Ombré is a tricky pattern to conquer. On hair, it feels distinctly reminiscent of its peak horrors circa 2015, and on clothing, it has the ability to go south real quick. But if anyone could make a dark-toned ombré work, it’s Jenna Ortega—and that’s exactly what she did.
While attending the Netflix Tudum event in Inglewood, California, Ortega opted for an outfit Wednesday Addams would surely approve of: An edgy Markgong trench dress complete with a dramatic ombré gradient that faded from deep charcoal black to soft taupe before returning to its moody roots.
Styled by Enrique Melendez, the double-breasted piece—belted at the waist with grommet hardware—was, according to his Instagram, inspired by an outfit worn by Joan Cusack’s character in the 1993 film Addams Family Values.
In a clever nod to that iconic villainous role, Ortega also wore a matching hood-style scarf, cut from the same material as the dress. Draped over her head and tied under her chin, it evoked the elegance of Old Hollywood with a slight, sinister twist.
Her look was finished with sheer black tights, white pointed-toe heels, and a dramatic kiss curl proudly positioned at the center of her forehead.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar in her May cover story about how her taste has evolved, Ortega reflected on how taking on the role of Wednesday has impacted her.
“I definitely feel like I have a bit more Gothic taste than I did when I was a teenager,” she said. “I’ve always been into dark things or been fascinated by them, but I was a Disney kid, and the whole thing is being bubbly and kind and overly sweet.”
Ortega added, “I’m doing a show I’m going to be doing for years where I play a schoolgirl. But I’m also a young woman.”
