I’m an admirer of Nicola Coughlan’s red-carpet flair. Her ensembles are nothing short of impeccable and meticulously crafted from fit to finesse when she’s truly in her element. However, now and then, there’s a miss among the hits.
Nicola Coughlan showcases her versatile fashion sense in four distinct looks: a striking red blazer dress, an elegant black dress with a corset belt, a chic green overcoat ensemble, and a bold black crop top with a maxi skirt (Credit: INSTARimages / PA Images)
Embraces Edgy Glamour in Belted Coat at Big Mood New York Premiere
On Thursday, April 4, Nicola Coughlan graced the New York premiere of her latest series, Big Mood, hosted at the Whitby Hotel in New York City.
Nicola Coughlan strikes a balance between edgy and elegant in a belted black coat with bold shoulder pads at the Big Mood premiere at The Whitby Hotel on April 4, 2024, in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
At first glance, I must admit her attire isn’t entirely dreadful; it does possess a certain striking quality. Yet, upon closer inspection, the intricate details must harmonize more seamlessly than one might hope.
For the occasion, the 37-year-old Irish actress exuded an aura of edgy glamour, donning a striking black coat boasting bold shoulder pads and a plunging V-neckline, teasing a glimpse of décolletage while featuring a daring slit down the center.
Nicola Coughlan, at 4ft 11 inches (149.9 cm), is significantly shorter than Lydia West, who is 5ft 5 inches (165.1 cm). Their height difference of 6 inches (15.2 cm) is noticeable, emphasizing Coughlan’s petite frame next to West’s taller stature.
Nicola Coughlan, standing at 4ft 11 inches, looks strikingly petite next to the 5ft 5 inches tall Lydia West, showcasing a notable height difference between the duo (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Though the dress isn’t quite my cup of tea, I appreciate Nicola’s effort to accentuate her silhouette with a sleek, shiny black corset-style belt. However, it does seem to have somewhat hindered her comfort.
Completing her ensemble were elegantly long sleeves that discreetly enveloped her arms. However, she opted to roll them up at some point during the event, which, in my view, did little to enhance her overall aesthetic.
From Monochrome Sophistication to Bold Accents
The ankle-length skirt of her dress allowed a peek at her choice of footwear – a sophisticated pair of black pumps, although I feel like a pair of bedazzled sandals would have been a better choice.
I commend her decision to coordinate her shoes with her outfit, contributing to the chic monochrome palette she was aiming for. The pointed toes and towering heels added a touch of sophistication, accentuating her petite frame flawlessly.
To inject a burst of color into her ensemble, Nicola sported a bright red Artists4Ceasefire badge, aligning herself with the movement for peace in Gaza and the release of hostages.
A pop of color in a sea of black: Nicola Coughlan’s red badge stands out against her sophisticated monochrome ensemble (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Her bold accessories could have worked splendidly with a classic little black dress (LBD), but that wasn’t the case.
Nicola’s gold drop earrings seemed a tad distracting and out of place. Nevertheless, she accessorized with finesse, adorning her fingers with several elegant gold stack rings to round off her look.
For her beauty choices, she chose a chic bun, with delicate fringes framing her face, and a bold dark red lip to add a final touch of glamour.
Chic in Black Crop Top and Maxi Skirt at CBS Mornings Show
The following morning, Nicola Coughlan joined her co-star Lydia West for a television appearance to promote their new series, Big Mood, on the CBS Mornings show.
Arriving at the CBS studios in New York City, Nicola exuded effortless style in yet another black ensemble, a choice I find particularly appealing for its relaxed yet chic vibe.
She effortlessly showcased a hint of skin in a distinctive black crop top adorned with pleated detailing, a daring plunging neckline, and sleeves of a modest mid-length.
Effortlessly chic: Nicola Coughlan pairs a black crop top with a maxi skirt for a sleek appearance on CBS Mornings on April 5, 2024, in New York City (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Nicola rounded off the ensemble with a sophisticated black maxi skirt, its length leaving just enough room to catch a glimpse of her choice of footwear.
Stepping into the studio, she slipped into a pair of sleek black pumps, perfectly complementing her attire with their pointed toes and high heels, adding an extra dash of elegance to her stride.
Nicola Coughlan exuded elegance in a black crop top with pleated detailing and a plunging neckline, paired with a chic maxi skirt and pointed heels for a CBS studio appearance in NYC, complemented by loose wavy hair and gold earrings (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The Barbie actress has a flair for statement accessories. She adorned herself with another pair of striking gold earrings and effortlessly tied her look with a matching gold ring on her finger.
Completing her outfit with minimal makeup and her glossy blonde tresses styled into loose waves, Nicola added the perfect finishing touches to her understated yet captivating look.
Exploring Friendship and Mental Health in Big Mood
Big Mood delves into the complexities of friendship and mental health in a comedic setting. The Channel 4 series revolves around Maggie, portrayed by Nicola Coughlan, who grapples with bipolar disorder, and her friend Eddie, played by Lydia West.
Over their decade-long friendship, they navigate the challenges of work, life, and mental health pressures, raising doubts about the endurance of their bond.
The show, which also features Joanna Page and Sally Phillips, premiered on March 28 with a double bill, and all six episodes were made available on the Channel 4 website.
It will debut on Tubi in the United States on April 19, offering viewers a humorous yet poignant exploration of friendship and the impact of mental health struggles.
Edgy in Green Overcoat and Leather Belts at Renegade Nell’s London Premiere
Towards the end of last month, on March 26, Nicola Coughlan once again demonstrated her flair for outerwear, effortlessly infusing a touch of edge into a classic overcoat – an unexpected twist that I adore.
While attending the premiere of Disney+’s Renegade Nell in London, her light green wool overcoat exuded style and ensured warmth, a practical yet chic decision I genuinely appreciate.
Nicola Coughlan adds an edgy twist to classic style with a green overcoat and leather belts at Renegade Nell’s London premiere at Everyman Borough Yards on March 26, 2024, in London, England (Credit: Matt Crossick / Empics / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Strategically leaving her ensemble open at the sternum, she offered a glimpse of cleavage while cleverly enhancing her silhouette by cinching the coat with not one but two sleek black leather belts.
I admire her clever choice of footwear. She skillfully accentuated her petite stature with the addition of chunky Saint Laurent Bianca pearl white platform sandals. You can buy them on Mytheresa.
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These sandals boast block-high heels, ankle straps, and a crisscrossed front elegantly tied in a knot, adding height and style to her ensemble.
Nicola Coughlan elevated her look with Saint Laurent Bianca pearl white platform sandals, adding style and height to her ensemble (Credit: Matt Crossick / Empics / PA Images / INSTARimages)
In perfect harmony with her outfit, Nicola accessorized with a pair of striking silver earrings, accompanied by rings, and sporting light purple nails.
She meticulously tailored her ensemble to London’s perennially foggy and rainy weather, with an umbrella emerging as her primary accessory.
Her makeup exuded a glossy finish, with cheeks gleaming and lips adorned in a rosy nude hue. Her hair, elegantly parted in the middle, cascaded down her back.
Nicola Coughlan, who isn’t part of the Renegade Nell cast, likely attended in support of her former co-star, Louisa Harland, with whom she shared the screen on the acclaimed comedy series Derry Girls.
In Renegade Nell, Louisa takes the lead role as an 18th-century outlaw forced to rely on her cunning after being falsely accused of murder.
Lovely in Red Stella McCartney Wool Blazer and Pumps at Bridgerton Season 3 Screening
On Valentine’s Day, Nicola Coughlan embraced the color of love as she graced the hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton’s season three sneak peek event at London’s Claridge’s Hotel.
She radiated style in a red outfit for this special screening of the beloved regency romance, which chronicles the romantic pursuits of the eight Bridgerton siblings.
Luke Thompson, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Shonda Rhimes, Jess Brownell, Julia Quinn, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, and Martins Imhangbe attend the Season 3 screening of “Bridgerton” at Claridge’s Hotel on February 14, 2024, in London, England (Credit: Yui Mok / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Nicola sported a Stella McCartney double-breasted wool blazer, cleverly transformed into a dress from the English fashion designer’s Spring 2024 collection.
This ensemble melded traditional tailoring codes with modern flourishes, boasting peak lapels, padded drop shoulders, a cinched waist, and vibrant tonal button closures.
While I adore this look on her, I can’t help but feel it’s slightly oversized, particularly with its long sleeves that engulf her hands.
Valentine’s Day vibes: Nicola Coughlan dazzles in red Stella McCartney at Bridgerton Season 3 screening in London (Credit: Yui Mok / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Styled by Aimée Croysdill, Nicola elevated her vibrant attire with matching red Stella McCartney Ryder pumps, paying homage to the equestrian and bridle aesthetics that inspired Stella McCartney’s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection.
Featuring a faux-fur upper and a 95mm heel, these plush pumps provided a flattering lift to her petite frame, though I believe a pair of sleek black knee-high boots would have been a more fitting choice. Standing beside Luke Thompson, who towers at 5′ 11″ (1.80 m), Nicola Coughlan’s petite stature is more pronounced.
Nicola Coughlan, at 4ft 11in (149.9 cm), stands charmingly petite beside Luke Thompson, who towers at 5ft 11in (180 cm), showcasing their distinctive height difference (Credit: Yui Mok / PA Images / INSTARimages)
In a departure from her usual dramatic accessories, I appreciate Nicola’s decision to opt for minimal jewels this time, adorning her ears with a delicate pair of silver heart-shaped earrings.
Her makeup was understated, with minimal foundation, subtly filled-in lashes, and shimmery lips, while her hair was styled in soft waves.
Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s Love Story
In the upcoming season 3 of Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan takes the lead role as Penelope Featherington, also known as Lady Penelope, a shy observer with a talent for chronicling the ton’s most scandalous gossip.
Throughout the series, Penelope has harbored a long-standing infatuation with her friend Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton. Despite facing unexpected challenges, their blossoming romance is anticipated to captivate audiences as their story unfolds.