What you might not know about the American author
...she keeps dropping hints. And other stars seem to be following in her footsteps.
...to a "blonde bombshell" look. In February 2025, she dyed her hair platinum blonde, embracing a "not-so-innocent" style reminiscent of the transformation of one of Brown’s self-proclaimed idols: Britney Spears.
The main suspect in the new "manifesting" trend is 21-year-old 'Stranger Things' actress Millie Bobby Brown, who transitioned from a more discreet, girly style framed by her natural brown hair…
For 'The Electric State' Madrid premiere, she wore a vintage Giorgio Armani sheer dress that is also a clear shout-out to another '90s iconic moment.
Vogue noted how her sartorial choice channels a '90s Shania Twain, not just in appearance, but also in the 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman' energy, which reflects Brown's ongoing, adventurous style shift.
Brown seems to be fully embracing the era to make her "audition" for the Spears role stick. She recently stepped out in London wearing quadruple leopard print: a pillbox hat, a blazer dress, platform shoes, and a matching umbrella.
For the press conference of her latest film 'The Electric State' in Madrid, in February 2025, the actress went all out with an all-denim ensemble and a "space bun"—clear ‘90s trademarks.
The gown was famously worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at the 1998 'Shakespeare in Love' premiere in New York City.
While the jury is still out on whether Brown's visual cues will help her embody Spears on the big screen...
While method dressing isn't exactly new, it reached new heights recently, largely thanks to Margot Robbie's iconic 'Barbie' (2023) promo tour...
The trend didn't catch on just among women. Timothée Chalamet also embraced touches of a Bob Dylan-inspired style following his Oscar-nominated performance as the iconic musician.
This included a custom-designed pair of pointed white pumps by Loewe, featuring pin-thin heels, each puncturing a tennis ball.
Zendaya didn't stop there. While promoting 'Challengers' (2024), where she plays a tennis star, the actress wore a series of playful yet striking tennis-inspired looks.
On Instagram, she even posted a photo of herself in this look, paired with a song by the Irish '90s girl group B*Witched, known for their signature all-denim outfits and spiky, tousled hairstyles.
The actress' recent Instagram posts feature striking '90s-inspired outfits—like a gold piece echoing Pamela Anderson—with direct tags to the original style icons.
To promote 'Wicked Part One' (2024), Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande embraced their characters, showcasing Elphaba-green and Glinda-pink looks throughout the press tour.
Fashion, celebrities, and Hollywood have always been closely linked, but this connection has only strengthened in recent years.
Another standout example that impressed fashion critics was Blake Lively’s use of floral motifs in nearly every appearance she made while promoting 'It Ends With Us' (2024), in which she plays a florist named Lily Bloom.
After the 2022 announcement of an Audrey Hepburn biopic, which was later put on hold, a few actresses seem to be "manifesting" the role in case the project is revived.
At the 2025 Golden Globes, Grande and stylist Mimi Cuttrell unearthed a 1966 pastel yellow couture gown by Hubert de Givenchy, paired with white opera gloves.
Givenchy was famously Hepburn’s friend, collaborator, and go-to designer. "Givenchy’s clothes are the only ones I feel myself in," Hepburn once said. Pictured are Givenchy and Hepburn in the designer's Paris atelier in 1958.
Although not confirmed by Brown, there's the undeniable, iconic all-denim reference: Britney Spears herself. Few red carpet moments defined the fashion of an entire decade like Spears (and her then-boyfriend Justin Timberlake) showing up to the 2001 American Music Awards in matching head-to-toe denim.
After reportedly wanting to play Glinda in 'Wicked' since childhood and succeeding, Ariana Grande now seems to be manifesting a role as Hepburn on the big screen, if her recent fashion choices are any indication.
At the 2025 Oscars, a surprise contender emerged. Elle Fanning appeared in a Sarah Burton-designed Givenchy gown based on Hubert de Givenchy’s debut collection, originally worn by Warhol Factory star Ivy Nicholson.
Similarly, it was leaked that Charli XCX is reportedly in talks to play Jadis, the White Witch, in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming 'Narnia' movie.
Following her 2025 Grammy look—a custom Jean Paul Gaultier by Ludovic de Saint Sernin design—fans and critics began drawing parallels to Tilda Swinton’s icy, ragged gown from the 2005 'Narnia' film. Whether it's a deliberate manifestation or fans simply willing it into being, the fashion-to-screen trend certainly makes for a visually entertaining journey!
Sources: (Dazed Digital) (Vogue) (Harper's Bazaar) (People) (Women's Wear Daily)
See also: The best red carpet looks of all time
"Sometimes you want to celebrate a character, a feeling, or a broader aesthetic from the film," says celebrity stylist Leith Clark. According to her, it's more about celebration and inspiration than emulation.
Dressing the part has taken on a whole new meaning, with stars going above and beyond to reflect their latest projects through their style.
...and Zendaya's standout wardrobe while promoting 'Dune: Part Two' (2024), where she collaborated with image consultant and stylist Law Roach on a series of striking sci-fi-inspired looks in tribute to the film franchise.
This means red carpet appearances and award ceremonies have also evolved, and what’s now known as "method dressing" highlights the growing intersection of entertainment and fashion.
Today, marketing campaigns demand actors engage with social media trends, participate in various online shows, and get even more creative on the red carpet.
In the past, promoting a new movie typically meant giving a few interviews or appearing on talk shows.
Fashion experts say it's not just fancy dress; it's a creative way to reference a project while having fun with fashion.
Rather than simply walking the red carpet in pretty, but generic, designer gowns and suits, stars are embracing literal dressing—what’s been dubbed "method dressing."
While promoting her award-winning role in 'Poor Things' (2023), Emma Stone graced the red carpet in a series of playful, exaggerated styles, nodding to the vibrant colors and bold, oversized sleeves worn by her character in the film.
The trend has clearly gained traction and attention once a movie has premiered, with actors paying homage to their characters or the film's overall motif. But what if this trick is used to capture media and fan attention before an actor even lands the role?
Journalists and entertainment media experts have recently noticed how some stars seem to be "manifesting" roles they want through their appearance. They’re using a form of method dressing and entertainment marketing—through social media and red carpet appearances—not just to reflect parts they've played, but almost as an audition for roles they hope to land.
As plans for a film adaptation of Spears’ memoir, 'The Woman in Me', surfaced, Brown's name gained traction for the lead role, coinciding with her shift towards prominent '90s and Y2K aesthetics.
Adding fuel to the speculation that Fanning is another Hepburn hopeful, Fanning’s makeup artist shared on Instagram: "I wanted to evoke classic Hollywood beauty—Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and others."
The "manifesting" strategy is debated, with some journalists noting fan-driven narratives. For instance, Hunter Schafer’s fans may be advocating for her casting as Nintendo’s warrior princess Zelda after her 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars party look: an elfin Rick Owens ensemble with gelled white-blonde hair and pointed ears.
In Hollywood, the red carpet has long been a stage for actors to showcase their style. But lately, a new trend has emerged: actors dressing in ways that seem to directly reflect the characters or real-life figures they hope to portray. Is it just a coincidence, or are these fashion choices part of a bigger strategy to "manifest" the roles they’re eyeing? From iconic looks to subtle nods, celebrities might be using their wardrobes to make a statement.
Read through this gallery, see the examples, and decide for yourself: Are actors really trying to manifest their next big role, or are fans and journalists reading too much into it? Click on!
Are stars using fashion to manifest their dream roles?
Can celebrities really manifest their dream roles through style choices?
CELEBRITY Hollywood
In Hollywood, the red carpet has long been a stage for actors to showcase their style. But lately, a new trend has emerged: actors dressing in ways that seem to directly reflect the characters or real-life figures they hope to portray. Is it just a coincidence, or are these fashion choices part of a bigger strategy to "manifest" the roles they’re eyeing? From iconic looks to subtle nods, celebrities might be using their wardrobes to make a statement.
Read through this gallery, see the examples, and decide for yourself: Are actors really trying to manifest their next big role, or are fans and journalists reading too much into it? Click on!