Jenna Ortega’s Gothic Glamour: Dissecting Her New York Press Day Style

The first time I saw Jenna Ortega step out in that architectural Ashi Studios dress, I knew. I just knew we were in for a masterclass. It was a whisper of old Hollywood noir mixed with a rebellious, unapologetically modern edge. Now, as she continues her press tour for Wednesday Season 2, the game has undeniably shifted again—and her latest look proves it. She is not just an actor; she is a canvas. And on August 4, 2025, in New York, she painted a picture of metropolitan gothic that felt… well, it felt entirely, thrillingly, her own.

Arriving for her appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Ortega served up another look from the young, brilliant mind of Elena Velez, a designer I’ve been watching since her early collections. This wasn’t just a dress; it was a statement. The custom creation was a deconstructed corset bodice, a stark and beautiful silhouette that echoed the rebellious punk spirit of London’s ’80s while still feeling incredibly refined. It’s an homage to historical underpinnings, but Velez has ripped out the bones, metaphorically speaking, and reassembled them for a new generation. It’s that blend of tradition and subversion that always gets me, darling. The kind of thing you’d expect to see on a Milan runway, yet she makes it feel perfectly at home on the streets of Manhattan.

The skirt… ah, the skirt. A frayed-edge satin that fell with a gorgeous, almost liquid-like drape, punctuated by a daring thigh-high slit. On the runway, this look from the Fall 2025 collection leaned heavier into a grunge aesthetic, almost a beautiful ruin. But styled for a late-night TV slot, Ortega’s version was elevated. The raw edges remained—a nod to the freaky, as some might say—but the overall effect was one of sophisticated decay. It’s gothic, yes, but it’s polished. It’s the kind of thing you’d wear to a chic, candlelit dinner in Paris, a city that knows a thing or two about dressing in shadows.

Of course, we must talk about the details. The “Black Suede Studio’s Millie coconut woven mesh pumps,” a name that almost sounds like an inside joke, were the final, crucial puzzle piece. One part mesh flat, one part delicate stiletto, they were the perfect “Frankenshoe” to complete the dilapidated look. It’s a choice that Wednesday Addams herself would surely appreciate with a subtle smirk—a little freaky, a lot of flair. And then there’s the jewelry, a delicate glint from Rainbow K, and the coup de grâce: her famously bleached brows. Or, the lack thereof. An unsettling, ethereal touch that brings an extra dose of eerie to a look already dripping with it.

It’s clear that Ortega, with the help of her stylist Enrique Melendez, isn’t just wearing clothes. She’s telling a story. She’s honoring the rebellious spirit of the goth aesthetic while proving it can be so much more than black lipstick and velvet. It can be satin, it can be deconstructed, it can be chic. She is keeping us on our toes, a genuine trend forecaster herself. And honestly? I’m utterly charmed.

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GET THE LOOK: Jenna Ortega’s Parisian-Gothic Style Guide

1. Deconstructed Corsetry: Look for tops or dresses with visible boning, asymmetrical strapping, or raw, unfinished edges. The goal is to hint at historical structure without being confined by it. It’s about the idea of the corset, not the reality.
2. Liquid Silhouettes: Find skirts or dresses in fabrics like satin, silk, or a high-quality viscose that drapes beautifully. The movement is key—it should feel fluid and effortless, even with a bold slit.
3. The Subversive Shoe: Don’t be afraid to experiment with hybrid footwear. Think mesh and leather, or a strappy sandal with a chunky heel. The key is to find something that feels slightly unexpected, even a little strange.
4. Embrace the Unfinished: Raw hems, frayed edges, and distressed details are not flaws; they are intentional design choices. They add texture and an element of beautiful imperfection to a polished look.
5. Less is More Jewelry: Stick to delicate, unique pieces. A single choker or a pair of subtle earrings. This allows the dress to be the star of the show. The French always understand this; elegance is never about over-accessorizing.