By Pema Bakshi

Jenna Ortega Pays Homage To Winona Ryder’s Most Iconic ‘Beetlejuice’ Scene

A guide to dressing for the recently deceased.
jenna-ortega-beetlejuice-lydia-deetz
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 17: Jenna Ortega attends the ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ New York Photo Call at JW Marriott Essex House on August 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/WireImage)

Method dressing has become an integral part of the Hollywood machine, but with her latest look, Jenna Ortega has proven her dedication to the craft.

While promoting her new film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film Beetlejuice, the actress’ press tour wardrobe has been a revolving door of Gothic-chic looks that channel her character’s on-screen style.

But as she stepped out in Midtown yesterday, Ortega sported a throwback look that fans of the cult film may recognise. In a plaid skirt, button-up shirt and a navy blue cardigan with a golden wreath embroidered on the crest, the Wednesday star paid homage to Winona Ryder‘s character Lydia Deetz and her uniform for the closing scene’s iconic ‘Jump in the Line’ dance number.

As shared by Enrique Melendez, the 21-year-old’s outfit was a custom look by Thom Browne.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 19: Jenna Ortega is seen in Midtown on August 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Ortega, who plays Deetz’s daughter Astrid in the upcoming release, put her own spin on the look with an ab-baring cropped cut and brogue-heeled shoes instead of replicating Ryder’s opaque tights and lace-up boots.

Her custom Ozias bag, which mimicked a book, was also a nod to a scene in the original film. Its ‘Handbag for the Recently Deceased’ played on a guide from the film titled Handbook for the Recently Deceased that the film’s leads, Adam and Barbara Maitland (played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis), receive upon their death.

In the 2024 sequel, the Deetz family return home to Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy. Still haunted by the events of the original film, Lydia’s life gets turned upside down once again when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife. When someone summons the elusive Beetlejuice (played by Michael Keaton), the mischievous demon gleefully returns to unleash his unique brand of mayhem.

Watch the official trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice below.

This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.