The Quick Answer (For My Skimming Friends)
Was The Devil Wears Prada 2 worth it? B+. The story generally holds up, the cast still has chemistry, and the night out was unforgettable — but the wardrobe felt like a missed opportunity. Andy and Miranda’s looks didn’t evolve the way twenty years of fashion should have. More on that in a minute. First, let me tell you about the night.
There are nights you remember for the movie, and there are nights you remember for the people you were with. May 1st was the second kind.
Before I tell you about this night, I have to tell you about another one. I watched the original Devil Wears Prada with my mother when it came out in 2006 — the two of us tucked into a theater together, laughing at Miranda’s withering one-liners and gasping at Andy’s transformation. My mother was a true movie buff. She always had tidbits to share about the actors, the costume designers, the directors — little details that made you watch a film twice over just to see what she was seeing. By the time the credits rolled on the original Prada, she had already filled me in on Patricia Field’s costume genius and half of Meryl Streep’s filmography. Walking into AMC Phipps Plaza twenty years later to see the sequel, I felt her with me — and I caught myself wondering, more than once, what she would have whispered in my ear about the wardrobe choices on screen.
My daughters-in-law, Kelly and Chelsea, joined me at AMC Phipps Plaza in Atlanta for an exclusive screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2, hosted by Dress for Success Atlanta and Little PINK Book. Two of my favorite women, one highly anticipated sequel, and a cause that genuinely matters — there was no version of this evening that wasn’t going to be wonderful.
And ladies, it was.
A Night Out for a Cause We Love
Before I get to the movie itself, I want to talk about the why. Dress for Success Atlanta is one of those organizations that quietly changes lives — they empower women to achieve economic independence through professional attire, career development, and a network of support. Every ticket, every silent auction bid, every specialty cocktail went toward that mission.
So yes — when you saw us sipping signature drinks and bidding on Atlanta Hawks VIP packages, we were having a wonderful time. But we were also writing checks for an organization doing real, tangible work. Dress for Success empowers women to get back into the workforce — with professional attire, career development tools, and the kind of community that reminds them they are not walking in alone. That is the kind of mission worth showing up for. And it is the kind of night out I will say yes to every single time.
The Pre-Show at Nobu Atlanta
The evening began at Nobu Atlanta with a reception that was, frankly, scrumptious. If you’ve never been, Nobu sits perched above Buckhead with that quiet, modern elegance that makes you stand a little straighter the minute you walk in.
The specialty cocktail was called The Devil — gin, lemon juice, pomegranate, simple syrup, and sparkling wine, served in a champagne flute with a tiny red pitchfork garnish. It was tart, sparkling, and dangerously easy to drink. Kelly has made something similar on Fridays with Oscar, and I’m a fan of this cocktail, so naturally, I had two. Don’t tell anyone.
The silent auction was set up around the perimeter — beautifully styled tables stacked with QR-coded bid cards, gift baskets wrapped in cellophane, and that signature event-night hum of women in great outfits leaning over to outbid each other. Kelly, Chelsea, and I made our rounds, sipped our cocktails, and laughed our way through the room. It was the best kind of pre-show.
What We Wore: Three Generations of American Classic
This is where I have to brag on my girls a little, because the three of us pulled together looks that I think captured exactly what Devil Wears Prada style is supposed to be: confident, considered, and a little bit fearless.
My Look: The Ralph Lauren Pinstripe Suit (Years Old, Still Working)
I wore a black pinstripe Ralph Lauren suit I’ve owned for years. Years. The jacket is fitted but not tight, the trousers hit just at the ankle, and the pinstripe is fine enough to read as polished rather than costume-y. Under the blazer, I layered a blush pink silk camisole with a delicate lace trim — because a power suit doesn’t have to mean buttoned-up severity. A pearl drop pendant, simple pearl studs, and pointed-toe black bow pumps finished it off.
Here’s what I want you to take from this: the best pieces in your closet are the ones you can still wear ten years later. I bought this suit a long time ago, paid a fair price for it, and it has earned its keep tenfold. That is the entire philosophy of style at a certain age in one outfit.
And if a full suit feels like more commitment than your closet calls for right now, the blazer half of the equation does almost all of the work on its own. I broke down a few of my favorite summer blazer outfits over 50 — lightweight, polished, and styled three different ways with denim, dresses, and warm-weather pants. A great blazer is the single most useful piece in an over-50 closet, full stop.
Chelsea’s Look: The Monet-Print Maxi With a Black Blazer
Chelsea wore a stunning teal-and-aqua watercolor maxi dress — the print looked exactly like a Monet water lily painting come to life — and topped it with a tailored black blazer with gold buttons. The contrast of the soft, painterly dress against the structured blazer was so beautifully done. Strappy black sandals and a sleek low ponytail kept it modern.
Kelly’s Look: The Floral Embroidered Tulle Midi
Kelly wore a cream tulle midi dress with vivid floral embroidery — pinks, oranges, yellows, and greens climbing up the bodice and skirt — with a black-and-white striped grosgrain waistband for that prep-meets-romance contrast. Paired with sleek black T-strap heels and her signature dark bob, she looked like she stepped out of an editorial spread.
If you’re putting together a look for a charity gala, a milestone celebration, or any night that calls for a beautifully cut dress, I recently rounded up my favorite special occasion dresses for women over 50 — including a few Kelly is wearing in the post that would fit right in at an evening like this one.
Now, About the Movie
Okay, Grit & Glammers, settle in. Here are my honest thoughts. The movie generally held up, and it held up because it took its cue from the original — the same themes of ambition, power, and what you trade for the career you want still landed twenty years later.
The film itself: B+. The story was okay, the pacing is good, and the performances — Meryl, Anne, Emily, Stanley — are exactly the reason we all bought tickets. There were genuine sweet moments, a few unexpected emotional beats, and the dialogue still crackles. As a sequel that had no business being good twenty years later, it absolutely delivered.
But.
The Wardrobe Was a Letdown — Here’s Why
I’m going to be honest, because that’s what we do here. The wardrobe was the biggest disappointment of the night.
The original Devil Wears Prada was a fashion film. It wasn’t just that the clothes were expensive — it was that every single look told you something about the character wearing it. Andy’s transformation from the cerulean-sweater girl to the Chanel-boots-and-thigh-highs editor was one of the most satisfying style arcs ever put on screen. Miranda’s wardrobe was a fortress of power dressing — every collar, every coat, every pair of boots was deliberate.
The 2026 version? Andy and Miranda’s wardrobes did not evolve believably.
That’s my biggest critique. Twenty years of fashion have happened between these films. Andy should have grown into a confident, layered personal style — one that reads as a woman who has spent two decades as a top journalist, one who learned fashion firsthand during her tenure with Runway. Instead, her looks felt safe, almost generic, as if the costume department were afraid to commit to a real point of view.
And Miranda — Miranda should have leaned harder into her power. The character is older, more legendary, more dangerous. The wardrobe should have reflected the weight of that. Instead, several of her looks felt like they were chasing trends rather than setting them. Miranda Priestly does not chase trends. Miranda Priestly is the trend.
A handful of pieces hit beautifully. But across two hours, I expected more.
Now — credit where credit is due. Emily and Nigel were the wardrobe wins of this film. Emily’s looks felt like a believable twenty-year evolution: still sharp, still a little ridiculous in the best way, but with the polish of a woman who has spent two decades climbing. Her tailoring was crisp, her color choices were confident, and every accessory felt deliberate. And Nigel — Nigel was a masterclass. Every scarf, every pocket square, every perfectly cut jacket told you exactly who that character had become. The wardrobe team clearly understood these two. I just wish that same care had extended to the leads.
Style is character. And in a Devil Wears Prada movie, the wardrobe is the second lead. This one didn’t quite show up.
Shop My Closet: Three Ralph Lauren Looks
You all know I’m a Ralph Lauren loyalist — I have been for as long as I’ve been writing this blog. The brand’s commitment to American Classic style is exactly the aesthetic I’ve built my closet around. (For the holiday version of this same styling philosophy, I went deep on what to wear to your Ralph Lauren Christmas — same heritage palette, same three-piece rule, just dressed for tartan-and-firelight season.) Here are three Ralph Lauren looks I’ve worn recently across very different occasions:
Look 1: The Movie Premiere — Pinstripe Suit + Silk Camisole
A tailored pinstripe Ralph Lauren suit (the same one I’ve owned for years and counting), styled with a blush silk camisole, pearls, and pointed-toe pumps. Perfect for premieres, charity galas, and any night where you want to look like you mean business but still feel feminine.
Look 2: The YouTube VIP Lunch — Trim Jacket + Striped Tee + Boyfriend Jeans
Cream collarless jacket with red trim and gold buttons, layered over a red-and-white Breton stripe tee with classic bootcut jeans and cap-toe ballet flats. Gold hoops and a chunky gold chain necklace. This is the outfit I reach for when I want to look pulled together without trying — French-inspired, completely effortless, total Ralph Lauren energy.
Look 3: The Casual Porch Evening — Floral Blouse + Wide-Leg Linen Pants
A red and cream floral peasant blouse with romantic bell sleeves, paired with relaxed, wide-leg linen drawstring pants and woven slide sandals. The kind of outfit that takes you from a wine-on-the-porch evening to a casual dinner without changing a thing.
Common Questions From My Grit & Glammers
Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 worth seeing in theaters?
Yes, but adjust your expectations. The story and performances are strong (B+ territory), but if you’re going for the fashion, you may leave wanting more. Best enjoyed with friends, cocktails, and zero pressure.
What should I wear to a movie premiere after 50?
Lean into structure with softness. A tailored suit with a silk or lace camisole, a midi dress with a blazer, or a beautifully cut jumpsuit will all photograph well, feel comfortable for a long evening, and let you participate fully — auction tables included.
Where can I learn more about Dress for Success Atlanta?
Visit dressforsuccessatlanta.org to donate, volunteer, or attend their next event. They do extraordinary work helping women re-enter the workforce with confidence.
What was the signature cocktail at the screening?
The Devil — gin, lemon juice, pomegranate, simple syrup, and sparkling wine, served at Nobu Atlanta with a tiny red pitchfork garnish. Easy to recreate at home.
Did the Devil Wears Prada 2 wardrobe live up to the original?
In my honest opinion, no. The story holds up, but Andy and Miranda’s wardrobes didn’t evolve believably across the twenty-year gap. The original set a very high bar, and this sequel didn’t quite clear it.
A Final Thought
Some nights you walk away thinking about the film. Other nights, you walk away thinking about the woman you sat next to. May 1st was both — but mostly the second. Watching Kelly and Chelsea laugh throughout the evening, raise a glass to a cause that matters, and own the room in their gorgeous outfits — that’s the part I’ll remember.
Style has no expiration date. Neither does a great night out with your favorite people.
If you’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada 2, tell me in the comments — did the wardrobe land for you, or were you, like me, expecting a little more? I want to hear it all.
I think my mother would have had a lot to say about this one. She would have leaned over halfway through and whispered something perceptive about the costume designer’s choices, then walked out of the theater already composing her review. I miss that. I missed her tonight. But sitting between Kelly and Chelsea — two women she would have absolutely adored — I felt the line of it. The movies we watch with the women we love. The style we pass down. The conversations that keep going even when the seat next to us is empty.
Until next time, Grit & Glammers — keep showing up, keep saying yes, and keep wearing the suit you bought ten years ago. It still works.
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Hi Beth,
I LOVE this post. You three attended such a fierce soiree; THOSE cocktails with the devil pitchforks. I hope you kept your two pitchforks (for a future Oscar Friday cocktail). You all look fabulous.
I also saw DWP2 and I truly enjoyed it. It surpassed my expectations. (Lady Gaga appears; YAY!) The only point you made that I have a counterpoint for: At the end of DWP, Andy left her job at Runway magazine to become a ‘serious’ journalist. In this followup, it stands to reason that she was not focused on fashion for decades … she was just returning to Runway. BTW, since I like to have a little fun, I bought the Cerulean Blue Sweater Old Navy is currently selling. It’s cheeky and comfy, with a tiny red-heel logo. Go, Andy!
Carolina Girl, you make such a fair point — and you are absolutely right that Andy walked away from Runway at the end of the original to chase serious journalism. I love that you brought that up. Here’s where I land: even after she left, her time at Runway shaped her. You don’t spend a year inside that world — being dressed by Nigel, watching Miranda operate, internalizing what fashion actually means as a language — and walk away untouched by it. That kind of education stays in your bones. So while I completely agree she wasn’t living and breathing fashion for two decades, I do think a woman who once wore those Chanel boots would have carried a more confident, considered point of view back into Runway than the wardrobe gave us. But I love a good counterpoint — this is exactly the kind of debate the original film was made for!
And the cerulean sweater?? With the tiny red-heel logo?? KAREN. That is the most perfect, cheeky tribute I have ever heard. You absolutely understood the assignment. I am completely jealous. (And yes — the pitchforks came home with me. Oscar Friday cocktails are officially happening.)
I saw the movie and loved it. While I enjoy fashion I’m not an expert on haute couture and designers but I thought the outfits were in character for Andy and Miranda. The only one that really stood out to me was in one of the last scenes where Andy wore jeans and grungy sweater vest but on the other hand I think that she didn’t become a “slave to fashion” and her true self was a serious journalist who dressed for herself.
By the way, I volunteer with Dress for Success Houston and concur with everything you said about this wonderful organization.
Thank you so much for sharing your take! I love hearing the different perspectives on this one — it really is the kind of film that sparks great conversation. You make a fair point about Andy staying true to herself, and I can absolutely see that read. Here is where I gently push back: I think a serious journalist can also have a serious wardrobe — the two are not mutually exclusive! Andy spent a formative year at Runway being dressed by Nigel, watching Miranda operate, and absorbing what fashion means as a language of power. You do not walk away from that untouched. And honestly — why else would she come back? Andy returning to Runway is the whole premise of the film, which tells me Runway shaped her in a way she never fully left behind. I just wanted her wardrobe to reflect that confidence a little more. But reasonable women can absolutely disagree on this, and that is half the fun of a sequel like this one!
And oh my goodness — a Dress for Success Houston volunteer! Thank you for the work you do. That organization changes lives in a very real, very tangible way, and the women on the ground making it happen are the heart of it. Sending so much gratitude your way.
My daughter and I went to a matinee on Mother’s Day and saw The Devil Wore Prada 2 and though we liked the movie, was disappointed in the fashion choices in the movie also. I too thought Miranda and Andy’s outfits fell a little flat. Needed more pizzazz!
You all 3 looked awesome at the event!
Oh, what a beautiful Mother’s Day outing — a matinee with your daughter is the very best kind of afternoon. And yes! “Fell a little flat” is exactly the right way to put it. The story was okay, the cast still has chemistry, but Miranda and Andy’s wardrobes needed more pizzazz — more confidence, more point of view, more of what made the original so unforgettable. I am right there with you. Thank you so much for the kind words about the three of us — Kelly and Chelsea are my heart, and that night meant the world. So glad you and your daughter had your own Devil Wears Prada moment together!
You and your girls looked wonderful! Where I differ with you is that Miranda had matured in the twenty years since the first movie, and wisdom and power speak softly and deliberately. There is no need to shout, either verbally or in how one dresses. In my opinion it is how one carries yourself that matters. Both my husband and I enjoyed the movie and will probably watch reruns in the future. FYI I enjoy your posts, have a lovely Memorial Day weekend!!
Thank you so much! You make such a thoughtful point, and I really do appreciate it. You are absolutely right that wisdom and power can speak softly — I agree with that philosophy in life. Where I gently land in a different place is on Miranda specifically: she is not just a woman who has matured, she is the editor-in-chief of Runway. She is the brand. Her wardrobe has never been about shouting — it has always been about commanding. And I think twenty years on, that authority should have deepened rather than softened. But honestly, this is the kind of conversation a Devil Wears Prada sequel was made to spark, and I love that we can see it differently and still adore the film together! Thank you for being such a thoughtful reader — and a very happy Memorial Day weekend to you and your husband as well!
I totally agree with the B+ rating. The outfits just didn’t quite hit the mark. But, I went with my bestie whom I had seen the original with 20 years ago. We went on Mother’s Day and then dinner afterward. It was perfect going with her and that was what was most important. I love bags so thought some of those were fabulous. All in all, glad I went.
Oh, this is everything! Seeing the original together twenty years ago and then the sequel on Mother’s Day with the same bestie? That is the kind of full-circle moment that makes a movie matter so much more than the movie itself. I love that. And yes — B+ on the film, but A+ on the bags. Some of those were genuinely stunning. The Bottega Andiamo and the vintage Chanel messenger styles were stopping me mid-scene. So glad you went, and even more glad you went with her.
Hi Beth,
What a wonderful cause to support. I have not seen the movie yet. I’m in no rush to see it. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into sharing your take on the movie in general.
You look fabulous, Kelly’s dress is feminine and chic looking. Chelsea looks pretty in her Monet maxi dress and black blazer. My first take was Monet. One of my living favorite artists.
Take TLC of yourself and stay safe out there.
Hi! Thank you so much for the kind words — you have such a good eye, that dress really does have a Monet quality to it! He is one of my favorites too — there is something about that soft, painterly aesthetic that translates so beautifully into fashion. No rush at all on the movie, but when you do see it, you will have plenty to think about. Take good care and stay safe!
I agree B+, no matter what happened during the 20 years, I wanted fabulous fashion to dream about. Milan was the best part of the fashion scene. Stanley completely stole the fashion show!
Yes! That’s exactly what we came for — the fashion fantasy and the dream of it all! Milan delivered in such a big way, and Stanley absolutely stole that fashion show — what a moment! So glad we’re on the same page with that B+. 💛
The three of you looked fabulous. Thank you for the honest review. What a blessing to enjoy the first movie with your mother and now the sequel with your bonus daughters! The cocktail sounds intriguing!
Oh, this just made my whole morning. 🖤 You’re so right — watching the first one with my mom and now the sequel with Kelly and Chelsea feels like a full-circle moment I didn’t see coming. Some traditions get handed down, and some get built right in front of you.
And the cocktail! Genuinely easy to recreate at home — gin, lemon, pomegranate, simple syrup, and a splash of sparkling wine. The tiny red pitchfork garnish is optional but highly recommended. 😉
Thank you for being here, friend.
Such a wonderful post!
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it! 💛
Hi Beth- such a good read and a worthy event. I haven’t seen the movie yet but I plan to . You and the DILs look great. Looks like fun was had😊
Thank you so much! It really was such a fun afternoon — the DILs and I had the best time. You’re going to love the movie when you get a chance to see it! 💛
Beth, I saw the first version with my mother and she too has passed. You are blessed to have 2 daughters in law to share this second one with!
I haven’t seen it yet, but hope to go with my husband.
You 3 look beautiful and what a wonderful evening to share! Such fun! Thanks for sharing with us.
Love the post.
Oh, what a precious memory to have with your mother — those shared movie moments stay with us forever, don’t they? You’re going to love seeing it with your husband, and I hope it brings back all the sweet feelings from the first time. Thank you so much for sharing this with me — it means the world. 💛
I agree with the B+ rating. My favorite part of the movie was all the cameos throughout! Loved Lady Gaga’s part. I saw it with my best friend of 56 years, and our husbands.
Yes! The cameos were such a delight — and Lady Gaga absolutely stole her scene, didn’t she? What a special way to see it, with your best friend of 56 years and your husbands. That’s a memory in the making right there! 💛
Loved the film hugely, the scenery, the fashion show scenes and the surprise of Lady Gaga in the film…especially performing!
Yes I feel the first was better but loved the sequel as well and came out on a fashion high 😄
Yes! That fashion high is real — I left feeling completely inspired! The scenery was stunning, and Lady Gaga’s performance was such a delightful surprise. The first will always have that special place, but this one absolutely delivered on its own. So glad you loved it too! 💛
Beth – So glad you girls had such a great time. I agree about the wardrobes for Miranda and Andy.
That jacket with the tassels Miranda wore was over the top – not in a good way.
Andy was much too casual for her professional status and the new position.
But, Emily & Nigel sang. Sweet that they are related my marriage in real life. Both were outstanding.
Hope your hunt for an apartment is coming along.
Loved your post for the Altanta dress for success event. Yes, it is a very worthy cause and many women will receive much needed support to look good and feel good to help achieve their goals and full fill their future dreams. I have not viewed the new move yet, but being a big fan of the first movie I am looking forward to seeing the whole returning cast with the second one. Beth, you always show us gals how to dress with class and style.
I love the fact you went with your daughter-in laws to the event! All of you looked great! The only critque was the dress Kelly selected. You have a petite frame and awesome althetic figure! In your Thursday blogs for Style with a Certain Age you have modeled some very sweet and adorable dresses. Why did you decide to wear to long, huge pattern, and black old looking shoes? Would not a pair of gold heels have photographed better either open toed or pointed pumps? Your slender physique was lost in the dress.
Your young and and have exposure to so many companies!! Dress it up girl!
Love that your look continues to be timeless and I too – believe in Dress for Success (Worcester, MA). Amazing group of women helping women.
I liked a lot of the messaging of the film – growing up, career sacrifices, loving our work, the importance of journalism and a look at the challenges that world has faced.
In terms of the fashion. Emily and Nigel were the stars. I didn’t love the oversized menswear inspired looks that Andy sported – too figure concealing. Belts would have helped. The strongest of her outfits was the black pinstripe vest and pants, IMO anyway. The blue sequin dress was probably the most disappointing, in that it looked really cheap.
Miranda was as interesting a character as ever. Yes, she’s still at the top, but it’s a world that is crumbling around her. I think her fashion being a little safer, a little less edgy (with the exception of the jacket with the curtain tie back tassels on it, which I thought was hideous) reinforced this point somewhat. She *doesn’t* have the power she once did, and her clothes reinforced this. There were multiple references in the story to her declined power – Emily’s predecessor in her Dior role would have been much more deferential than Emily was, because Emilys argument that Runway needs the designers v’s the old world other way round, was correct. The fact that HR has forced Miranda to hang her own coats, rather than flinging them at an assistant. The fact that Miranda didn’t fight back about eating in the cafeteria like she would have done in the first movie, and then didn’t silence all those VC’s and consultants into submission like she would have done too. She came across to me as a character struggling to identify her place in this new journalism world. Interestingly enough, I thought that her white jeans and blue linen shirt in the Hamptons was her best look. And the red dress in Milan – perhaps a statement that there is more hope in Italy than there is in the US right now? It was telling that she was clearly more comfortable, relaxed and confident outside of New York in this movie, which wasn’t the case in the first one, where she had confidence everywhere.