Emma Stone revisited a classic style famously worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in the 1998 film Great Expectations during her appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on October 22. The 36-year-old actress showcased a green outfit from Donna Karan’s archives, echoing the instantly recognizable look Paltrow donned nearly three decades ago. This moment captured attention in New York City as Stone paid homage to the “Gwyneth Paltrow iconic outfit” while promoting her current projects.
Details of Stone’s Outfit and Its Historical Significance
Emma Stone’s ensemble closely mirrored Paltrow’s original attire, featuring a long-sleeved, collared blouse secured by a solitary clasp, which revealed a hint of midriff, paired with a flowing maxi skirt. This monochromatic green outfit, initially part of Donna Karan’s spring/summer 1996 collection, retained its elegance and freshness when worn again in 2025. Stone completed the look with black leather sandals by Manolo Blahnik, replicating the simplicity and style seen in the film. Her poised appearance in New York City ahead of her talk show confirmed the outfit’s enduring appeal.
The Backstory Behind the Iconic Green Attire
Gwyneth Paltrow recalled the origins of the look during an April 2021 Vogue interview. She explained how much of her wardrobe in Great Expectations consisted of Donna Karan’s designs and recounted a revelation during a meeting with the designer that
“everything in the movie was green.”
Paltrow expressed surprise initially, stating,
“Every set, every fabric, every costume. And I thought she was kidding.”
Reflecting on the collection, Paltrow emphasized how perfectly the green tones aligned with the movie’s aesthetic and her character’s personality saying,
“Donna had done a very green collection and it just so happened that it was all kind of perfect, and perfectly nineties, and elegant, and perfect for this character.”
The outfit became iconic and continues to be celebrated decades after the film’s release.
Emma Stone’s Current Role and Personal Transformation
Alongside this nostalgic tribute, Emma Stone is actively promoting her new black comedy, Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and set to premiere on October 24. Stone plays a powerful CEO who is kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists, portrayed by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis, who suspect she’s an alien. This film reveals a more intense and daring side of Stone’s acting career while coinciding with her recent personal transformation.
Stone shared candid thoughts on shaving her head for the role in a 2025 Vogue interview, describing the experience as incredibly liberating.
“No better feeling in the world,”
she said.
“The first shower when you’ve shaved your head? Oh my God, it’s amazing.”
Her decision was partly influenced by her mother Krista’s battle with breast cancer, during which she witnessed hair loss firsthand, making the experience all the more meaningful.
The Emotional Journey Behind Stone’s Bold Look
Stone reflected on the vulnerability involved in her transformation, recalling the anxiety she felt shaving her head publicly during media appearances. She shared,
“And I was like, I’m [doing this] because I get to do what I love, and my mom was there with me, and I was like, ‘What a gift! It’s hair.’”
She described the process as one of the most freeing experiences of her life and humorously noted that her pixie cut is still growing out slower than expected, affirming, “It’s just hair.”
Impact and Anticipation Around Stone’s Career and Style Choices
Emma Stone combining the nostalgic “Gwyneth Paltrow iconic outfit” with her current bold image highlights both her respect for classic Hollywood fashion and her embrace of contemporary challenges. By echoing an influential style while demonstrating vulnerability and fearlessness with her hair transformation, Stone signals both a connection to the past and a readiness to evolve.
Her homage to the green Donna Karan look links her to a moment of cinematic elegance and cultural significance, while her upcoming film and renewed public image position her confidently for the near future. Fans and fashion enthusiasts alike can expect Stone’s journey to continue blending homage with innovation in both her career and style.
