Lily Allen's Y2K Sparkle-and-Camouflage Look Just Made My Jaw Drop

Lily Allen is, in my opinion, the perfect kind of celebrity. For the most part, she keeps herself to herself, choosing to live her private life, well, privately—save for the limited insights she chooses to share with her fans (like me) by way of her Instagram. However, when she's working on a project she gives it her all, and not just in terms of her work ethic. Allen is currently starring in theatre show The Pillowman in London's West End, and every night when she emerges from the stage door, she greets the waiting paps and show attendees in spectacular form. Seriously, just wait until you see these outfits. 

In lieu of the baseball cap, sunglasses and sweats we see most actors flee in post-performance, Lily Allen, one of the founding fashion girls of her generation, is giving the people what they want—runway-ready looks that get better. Essentially, her nightly commute is doubling up as a very stylish promo tour. Her looks are glamorous, but not outrageously so. Between the tulle and the tailoring, they evoke an old-school Hollywood nostalgia we so rarely see on the street-style circuit, one which has reminded me of the joy that comes with really getting dressed up. 

Through her outfits, Allen has begun ticking off every major autumn 2023 trend as she goes. From leather column skirts to cute knitwear solutions, her The Pillowman outfits will become a reference point for many fashion devotees for the coming season. To ensure you have access to them all in one place, I've chronicled them below, along with some sensible shopping options to allow you to mimic her style. Enjoy. 

1. Y2K Overload

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: The Y2K aesthetic endured on the autumn/winter runways, but even the catwalk can't compete with Allen's interpretation, which involved sequins, camouflage, peep-toe shoes, and a whole load of pastel. 

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2. Pink and Tulle

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Not only is pink having a moment right now, but the A/W 23 runways really leant into the romanticism of the hue by way of tulle and chiffon, as seen here on Allen. 

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3. Leather and Bows

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(Image credit: @lilyallen)

Style Notes: When two opposing trends collide, it often makes for the most interesting outfits. Case in point: Allen's combination of edgy leather and twee bows. 

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4. Maxi Coats and Jumbo Earrings

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(Image credit: @lilyallen)

Style Notes: Maxi hemlines are set to dominate the autumn/winter season. Make like Allen and wear them with another It buy—jumbo earrings. 

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5. Saffron Red

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Shades of saffron have flooded the runways for the past two seasons, and even a peek at the new collections (and now, Allen) confirms it's going to stick around for another six months. 

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6. Sparkle and Cutouts

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

When you're a celebrity, party-wear is never off the agenda. I'd very much like to trade outfits with Allen, especially when she stepped out in this satin-and-crystal combination. 

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Next Up: Every Fashion Person I Know Is Finishing Their Outfits With These Earrings Now

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.