I Just Know Cynthia Erivo Is Going to Be 2020's Most Exciting Dresser

by Maxine Eggenberger

Olivia Coleman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jodie Comer… we think it's safe to say that talented British women are dominating the acting scene at the moment. Having scooped countless gongs and critically-acclaimed reviews between them, these are certainly women to admire for more than their fashion sense. But this is Who What Wear, and we also appreciate great style (did we mention all the aforementioned women have it bucketloads).

Another woman who too has flair in both the acting and sartorial stakes is Cynthia Erivo—a fellow Brit acting powerhouse who, quite frankly, we're borderline obsessed with. Having cut her teeth on the London theatre boards, Cynthia is now one of the most in-demand actors in the world with a career that's made the leap from stage to screen. Her first major films included Steve McQueen's Widows and Drew Goddard's Bad Times at the El Royale. However, it's her latest project, Harriet, in which she plays the title role of Harriet Tubman, a woman who escaped slavery to become a powerful abolitionist, that has really catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her 2020 Golden Globes nomination for Best Actress in the process.

Now with awards season well underway, we're expecting the rest of her looks to be just as excellent as her Golden Globes attire. We can say this with increased confidence, too, if her back catalogue is anything to go by.

Undeterred by bright hues and embellishment, Cynthia's style is reminiscent of what you might find in the dressing-up box of our dreams. Sequins and shine are counteracted with sharp suiting and edgy off-duty attire, proving her wardrobe is just as brilliantly versatile as her acting.

We have a feeling you're going to be hearing a lot about Cynthia Erivo from here on out. There's no better time than now to acquaint yourself with her best looks to date…

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: For the 2020 Golden Globes, Cynthia wore a custom monochrome sequin dress by Thom Browne, which she finished in true A-list style: with a Bulgari necklace.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: The colour of this Gucci dress is beyond beautiful, and we love how Cynthia's clashed it with emerald earrings.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: We always appreciate outfit co-ordination, and Cynthia nails it by matching the hue of her sunglasses to that of her checked Rotate dress.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Cynthia says this is one of her favourite ever looks because it "made her feel like a superhero." Well, if the dress fits…

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Cynthia's luxe velvet suit is made all the more bougie with the addition of faux-fur cuffs—a major trend for 2020.

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Style Notes: This may be one of Cynthia's more pared-back looks, but she makes it her own with her signature pixie crop. Gorgeous.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: When in doubt, always say yes to a Maison Valentino train.

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Style Notes: Look closely and you'll see Cynthia has added sharp studs to her 'do, which completes her punk-inspired Versace dress she chose for the Annual Hollywood Film Awards in 2019 perfectly.

Cynthia Erivo Style: One day it's studs and thigh-high splits, the next? Bouclé and top-handle bags. This being a prime example of Cynthia's style flair.

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Style Notes: One day it's studs and thigh-high splits, the next? Bouclé and top-handle bags. This being a prime example of Cynthia's style flair.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Singlehandedly making us want to buy a short suit again in this checked two-piece.

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Style Notes: Show us someone who looks cooler in a yellow short and jogger. We'll wait.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Cynthia knows that the pillars of style are a a white shirt, gold hoops and a slick of red lipstick. Effortless.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: For the world premiere of Harriet, only Marc Jacobs pink froth would suffice.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Her kooky shoes and tiger-print minidress prove Cynthia doesn't take her style too seriously, which makes it all the more impressive.

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Style Notes: A cropped blazer and Bermuda shorts is a hard look to pull off, but it's no big deal for Cynthia who somehow manages to make everything look sleek.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: The ideal accompaniment to a printed Zimmerman dress? Yellow suede boots, of course! Cynthia, we bow down.

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Style Notes: Sheer dresses can be tricky to pull off, but Cynthia keeps hers classy with a high-neckline, knee-length hem and contrasting black underwear.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Looking every inch the superstar she is in a Mario Dice gown and matching Jimmy Choo platforms.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Cynthia is equally talented at curating her off-duty outfits as she is her red-carpet ensembles. Case in point? This square-neck checked jumpsuit, which ticks off just about every major 2020 trend in one.

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@cynthiaerivo

Style Notes: Channeling ballet chic in a Paolo Sebastian beaded creation with a pretty grey headband.

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Style Notes: Cynthia, you had us at pink tulle.

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