Hayley Law Champions Preppy Chic Style at Step Up Awards 2025

When Hayley Law arrived at the Step Up 2025 Annual Inspiration Award arrivals on September 26, the actor made a strong case for structured, sartorial dressing over traditional Hollywood flash. Law, known for her roles in Riverdale and Altered Carbon, opted for a polished, navy blue ensemble that expertly elevates classic preppy elements into modern cocktail attire. Law’s entire appearance centers on the compelling dialogue between structured garments and high-impact accessories, resulting in one of the most memorable celebrity looks of the evening. To learn more about Law’s career, visit her IMDb page for a complete filmography.

The Silhouette: Modern Schoolgirl Structure

Law’s choice is a long-sleeved dress or coordinating separates in deep navy blue, built around a distinctive silhouette. The garment features a high, pointed collar with a subtle pussy-bow detail, a nod to vintage secretary blouses. The key architectural feature is the peplum—a high-waist, short ruffle that flares out over the hips before meeting a knee-length skirt. This tailoring focuses on a cinched waist and a controlled, feminine shape, championing the structured aesthetic that has been regaining momentum on the red carpet fashion circuit. The structured bodice and full sleeves suggest a mid-weight, crisp fabric, providing a clean, matte finish that allows the garment’s cut to speak for itself.

The Complete Ensemble: Color and Texture Play

The true success of this ensemble lies in the astute styling and bold color coordination, taking this look far beyond the simple concept of a shirt dress. Law embraces a deliberate clash of textures and tones that elevates the entire outfit. The matte navy of the dress is counterbalanced by the high-shine of her oxblood patent leather Mary Jane shoes. This rich, dark burgundy tone is perfectly echoed in her sheer knee-high socks, which feature a subtle micro-dot pattern. The choice of socks and Mary Janes, in lieu of traditional heels, is a defining feature of the look, channeling a sophisticated, updated take on the schoolgirl chic micro-trend popularized in recent seasons. This deliberate styling choice allows the look to feel less like formal wear and more like a carefully constructed expression of personal style—a key differentiator in high-profile red carpet arrivals. Law’s natural, voluminous curl pattern adds significant contrast and soft texture, preventing the structured clothing from feeling too severe.

Trend Placement: The Re-Emergence of The Peplum

Law’s ensemble successfully places her look at the forefront of two converging trends: the return of the structured peplum and the rise of Dark Academia accessories. The peplum, a divisive silhouette from the early 2010s, is being re-imagined on runways as a tool for sharp tailoring and defined waistlines, seen most notably in recent collections from designers known for their precise structure. By pairing this strong, tailored item with the collegiate accessories (the Mary Janes and dot-patterned socks), Law channels a modern power dressing that is feminine, commanding, and yet highly unique. It’s an intellectual approach to fashion that diverges from the typical skin-is-in movement, proving that coverage and structure can be just as impactful as a revealing gown. Is this the look that defines structured dressing for the remainder of the 2025 award season?