If anyone’s fully embracing Chanel’s more playful, experimental side right now, it’s Ayo Edebiri.
During her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the actress stepped out in a look that felt equal parts runway and theatre reference, effortlessly blending high fashion with a wink to Broadway history.
At the center of it all was an oversized white button-down from Chanel’s Spring 2026 runway, created under the direction of Matthieu Blazy in collaboration with Charvet. But this wasn’t your typical shirt. Pearl accents traced the cuffs and collar, a subtle embroidered Chanel patch added identity, and a chain-lined hem gave the piece structure and weight.
And then came the twist.
Styled with sheer black tights and nothing else, Edebiri leaned fully into the “no pants” silhouette, directly referencing the iconic stage presence of Elaine Stritch, who made the look her signature decades ago.
The timing couldn’t be more fitting. Edebiri is currently promoting her role in Proof, marking her Broadway debut. So the nod doesn’t feel random it feels intentional, almost like a fashion easter egg for those paying attention.
To push the look further into statement territory, she layered on a shaggy, fire-red faux fur jacket from Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collection. Worn shrugged off the shoulders, it added drama, texture, and just the right amount of chaos turning a crisp white shirt into a full fashion moment.
Stylist Danielle Goldberg grounded everything with glossy black patent pumps, keeping the finish sharp and polished. It’s a detail that also ties back to Stritch, who often paired her shirt-and-tights combo with classic heels.
The result? A look that feels witty, referential, and completely self-aware.
It also reinforces Edebiri’s growing reputation as one of Chanel’s most exciting ambassadors right now, someone who doesn’t just wear the clothes but plays with them. While others might style the same shirt with denim (like Nicole Kidman did recently), Edebiri took the riskier route and it paid off.
Because in a fashion landscape that often plays it safe, this kind of personality stands out.
And honestly? Elaine Stritch would have loved it.
