Netflix’s revival of New Girl has kept the show’s charm alive, and with it, our enduring fascination with Jessica Day’s unique style. Since the show’s seventh season, we’ve been revisiting the lovable characters and their iconic looks, including Jess’s, which perfectly captured her bubbly personality. From her signature tights and ballet flats to her bangs and vintage dresses, her overall aesthetic is a treasure trove of fashion inspiration.
In this post, we’re taking a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about some of our favorite outfits of hers while also providing a comprehensive guide on how to achieve her look for yourself.
How to Dress like Jess from New Girl
To bring the essence of New Girl’s Jess into your everyday style, follow these 10 effortless tips: Firstly, don’t be afraid to go bold with colors – think every hue on the spectrum! Second, invest in comfortable ballet flats that can be dressed up or down. Thirdly, update your wardrobe with retro-inspired dresses and vintage purses (Jess has a thing for them). Fourthly, play around with patterns by combining polka dots, stripes, and bows in one outfit – why not?!
Fifthly, team black tights with high-waisted shorts or miniskirts for a chic contrast. Sixthly, define your waist with belts or high-waisted bottoms for a flattering silhouette. Seventhly, add a touch of whimsy with glittery hairbands on loose hair. Eighthly, brighten up your outfit with a pop of color from a red, pink, or blue coat. Ninthly, opt for small, fitted cardigans that can easily be layered under dresses or tops.
And finally, remember that as a teacher by profession, Jess’s style is often classroom-appropriate – check out our tips on creating outfits for teachers in this article.
↓ 12. Pair a cardigan with a v-neck wrap top
Jess’s effortless style shines through in this look, where a v-neck wrap top is cleverly knotted at the waist to create a defined silhouette. The high-waisted skirt provides a flattering contrast to her petite frame. A key aspect of Jess’s cardigan game is that she favors fitted designs that hit just above or below the hip, adding a touch of sophistication to her outfits. This approach allows her to seamlessly transition from casual to dressy attire.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to incorporate similar sweater styles into your wardrobe, be sure to check out our guide on the Best Styles of Sweaters for Women.
↓ 11. A sweater is rarely just a sweater
Jess’s wardrobe often features vibrant pops of color, making her plain black sweaters stand out even more. When she does opt for a solid-colored top, you can bet it’s fitted to perfection, with no baggy excess material in sight. To replicate this stylish look, try layering a slim-fit black sweater over a crisp white top with a playful collar. Bonus points if your white shirt has an eye-catching detail like a bow or ruffle, echoing the flair of Jess’s signature style.
↓ 10. Wear retro, vintage-style dresses
Jess’s wardrobe is a treasure trove of fantastic dresses that exude a unique blend of retro and vintage charm. The New Girl star’s go-to dress style often features a cinched waist, cap sleeves or ruched sleeves, and ornate details like pleated skirts, rows of buttons, or intricate pleats. Here are three stand-out examples of her signature style in action. For more inspiration, be sure to explore our curated list of the Cutest Dresses for Casual Look.
↓ 9. Don’t shy away from bright, shiny colors
Imagine bold, vibrant hues like red, fuchsia, and magenta working harmoniously together. The key to achieving a striking visual effect is embracing unconventional color pairings. Take inspiration from Jess’s dynamic party look, where metallic accents elevate the overall aesthetic, creating a radiant glow that complements her complexion.
↓ 8. Bow belt, stripes, and buttons!
A standout dress requires more than just its overall design. In this instance, Jess’s simple yet stylish ensemble is elevated by three defining elements: bows, stripes, and buttons. The familiar cinched waist and collar add a touch of sophistication, while a bold orange lipstick finish brings the look together perfectly.
↓ 7. That ruffled blouse and polka-dot skirt
In one of the most iconic moments in Gilmore Girls history, Jess’s effortless style shines as she dons a whimsical ruffled blouse paired with a high-waisted navy blue polka-dot skirt. What sets her apart is her willingness to add a touch of personality to even the simplest outfits. To recreate this look for yourself, focus on finding a blouse with puffed sleeves, a rounded collar, and delicate ruffles. For the skirt, aim for a high-waisted design that’s cinched at the waist.
This will not only evoke Jess’s style but also provide a versatile base to build upon. When shopping for polka-dot dresses, consider these tips and discover how to make this classic pattern your own.
↓ 6. Dress up with royal tones
The New Girl’s iconic mini dress from season one is still etched in our memories. This episode marked a turning point in Jess’s style, showcasing her unique flair. The deep purple frock was a showstopper, drawing attention to her striking eyes. The off-the-shoulder design featured ruffles that added a touch of whimsy, flowing from the shoulder down to the top of the waist. Completing the look were sleek black pumps and a flawless makeup job.
It’s no wonder we can’t get enough of this stylish ensemble!
↓ 5. Opt for a fuchsia, magenta, or pink coat
As winter’s chill sets in, our surroundings often take on a monochromatic hue – the leafless trees, snow-covered ground, and somber tones that come with it. Yet, amidst this bleakness, donning vibrant colors can be a mood-booster like no other. It’s only fitting then that Jess, ever the free spirit, would opt for a bold pink coat with three-quarter-length sleeves to brighten up even the most dismal of days.
Pair it with dark tights and knee-high boots for a look that’s equal parts playful and chic. Here are some fantastic ways to wear pink blazers
↓ 4. Classic black tights and shorts outfit
One of our favorite outfit combinations is Jess’s effortless blend of classic black tights, paired with either shorts or a miniskirt. What sets her style apart is the deliberate lack of excess fabric, which creates a sleek and streamlined silhouette.
But the great thing about fashion is that it’s all about personal expression – regardless of your size or shape, you can achieve a similar look by pairing a bold striped top with high-waisted shorts, tights, and ballet flats for a chic, put-together ensemble.
↓ 3. High-waisted shorts and ballet flats
In addition to the earlier example, another instance of Jess’s iconic style can be seen in her pairing with a classic look. It’s worth noting that she frequently paired long sleeves with shorts and skirts. Despite wearing tights, which do cover up some of her legs, she still showcases a significant amount of leg. To achieve visual balance, she counteracts this by covering more skin on top. This approach can be applied to your own styling endeavors when looking to recreate the Day look.
↓ 2. Pastel print mini skirt
While Jess’s wardrobe often features vibrant hues, she’s just as likely to opt for a simpler, more subtle approach. Case in point: this adorable ensemble that pairs a forest-green top with a skirt boasting a soft pastel print. The long sleeves – which she’s rolled up to her elbows here – add a touch of elegance, and the overall look can be easily dressed up or down with either heels or ballet flats.
↓ 1. The cutout cocktail dress
Jess’s most favored ensemble is this breathtaking cutout cocktail dress, boasting a lace paneling that creates a striking gold-and-black effect. To elevate the look further, she added a show-stopping red statement necklace, dainty hoop earrings, a chic velvet blue purse, and matching pumps. Her makeup is expertly applied to accentuate her eyes, while her hair boasts a luscious blowout rather than a curl.
Hair & Makeup
To replicate Jess’s signature look, you can’t overlook the importance of hair and makeup. Her striking features, from her luscious lashes to her effortless fringe, are an integral part of her overall aesthetic. To get started, let’s dive into some tips on both fronts. When it comes to hair, Jess typically sports medium-length locks with a thick fringe (or bangs). She often styles her hair in long, loose curls that add volume and texture. To achieve this look yourself, try using a 1.
5-2 inch curling wand and wrapping small sections of your hair around the barrel before setting it with hairspray. Don’t forget to straighten your fringe with a flat iron for a polished finish. Moving on to makeup, Jess favors a semi-natural approach that enhances her features without looking too done-up. Her go-to technique is to emphasize her bright blue eyes with false lashes and carefully applied eyeliner to create a more rounded shape.
Since she often wears glasses, emphasizing her eye makeup is crucial – a valuable tip for anyone who wears lenses. To complete the look, Jess reaches for peachy, pinkish, and rosy shades of blush and lipstick. For a comprehensive tutorial that covers hair, glasses, clothing, and makeup, check out this in-depth guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up, let’s address some common concerns that will ensure you’re thoroughly equipped to channel your inner Jessica Day. By covering these queries, we’ll guarantee a seamless transition into her signature style, so you can effortlessly embody the essence of this iconic figure.
Q. How does Jess dress up on New Girl?
When New Girl’s Jess dons her finest attire, she radiates an undeniable charm. Take, for instance, the stunning purple dress from season one’s third episode where she pretends to be Nick’s girlfriend. With a quick removal of her glasses and a dash of fake, quirky teeth, she effortlessly exudes elegance. The cocktail dress from outfit #1 in our guide is another striking example, as she cleverly pairs it with indigo heels, hoop earrings, and a vibrant statement necklace.
To channel Jess’s style, tuck those glasses away and opt for a voluminous hairstyle. Emphasize your eyes with false lashes and don’t forget the little flourishes that define her aesthetic: bold-colored shoes, playful bows, ruffles, or cinched waists paired with dark tights – all of which contribute to an unforgettable look.
Q. How do you dress like Jessica Day on New Girl?
To channel Jess’s whimsical style, start by scouring local thrift stores for vintage or retro finds that exude her playful charm. Incorporate tights into your wardrobe and experiment with high-waisted shorts, A-line dresses, and skirts to create a look that’s equal parts sweet and sophisticated. Don’t be afraid to add some visual interest with stripes, polka dots, and clever details like bows on sweaters.
To take it to the next level, study the images in this guide and keep an eye out for similar pieces at thrift stores or online. And don’t forget the little things that make a big impact – like a cozy cardigan or a pair of ballet flats – which can add a touch of effortless elegance to even the most casual outfit.
Q. What glasses does Jess wear on New Girl?
Jess’s signature style, much like her bangs, is a defining feature that demands attention. Her glasses, in particular, are a statement piece that deserves scrutiny. Here’s what sets them apart: the tortoise-shell or black frames, which add a touch of sophistication and whimsy to her overall look. The round or rectangular shape of the lenses adds an extra layer of interest, making them all the more notable.
And let’s not forget the plastic frames, which provide a modern and sleek contrast to her vintage-inspired aesthetic. For those looking to emulate Jess’s style, glassesshop. com and selectspecs. com are great resources to explore the diverse options available.
Q. How do you do your makeup like Zooey Deschanel?
In addition to sharing our hair and makeup secrets, we’re also giving you a closer look at Jess’s everyday beauty routine. When applying eyeliner, she kept things simple by only bringing her top liner out to the edge of her eye, without extending it into a cat-eye or flicking it outwards. To enhance her eye shape, she used a dark brown or black shadow underneath her eyes, staying clear of the waterline.
The goal was to create a rounded effect by keeping the line from touching the outer and inner edges. For an added boost, Jess would apply white liner to her waterline to make her eyes appear larger. Meanwhile, peach or pink blush was a staple on the apples of her cheeks, with experimentation encouraged for lipstick tones ranging from pink to red to peach. Now that you’re feeling confident in your own beauty, are you ready to step into some ballet flats and black tights?
Let us know which Jess outfit is your favorite, and while you’re at it, share your go-to New Girl episode so we can relive the sitcom’s iconic moments together!
