It’s a truth universally acknowledged in fashion circles, is it not? The moment a classic returns, it’s rarely as we remember it. The silhouette shifts, the attitude changes, and suddenly, a pattern that once whispered “boardroom” screams “boardroom… but make it a late night in Paris.”
This, my dears, is precisely what Zoë Kravitz has done. On August 11, 2025, while out in New York City, the actor-director took a pattern as old as time—the pinstripe—and infused it with an effortless cool that feels both vintage and shockingly now.
Kravitz was headed to her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and the look she chose was a masterclass in controlled deconstruction. The foundation? A pair of low-slung, pleated black pinstripe trousers from a custom Saint Laurent look. These aren’t your grandfather’s trousers; the wide, relaxed fit and low rise give them an almost rebellious slouch. But then, she pairs them with a cropped black vest top, also part of the Saint Laurent custom look. The vest—a nod to classic menswear, a gilet perhaps—is shrunken, leaving her midriff bare. It’s a subtle defiance, isn’t it? A sartorial wink that says, “I’m playing by my own rules.”
But of course, a look is nothing without the details. The accessories—ah, the accessories! They are where the magic truly happens, where the story is told. She wore black Saint Laurent L’entracte Slingback Pumps in Satin Crepe, which provide a delicate, feminine counterpoint to the masculine lines of the pinstripes. A black bandana covers her hair, a detail that feels less like a choice and more like a declaration. It’s rock-and-roll. It’s chic. It’s a very specific kind of French cool, the one I remember seeing on the Left Bank—a look that’s never trying too hard because it doesn’t have to.
And then there’s the jewelry. The brilliant, breathtaking Jessica McCormack pieces. Kravitz layered two of them: the Jessica McCormack Lost Boys Carre-Cut Diamond Cross Single Gypset Hoop Earring and the Jessica McCormack 0.70Ct Diamond & Blackened Gold Gypset Hoop Earrings. She also wore a Jessica McCormack Oval Diamond Torque Necklace and a Jessica McCormack 1.50Ct Diamond & Blackened Gold Button Back Ring. This is not costume jewelry, my friends. This is artisanal craftsmanship, the kind of subtle luxury that speaks volumes. The blackened gold and diamonds add a quiet, almost antique glamour, a stark contrast to the modernity of the outfit’s silhouette. And the final touch? Vintage Nike sunglasses, a clever, slightly ironic detail that grounds the entire ensemble in street-style reality.
It’s almost a case study, isn’t it? The way a single look can perfectly capture a moment. We’ve seen pinstripes popping up everywhere, of course—even on the set of The Devil Wears Prada 2, where Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt have been spotted filming the upcoming sequel in various iterations of the pattern. One of Hathaway’s looks, in particular, a sleeveless vest and pleated pinstripe trousers, is so strikingly similar to Kravitz’s that you have to wonder… is this not just a trend, but a complete style takeover?
And really, who is surprised? The elegance of a well-cut pinstripe, the subtle power it conveys… it’s irresistible. But it’s the styling, the deliberate subversion of the pattern’s origin, that makes it truly revolutionary. Zoë Kravitz has taken a symbol of conformity and made it the ultimate expression of personal freedom. It’s a look that reminds me of those rebellious artists in 1970s Paris, the ones who would wear Savile Row tailoring with worn-in leather boots. It’s a heritage look, but with a delicious modern edge.
So, how does one capture this look without looking like they’ve simply borrowed from the nearest corporate office?
Zoë Kravitz’s Pinstripe: A Style Dissection
Deconstruct the Classic: Forget the matching blazer. The key to making pinstripes modern is to break the set. Wear pinstripe trousers with a cropped top, a delicate knit, or even a simple white tank. The unexpected contrast is everything.
Embrace the Low-Slung Silhouette: High-waisted trousers can be chic, but the low-slung, slightly slouchy fit that Kravitz favors adds an effortless, almost undone quality. This is how you avoid looking stiff and formal.
Focus on the Details: This look lives and dies by its accessories. A bandana, a delicate choker, and some unexpected shoes (like those divine slingbacks) can completely transform the entire mood. Think of it as painting with accessories.
Mix in the Old with the New: The vintage sunglasses were a stroke of genius. Don’t be afraid to mix high fashion pieces with something from a flea market or an old closet. This is the secret to a look that feels authentic, not just “purchased.”
The Power of a Simple Palette: Kravitz’s look is entirely black with a touch of silver. This isn’t an accident. A monochromatic or limited color palette keeps the look feeling sleek and sophisticated, allowing the textures and silhouettes to take center stage. It’s a very French philosophy—simplicity is the ultimate luxury.
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