Photo from Time Magazine
There is no argument that Zendaya is one of the biggest fashion icons, not just for Generation Z, but for everyone. In the last five years especially, she has begun using a few “rules” for her style, keeping each outfit different from the previous, while still being inexplicably Zendaya. The credit for her award-winning style must also be given to her stylist since age 14, Law Roach. The self-proclaimed “image architect” has repeatedly mentioned how the outfits Zendaya is seen wearing are the product of collaboration between the pair, who are arguably one of the best fashion duos.
So what are these rules, and how can they be incorporated in the everyday wardrobe of a non-celebrity?
Photo from The Sun
Since the beginning of her partnership with Roach, Zendaya is most commonly seen wearing Christian Louboutin’s “So Kate” stilettos, which are notoriously difficult walking shoes. While you do not need to spend close to $800 to struggle to walk, looking at how and where Zendaya wears these can inspire your own outfits. Although they’re more commonly spotted on red carpets, she also dons them for talk shows or more casual press appearances, as if she just threw them on and walked out the door. To apply this to your daily wardrobe, a pair of basic shoes that couples well with most of your clothes, regardless of the full outfit, is key. A prime example that has remained a classic is a pair of Converse high tops, a shoe Zendaya has worn with casual outfits. You can even pair it with dresses to make the fit more relaxed. Having a few different pairs of shoes, just like Zenday’s multiple colors of the “So Kate,” ensures comfortability paired with the knowledge that your shoe isn’t throwing off the entire outfit you had planned out in your head.
Photo from Grazia
This past summer, Zendaya continuously made headlines for her styling choices while promoting her film, “Challengers.” With every new outfit, there was a different connection to tennis, revolving around the movie’s plot. Ranging from heels puncturing a tennis ball, to pleats and terry cloth — which are frequently used for tennis dresses — to tennis racket icons and images being presented as a print on her dresses, Zendaya and Roach told a story. Each outfit stuck to the same theme while ensuring there was no redundancy. This was also seen during the promotion of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in 2021, when web designs were embroidered into Zendaya’s dress or present on different items she wore, like earrings or tights. Additionally, she wore a vintage Roberto Cavalli skeleton dress, which many Marvel fans found similar to Spider-Man villain Dr. Octopus.
For a more everyday approach, try sticking to a theme, like Zendaya does, that is most similar to your personal style. A current trend floating around the internet is wearing sports jerseys in non-sports atmospheres. If this is something you tend to wear, elevated athleisure should be incorporated into your casual wardrobe. This can be achieved by seeking out sports jackets, windbreakers and nylon cargo pants, while also pairing them with hairstyles that tie together the sporty look of your outfit.
Photo from L’Officiel
Zendaya is no stranger to vintage pieces, although she tends to wear lavish designer garments from archives that one can only dream of seeing with their own eyes. However, the way these pieces are styled can easily be replicated by anyone. Just like you can do with items from your favorite thrift store or your parent’s closet, Zendaya makes sure to add a modern flair to her vintage outfits. If you have a thrifted jacket or pair of pants, combine it with a newer shirt that follows more modern trends, like button up vests, a graphic tee — which Zendaya can be seen wearing in “Challengers,” or Isabel Marant-esque bohemian tops. Even the way you choose to style your hair and makeup and the accessories you pick out can range from being more modern to falling more in line with the vintage piece you are emphasizing in your outfit.
Photo from Marie Claire
In a post-skinny jeans world, wide-leg pants haven’t shown any sign of slowing down. However, the way these pants are styled is crucial, as it can easily go haywire. Zendaya is, to no shock, a great example of how to dress these pants to be flattering on your body and how to maintain definition between your legs and torso. One critical step is to wear a more fitting top. Frequently, Zendaya has been seen wearing shirts that naturally sinch in at her waist; these are better for wide-leg pants, allowing the skin to be separated before the silhouette changes. If you are someone who prefers looser fitting tops, look for ones that you can tuck into the pants — either entirely or with a small, off-centered French tuck. The other important aspect of creating a wide-leg pant outfit is to ensure your shoes have a platform, even with sneakers. The pants should land just above the floor with your shoes on, but not so much that they’re at risk of ripping from being dragged across various terrains during your day.
Photo from Vogue
While her outfits are far from boring, Zendaya consistently finds ways to elevate her looks with various accessories, especially jewelry and hair pieces. There are levels to this accessorizing, from stacking multiple rings on every finger to wearing a Bulgari diamond and sapphire necklace over a Mugler suit of armor. Though it is unlikely that you would be in a situation where you need to seek out a full metal suit, the simple ways Zendaya uses smaller accoutrement can easily be applied into your styling methods. When wearing something that could be deemed “basic,” like a white shirt with black pants, Zendaya adds depth and detail by pairing the outfit with a belt or a hat that grabs more attention. Wearing statement necklaces or one with a pendant can elevate your outfit to the next level. Additionally, wearing headbands that match the colors of your outfit is a great and comfortable method of boosting your ensemble.
Photo from Glamour
Though you don’t need to walk into class wearing a neon green ruched dress with a tennis ball sewn onto the front, adding a pop of color can sometimes be the best finishing touch on an outfit you feel is missing something. The contrasting color doesn’t need to be bright either. Zendaya has been seen wearing ensembles full of color, where the “pop” is a neutral that ties everything together. Or, it could be something more subtle, like a pair of red shoes with a simple outfit, plus jeans and a solid-colored shirt. Another great way to add color is with a jacket or purse, further affirming the importance of accessories.
With all this in mind, it’s crucial to recognize the most important rule that Zendaya follows: confidence. When watching any video of her on the red carpet or walking into an event, you can feel Zendaya’s confidence through the screen, and her styling plays a role in that. However, how confident you feel is also key for the styling of outfits and how you wear them. If there is ever anything that just doesn’t feel right, either physically or mentally, try on some other clothes! There is no need to force yourself into wearing specific clothes just because you see celebrities and influencers wearing them, especially when you wouldn’t feel your best or like yourself at all. Though these tips don’t all need to be implemented at the same time, turning towards Zendaya’s foolproof methods can allow you to spruce things up when you are feeling a little sartorially bored or in need of a change.