Blake Lively is back. Or rather, Emily Nelson is back. If you remember the absolute chokehold the original 2018 film had on the fashion world, you know exactly why the buzz around another simple favor outfits is hitting a fever pitch. We aren’t just talking about clothes here. We’re talking about a very specific, sharp-edged brand of "power dressing" that feels like a middle finger to the "quiet luxury" trend that’s been suffocating our closets for the last three years.
Paul Feig is directing the sequel, and the paparazzi shots from the set in Italy have already sent the internet into a tailspin. It’s wild. One day we're seeing oversized linen, and the next, it’s a three-piece suit that looks like it cost more than my entire apartment.
The Emily Nelson Aesthetic: Why It’s Different This Time
The first movie was all about the contrast between Stephanie’s (Anna Kendrick) "mom-core" and Emily’s (Blake Lively) menswear-inspired intimidation tactics. But for the sequel, the vibe has shifted. It’s more Mediterranean. More "I own this villa and I might have killed the previous owner."
Costume designer Renee Ehrlich Kalfus set a high bar in the first film with those Ralph Lauren suits and the iconic vintage Dior. For the new installment, the another simple favor outfits we’ve seen so far lean heavily into a "Rich Widow on Vacation" energy, but with a sharper, more masculine edge. Think bold whites, navy pinstripes, and accessories that look heavy enough to be used as a weapon.
Most people get this style wrong. They think it’s just about wearing a suit. It isn’t. It’s about the proportions. Emily’s suits aren't just slim-fit office wear; they are architectural. They have wide lapels, cinched waists, and trousers that sweep the floor. It’s about taking up space. Honestly, in a world where everyone is wearing beige leggings, seeing a woman in a full tuxedo on a boat is the kind of chaotic energy we actually need.
Breaking Down the Key Pieces Seen on Set
We’ve seen some specific looks that are already being replicated by fast-fashion brands, though they usually miss the nuances.
There’s this one particular white suit. It’s blinding. It’s styled with a massive sun hat and nothing underneath the blazer. That’s the secret sauce of the Emily Nelson look: the "missing" layer. Whether it’s no shirt under a vest or no bra under a blazer, it creates this tension between formal and suggestive. It’s calculated.
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- The Power Suit: Usually custom or high-end vintage. Look for pinstripes that don't look like a bank teller's.
- The Statement Hat: We are talking 1950s Riviera scale.
- The Jewelry: Gold. Thick. Usually vintage Chanel or something that looks like it was inherited from a mysterious aunt in Milan.
- The Cane: Yes, the cane is back. It’s a prop, but it’s also a fashion statement that screams "don't touch me."
Why the Sequel Style Matters for 2026 Trends
Fashion cycles are weird. We spent 2024 and 2025 obsessed with "Mob Wife" aesthetics and "Old Money" vibes. But another simple favor outfits represent a pivot toward what some stylists are calling "Aggressive Elegance."
It’s less about looking like you have money and more about looking like you have power. There is a huge difference. If you look at the recent runway shows from Schiaparelli or even the updated tailoring at Saint Laurent, you can see the DNA of Emily Nelson everywhere. Big shoulders. High waists. An absolute refusal to be comfortable if it means sacrificing the silhouette.
I think we’re tired of being cozy. The "Simple Favor" sequel style is the antidote to the sweatpants era. It’s costume-y, sure. But it’s also a performance. When you put on a waistcoat and a pocket watch, you aren't just going to lunch. You're going to a negotiation.
The Stephanie Smulders Evolution: From Polka Dots to... What?
We can’t talk about the outfits without mentioning Anna Kendrick’s character. In the first film, she was the personification of a Pinterest board from 2012. Bright colors, puffy skirts, and those little cardigans.
From the leaks we’ve seen of the sequel, Stephanie has leveled up. She’s still "bright," but the silhouettes are more structured. She’s learned from Emily. The another simple favor outfits for Stephanie’s character show a woman who has found her own version of power. It’s less "suburban mom" and more "successful influencer with a dark secret."
The contrast between the two leads is still there, but the gap is closing. It’s a sartorial arms race. Watching how their styles bleed into each other is basically a masterclass in character development through costume design.
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How to Get the Look Without a Movie Budget
You don't need a million dollars to pull this off, but you do need a tailor. That’s the one thing people skip. If you buy a suit from a thrift store or a high-street brand, it’s going to look like a costume unless it fits your shoulders and waist perfectly.
- Thrift the Menswear: Go to the men’s section of any vintage shop. Look for 100% wool blazers. Get the waist taken in.
- Invest in One "Villain" Accessory: A pair of oversized, dark-tinted sunglasses or a vintage silk scarf.
- Monochrome is Your Best Friend: Emily Nelson rarely mixes colors in a way that feels busy. If she’s wearing navy, she’s wearing all navy.
- The Shoe Choice: Forget sneakers. This look requires a pointed-toe stiletto or a very masculine loafer. No in-between.
It’s actually kinda funny how much effort goes into looking this effortless. You have to be willing to stand out. People will stare. That’s the point.
The Cultural Impact of the "Suit"
There’s a reason these outfits go viral every time a new photo leaks. It’s because Blake Lively knows how to wear clothes. Some people let the clothes wear them, but she treats a suit like armor.
When the first movie came out, searches for "women's suits" spiked by over 100%. We’re seeing that happen again. But this time, it’s not just about the office. It’s about evening wear. It’s about wedding guest attire. It’s about replacing the standard floral dress with something that has a bit more bite.
Common Misconceptions About This Style
A lot of fashion blogs will tell you that you need to be tall to pull off the another simple favor outfits. That’s nonsense. Anna Kendrick is 5'2" and she holds her own. The trick is the "break" in the pant leg. If you’re shorter, you want a high-waisted trouser that creates a long vertical line.
Another mistake? Over-accessorizing. Emily’s look works because while the pieces are bold, they aren't cluttered. It’s one big hat. One big ring. One sharp suit. If you add a busy bag and loud makeup, you lose the "sharpness" that makes the look iconic.
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Taking Action: Building Your Own Emily-Inspired Capsule
If you want to incorporate this into your 2026 wardrobe, don't try to do it all at once. Start with the basics.
First, find a waistcoat. It’s the most versatile piece of the bunch. You can wear it with jeans to tone it down, or with matching trousers to go full Emily Nelson.
Next, look at your color palette. Ditch the pastels for a second. Focus on "power neutrals"—deep navy, charcoal, stark white, and oxblood. These colors carry weight.
Finally, pay attention to your grooming. You can’t wear a $3,000-looking suit with messy "just woke up" hair. This look demands a slicked-back bun or a very deliberate blowout. It’s about precision.
The beauty of the another simple favor outfits trend is that it isn't about being trendy. It’s about being formidable. Whether you’re actually solving a mystery in the Italian countryside or just trying to survive a Monday morning meeting, there’s something to be said for dressing like you’re the most dangerous person in the room.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
- Audit your current blazers: If they don't have structure in the shoulders, donate them or get them padded.
- Search for "vintage menswear vests" on resale sites like Depop or RealReal to find authentic silhouettes.
- Focus on "intentional" dressing; choose one day a week to wear a full coordinated set to get used to the attention it draws.