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Jenna Ortega Just Embraced This Major Fall Trend with Her Wild Handbag

Yes to the statement purse

jenna ortega
Jaime Nogales/Medios y Media/Getty Images

I'll be the first to admit that I'm obsessed with Jenna Ortega's recent fashion choices.

Amid her current press tour for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the 21-year-old star has been embracing the Goth aesthetic while making clever references to the 1988 original, from her Dolce & Gabbana pinstripe suit dress (which serves as an ode to Betelgeuse) to her Alessandra Rich tartan set, inspired by Winona Ryder's outfit from a vintage magazine shoot.

Now, the actress is paying homage to her on-screen mother (Ortega is set to play the daughter of Ryder's character, Lydia Deetz, in the sequel)—and she's nailing a major fall fashion trend while she's at it.

jenna ortega lydia uniform

Earlier this week, the Wednesday actress was spotted in New York, and Beetlejuice fans instantly recognized Ortega's Thom Browne ensemble as a recreation of Lydia's iconic school uniform. It featured a white shirt, a navy cardigan, a green plaid skirt and matching heels. But as impressed as I am by this stylish reinvention, there's one statement accessory that took this look to the next level: her book-shaped handbag.

jenna ortega statement purse trend 349051
Gotham/GC Images

The actress gave another nod to the original film by carrying a statement bag that referenced the Handbook for the Recently Deceased. Custom-made by Ozias Paris, the accessory includes a top handle and a clever pun that reads, “Handbag for the Recently Deceased.”

Founder Marc Ozias took to Instagram to explain the inspiration behind this unique creation and wrote, "Two months ago I was asked to imagine bags for @jennaortega in the spirit of the legendary Tim Burton movie, Beetlejuice. The first idea was a trompe l’œil bag shaped like the famous book 'Handbook for the Recently Deceased'. I decided to turn the book into a little suitcase named 'Handbag for the Recently Deceased'."

Statement bags are all the rage these days, from vibrant red clutches and embellished purses to patterned totes. Not only do they add a pop of color, but also, they add personality to the overall look.

For instance, Serena Williams rocked all-black at the Paris 2024 games, but her multicolored statement handbag elevated her outfit by adding a unique flair. And Jennifer Lopez recently dazzled in a sheer Dior gown, completing the ensemble with a sparking bucket handbag.

So, it comes as no surprise that Ortega is now on board with the fall trend—and I can't wait to see her future looks.

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