Jenna Ortega just proved that garter belts belong outside the bedroom.
At the Sundance Film Festival premiere of The Gallerist, the Wednesday star turned heads in a daring Mugler ensemble that blurred the lines between boardroom and boudoir.
The dark comedy thriller attracted Hollywood’s finest—including co-stars Natalie Portman and Charli XCX—but Ortega’s fashion choice stole the spotlight.
Her tan-and-brown look from Mugler’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection featured unexpected details that challenge conventional styling rules.
Breaking Fashion Boundaries With Lingerie-Inspired Details
Ortega’s outfit consisted of a button-down dress shirt paired with a drop-waist midi skirt. But the real showstopper? A garter belt fastened across her waist and tucked strategically into the skirt below.
Satin shoulders and accent sleeves on top created a bolero effect, adding architectural interest to the traditionally intimate accessory. The color-coordinated design elements worked together to create what fashion insiders are calling a “lingerie-meets-business” aesthetic.
This styling choice demonstrates how intimate garments can transition into high-fashion statements when paired thoughtfully with tailored pieces.
Mugler’s Spring/Summer 2026 Collection Takes Center Stage
Ortega isn’t alone in embracing this particular Mugler collection. The French fashion house’s latest runway offerings have become a celebrity favorite in recent weeks.
Teyana Taylor wore a similar silhouette from the same collection just ten days earlier during her appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Her metallic dress featured padded hips and a silver belt—signature elements from the collection.
Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve also joined the Mugler club at Neon’s Golden Globes after-party, sporting a color-blocked brown-tan-and-beige piece with identical hip pads and belt details.
The recurring design elements—structured shoulders, exaggerated hip lines, and visible belt details—create a cohesive aesthetic that’s both futuristic and feminine.
Styling Secrets Behind Ortega’s Red Carpet Look
While three celebrities chose pieces from the same collection, each brought individual personality to their ensemble.
Ortega completed her look with classic nude heels that elongated her silhouette without competing with the outfit’s complexity. Sparkling silver jewelry added just enough shine without overwhelming the earthy color palette.
Her signature bleached eyebrows have become a recognizable trademark, creating visual continuity with the tan tones in her outfit. Long brown hair provided dramatic contrast against the lighter fabrics, framing her face and adding depth to the overall presentation.
Key Styling Takeaways
- Neutral accessories let statement pieces shine: Nude heels and minimal jewelry kept focus on the garter belt detail
- Hair color creates intentional contrast: Dark hair against light clothing draws attention to facial features
- Signature beauty choices build personal brand: Bleached brows have become synonymous with Ortega’s style evolution
- Monochromatic palettes appear sophisticated: Brown and tan tones create cohesion without being boring
Co-Stars Bring Their Own Fashion Moments
While Ortega commanded attention, her Gallerist co-stars didn’t fade into the background.
Natalie Portman used her red carpet moment for advocacy, wearing an “ICE Out” button in support of the #BeGood campaign. Fashion activism has become increasingly common at high-profile events, with celebrities leveraging their visibility for social causes.
Charli XCX opted for avant-garde outerwear—a lace-trimmed PVC rain coat by designer Simon Carle. The unconventional material choice paired unexpected textures, mixing industrial plastic with delicate lace trim.
The diverse styling approaches demonstrated that red carpet fashion continues evolving beyond traditional gowns and suits.
Why Garter Belts Are Making Fashion Comebacks
Ortega’s styling choice reflects a broader trend in fashion: bringing traditionally private garments into public view.
Designers have been reimagining lingerie elements as outerwear for several seasons. Corsets, bra tops, and now garter belts are being deconstructed and incorporated into everyday (or red carpet) wardrobes.
This approach challenges outdated notions about which clothing belongs where. When styled thoughtfully—paired with tailored pieces, worn over clothing rather than under it—these garments lose their strictly intimate connotation.
The technique works particularly well when designers maintain the suggestion of lingerie without literal interpretation. Mugler’s garter belt, tucked into the skirt waistband rather than attached to stockings, hints at intimate wear while remaining firmly in fashion territory.
The Art of Red Carpet Dressing
Premieres at prestigious film festivals like Sundance offer actors opportunities to showcase emerging designers and set fashion trends.
Unlike awards shows with strict formal dress codes, festival red carpets allow more experimental styling. Actors can take risks, preview upcoming collections, and make bolder statements.
Ortega’s choice to wear a Spring/Summer 2026 piece months before widespread availability gives audiences early access to upcoming trends. This preview function makes celebrity fashion valuable beyond entertainment—it serves as a directional indicator for the industry.
The tan-and-brown color story also signals a continued move away from all-black everything toward richer, more complex neutral palettes that photograph beautifully while offering more personality.
As Ortega continues her style evolution from child actor to fashion risk-taker, looks like this Mugler moment cement her status as someone willing to push boundaries—both on screen and off.