If Bella Ramsey isn’t your style icon, I honestly don’t know what you’re doing here
Bella, if you’re reading this — I want to be your friend
I still remember the first time I saw Bella Ramsey on screen. She was playing Mildred Hubble in the series The Worst Witch — a young witch more bumbling than formidable. Since then, I’ve followed her career every step of the way — from her role in Game of Thrones to her appearances in music videos and independent short films, and finally to her acclaimed performance as Ellie in The Last of Us. Over the years, Bella has not only proven herself to be an extraordinary acting talent, but has also become something more to me: a style icon.
And she’s not just a style icon — the kind you casually name in lists or drop into a passing conversation. Ramsey has become someone I admire deeply. I’m especially drawn to the way she uses fashion and her own body as a means of expression. Her authenticity, often swimming against the current, has unsettled certain audiences; but for me, that very honesty is her greatest strength — both in terms of style and character.
From the very beginning, Bella made it clear she wouldn’t follow the conventional script of the red carpet — or the entertainment industry at large. Her appearances at premieres and award shows have gone viral for showcasing outfits typically associated with menswear, pieces she reinterprets in her own singular way. She gravitates toward classic tailoring — suits, structured silhouettes — but always includes unexpected details, whether it’s dramatic white eyeliner or unshaven legs peeking out from beneath her trousers. That irreverence captures her philosophy: “Who cares? This is what makes me feel comfortable.” Ultimately, Bella shows us that clothing is simply an extension of the self — a vessel for comfort and authenticity.
One of her most striking moments took place at the 2024 Golden Globes. Instead of a traditional gown, Bella chose a minimalist Prada ensemble: a boxy-cut jacket, straight-leg trousers, and black combat-style boots — “perfect for walking through the apocalypse,” as GQ UK put it. Far from a superficial act of rebellion, that choice stemmed from a deeper pursuit of authenticity and comfort. Her stylist, Fabio Immediato, explained that they wanted Bella to look “extremely cool and not overly styled,” according to GQ UK. Actress Jodie Foster, who attended the gala, noted: “There are other ways of being a woman, and it’s really important that people see that… Bella wore the most perfect, beautifully tailored suit — and not a drop of makeup.” With a look that was both austere and sincere, Bella quietly overturned the night’s expectations.
Another stylistic milestone for Ramsey was her debut at the 2023 Met Gala. She stunned in a custom Thom Browne tuxedo: a tailored suit with an integrated skirt, adorned with fine stripes and pearls — a nod to Lagerfeld’s well-known affection for embellishment. Despite the scale of the event, she remained true to herself. “I knew I wanted to wear some version of a suit, and they did an incredible job,” she said of the design. The blend of classic silhouette and subversive detail made her look one of the most praised of the evening.
At the 2024 Critics’ Choice Awards, she wore another delicate Thom Browne suit — this time in cotton printed with toile de Jouy and adorned with floral appliqués. What could have come off as quaint instead felt effortless and poised on her. Rather than overshadowing her, the playful ensemble highlighted her calm, self-assured presence.
And let’s talk about the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards, where Bella arrived on the red carpet wearing Tory Burch.
For the 2024 GQ Men of the Year Awards, Mx. Ramsey wore Thom Browne once again — and honestly, it’s one of my favorite looks I’ve ever seen on them.
But that’s when it comes to red carpets — what about Bella’s more laid-back style? Simply put, they lean toward practicality and comfort. Whether appearing in Girl Band’s music video or cooking with Vogue while dressed in Miu Miu, Bella’s off-carpet (or on-camera-but-not-red-carpet) style appeals to me even more. It proves that nonchalance can be a powerful stylistic tool — not to draw attention, but to stay focused on the craft itself, like acting.
On a more personal note, what I admire most about them is who they are: a gentle, kind, and above all, authentic person. I honestly wish we could be friends — or at the very least, that I could have a conversation with them someday (though I’d probably be incredibly nervous). But truly, I’d love to share a moment with them, to listen, and most of all, to be around their kindness — something we need more of these days.
In the end, Bella Ramsey’s style goes beyond fashion — it’s a statement of principles made visible through clothing. Each of their outfits, whether understated or bold, holds undeniable aesthetic value while also serving as a symbol of personal freedom — a reminder that true elegance lies in authenticity. Their refusal to conform to classical norms may unsettle some, but for many — myself included — Bella has become a beacon of courage and self-truth. In an industry that so often demands performance and disguise, they choose to show up exactly as they are. And that choice — intimate, almost rebellious in its restraint — has cemented them as an icon for those of us who see body and fashion as, above all, forms of identity.