I Emulated Mrs. Prada for a Week—Here’s What I Discovered About Her, Myself, and Personal Fashion
At any Prada or Miu Miu show, regardless of the attendees, Mrs. Prada will always be the main celebrity. There’s never a moment of “Who’s that?” when she appears; everyone recognizes her. Hidden within her honey-blonde hair are the designs of clothes that everyone desires but hasn't realized they want yet. I remember at my first Miu Miu show, watching celebrity after celebrity pose for photos on the runway before the show began. While some elicited soft gasps and excited nudges from us early arrivals, none truly captivated everyone’s attention. However, when Mrs. Prada stepped out at the end, every single person, including the front-row celebrities, turned to catch a glimpse. Someone seated next to me, whom I didn’t know, tapped my knee nervously upon spotting her and exclaimed, “There she is!” while another person couldn't stop lamenting that the large structural column obstructed her view.
The excitement of seeing Miuccia Prada in person partly comes from her being an icon to those of us who admire pleated miniskirts and ballet flats. Mrs. Prada embodies the oracle-like figure who understands our fashion desires before we even do, delivering fashion prophecies. Yet she also embodies her philosophy; unlike some designers who dress austerely, Mrs. Prada is a quintessential 75-year-old Italian woman. She adorns herself with dangling earrings and petite gold heels, casually draping a tiny sweater over her shoulders and sporting a printed pencil skirt that reveals a hint of knee. She represents what many of us aspire to become—a woman unfazed by the norms of “dressing your age,” whose wardrobe narrates the stories of her rich experiences. Looking at her, you can see the Miu Miu girl, albeit a grown version.
When Lauren Eggertsen, the editorial director of Who What Wear, shared an Instagram compilation of Mrs. Prada’s recent noteworthy outfits with the comment, “This is you when you’re older,” I felt incredibly flattered. To me, this is the ultimate compliment as it indicates a perception of possessing a personal style and identity robust enough to transcend the effects of aging. Mrs. Prada embodies everything I aspire to be: a lifelong Miu Miu girl, a woman secure in her identity who never diverges from it. In light of this goal, I decided to emulate her style for a week to uncover what I could learn about myself. Here’s what I discovered.
Big Skirts Aren't Solely for Special Occasions (Image credit: Getty Images) I'm wearing a Caro Editions top, a Sandy Liang skirt, and vintage Moschino heels. While Mrs. Prada is famously associated with pleated micro miniskirts, she frequently opts for longer or more voluminous skirts. I also adore big skirts, but I tend to stress about dressing them up enough as they seem like a statement. Mrs. Prada demonstrates that I often overthink this, as a simple T-shirt could suffice.
Sandy Liang
Black Murano Midi Skirt
J.Crew
Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt
Reformation
Sadie Kitten Heeled Slingback
Always Opt for Pointy Heels (Image credit: Getty Images) I'm wearing a Massimo Dutti sweater-vest borrowed from my boyfriend, an old Thakoon button-down, a Tibi skirt, and vintage heels. As I sifted through old photos of Mrs. Prada's notable looks, I realized her fondness for pointy pumps and classic heels. I’ve struggled with this style, as I don’t own many heels of that shape; they've always felt intimidating and too formal for my typical attire. My hesitation stems from associating them with office environments, which I haven't experienced. Yet, Mrs. Prada shows they can be playful when paired with pieces like a balloon skirt or sweater-vest, adding a unique touch. She styles them in a way that feels slightly unconventional—like a bookish nerd heading to the library who decides to elevate her outfit with sharp heels. That subtle rebellion is what makes them so appealing.
Gap
Easy Bubble Midi Skirt
Prada
Rete Nylon Mesh Slingback Pumps
Embrace Chunky Statement Necklaces (Image credit: Getty Images) I'm wearing a vintage Carolina Herrera dress, a Chopova Lowena necklace, Calzedonia stockings, and vintage Chanel heels. A shared love of statement jewelry connects Mrs. Prada and me. She often wears dangling earrings and layered pearls, and has a penchant for bold necklaces. This style once flourished in the 2010s before being replaced by simpler gold chains with small charms. However, Mrs. Prada helped me realize that being understated can lack excitement, and a chunky necklace can enhance any outfit, no matter how delicate or pastel the dress is.
Chopova Lowena
Silver Roll the Dice Necklace
Prada
Sleeveless Technical Voile Dress
If You Have Banana Earrings,
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I Emulated Mrs. Prada for a Week—Here’s What I Discovered About Her, Myself, and Personal Fashion
She represents all that I aspire to be.
