style journey has been a fascinating one, marked by a gradual evolution from her teenage "skater" phase to her current refined elegance. "When I was at school, everyone had a distinct 'look' – I definitely wanted to have a 'skater' vibe," she recalls. As she grew older, Coughlan's fashion influences shifted, with the actress drawing inspiration from the boho-chic aesthetic of Sienna Miller.However, it was her work on Bridgerton that truly transformed Coughlan's perspective on fashion. "Being in Bridgerton and seeing gowns being made has given me such a respect of the craft of fashion, and the artistry behind it. I feel I look at clothes differently now," she shares. Coughlan has also become more mindful of her shopping habits, opting for quality over quantity and cherishing the pieces she's had for years.
Memorable Fashion Moments: Nods to Old Hollywood
Among Coughlan's most memorable fashion moments is the custom Danielle Frankel dress she wore to the New York Bridgerton premiere. "It was a custom Danielle Frankel design. On the day, Aimée said she thought everything needed to be all-white. And I suggested a nod to Marilyn Monroe with the make-up. I had this beautiful red lip and really fresh, modern Hollywood hair to complement it. It was like we were all firing on all cylinders, and it really worked," she recalls.These carefully curated looks not only showcase Coughlan's impeccable style but also her ability to infuse her outfits with a touch of Old Hollywood glamour. Whether it's a Dior gown or a Penny Lane-inspired coat, the actress consistently manages to strike the perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern flair.
Overcoming Red Carpet Nerves: Coughlan's Armor of Confidence
Despite her undeniable star power, Coughlan admits that navigating the red carpet can still be a nerve-wracking experience. "I definitely find it nerve-wracking," she confesses. "I put it in a certain part of my brain – I feel like a very different person when I'm doing red carpets compared to doing my day-to-day."To combat these nerves, Coughlan relies on her carefully crafted looks as a form of "armor." "It's my little bit of armour to protect myself when I go out in the world," she explains. The actress also has a pre-event routine that helps her feel grounded and confident, including putting on some music, catching up with her team, and having a glass of champagne to "take the edge off."Ultimately, Coughlan's journey has been one of self-discovery and a growing appreciation for the power of fashion. "Fashion is a beautiful form of self-expression. It can be like wearable art, or it can be armour. It can be anything you really want it to be," she reflects. As Nicola Coughlan continues to captivate audiences with her talent and style, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring fashion icons and trailblazers alike.
