The Look for Less - Scream Queens Fashion

Not since the days of Gossip Girl has a TV show featured such over-the-top fashion as Scream Queens. I tune in each Tuesday night because the fashion is a feast for the eyes. Led by the inimitable Chanel Oberlin, the sorority sisters of Kappa Kappa Tau are never without their fluffy pink coats, sequins, feminine blouses, pearl jewelry, killer heels, and tweed skirts. Move over, Blair Waldorf, there's a new girl leading the fashion pack. Thanks to Scream Queens, the fluffy coat is about to become the new signature style staple, just as the headband was to Gossip Girl.

Chanel (whose signature color is pink) and her minions adore their pastels, their polished pearls, and pretty much anything that's embellished with feathers. Don't even get me started on Chanel's colossal two-story closet, complete with a neatly shelved shoe collection and a mirrored staircase reminiscent of the one and only Coco Chanel. 




The KKT girls take their style seriously and know how to accessorize like nobody's business.


There's so much color, texture, and print!



With Halloween (or #Chaneloween) and the holiday party season right around the corner, it's easy to steal their flirty, dressed-up style with some of these budget-friendly pieces. 

October 14, 2016 update - See fall style inspired by the show:

Sept. 21, 2016 update - With season two in progress, steal the Scream Queens look for less. The more faux fur, sequins, and pink, the better!

Empire Season 2 Fashion - Cookie Lyon's Looks for Less

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Maybe you watch Empire for the drama. Maybe you enjoy the music and the celebrity guest appearances by the likes of Chris Rock, Ludacris, Courtney Love, Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, and Jennifer Hudson. If you're like me, then you tune in each Wednesday night for the aforementioned reasons, in addition to the standout style of Cookie Lyon and her powerhouse family. The fashion on the show is practically a character unto itself.

Cookie isn't afraid to express herself through her clothing and accessories. Her ultra glamorous wardrobe garners attention and reflects her bold and colorful personality. She stays true to her signature style, which includes killer heels, animal prints, statement jewelry, bodycon dresses, and luxurious outerwear. While she may be decked out in luxury labels such as Gucci, MCM, Fendi, and Moschino, it's easy to steal her style without spending major dough. 

March 22, 2018 update - Shop Cookie's style:

March 19, 2018 update - Get inspired by Cookie's style:

December 14, 2017 update - Steal Cookie's style:

September 28, 2017 update - Get ready for the new season with some style inspiration:

Here's a closer look at some of Cookie's season 2 outfits and how to get the look for less.




Pictured above: Gucci red lace-up dress. 

Look for less: Red lace-up dress, $22.11 (also in olive or black) or long-sleeved alternative for $98, Tory Burch double wrap studded bracelet, $95, Sole Society black studded pumps, $59.95 (other colors available), YSL 'Kiss & Love - Rouge Pur Couture' Collectors Lip Color, $36



Pictured above: Emanuel Ungaro zebra print blazer on sale, $519, Topshop ball necklace, $22, and Marni fringe zip clutch (sold out). 

Look for less: Blue & Cream zebra blazer, $276.50, Topshop pleated white trousers, $68, Forever 21 chain bracelet, $4.90, Hobo 'Meadow' fringe handbag, $158, Jessica Simpson black platform pumps, $58.77 (other colors available)


See more Empire style and shopping inspiration in my previous post featuring Cookie Lyon's style.

Watch this space for Empire fashion updates and catch up with me on Twitter or Pinterest for more style inspiration.

Shop Cookie's style:

The Look for Less - Cookie Lyon on Empire

It's Wednesday, and that means I'm looking forward to watching Empire tonight. From the moment Cookie Lyon (played by Taraji P. Henson) appeared on screen in Fox's hit drama about a music mogul's family, I knew Cookie would be a TV style icon. Sure, Empire is brimming with drama and betrayal, and the music is amazing, but sometimes I get fixated on Cookie's ostentatious style. It's hard not to. With her over-the-top furs, statement jewelry, curve-hugging animal print dresses, and killer heels, she steals each scene. She commands attention with her take-charge attitude and she's refreshingly unapologetic when it comes to her flamboyant style. 

March 22, 2018 update - Shop Cookie's style:

March 19, 2018 update - Get inspired by Cookie's style:

December 14, 2017 update - Steal Cookie's style:

September 28, 2017 update - Get ready for the new season with some Cookie Lyon style inspiration:

Below, a look at some of Cookie's standout outfits.

photos via Pinterest

Costume designer Rita McGhee, who was mentored by Ruth Carter, works with a budget of $15,000 to $20,000 for each episode. You'll often see Cookie wearing Gucci dresses, Balmain gowns, Louboutin heels, Chanel jewelry, and vintage furs. But it's not all high end. In fact, I recently spotted Cookie wearing an Altuzarra for Target dress in a recent episode - under a fur coat, of course. McGhee shops a mix of high and low fashion for the show, and borrows pieces from stylish women, including Empire music producer Timbaland's wife. 



If you love Cookie's style but don't have the budget for designer labels, you can get her look for less with these pieces I've curated below. How to dress like Cookie Lyon? Think animal prints (like this leopard print dress under $20), luxe textures (like this silver snake print sheath dress under $35), bodycon dresses (see these budget friendly styles), high shine, furry fabrics (a cozy faux fur vest), and vertiginous heels (steal her Valentino Rockstud style for less with these budget-friendly studded heels or score the real deal on sale in 7 colors).

photos via Fox

Get her look for less (under $150):

1. Floral midi bodycon dress, $26, pink faux fur jacket, $64, or faux fur vest in mauve or brown, $57.90
2. Quilted faux leather trench coat, $75.60, sequin snake embossed clutch, $45
3. Geometric print peplum top, $44.25, layered chain statement necklace, $19, faux leather leggings, $28, and faux snakeskin heeled ankle boots, $69.99
4. Snake print blazer, $112.11 
5. Snake print bodycon dress, $24
6. Geo print bodycon dress, $32.90, studded strappy heels (in black, red, or pink), $60
7. Collarless cape blazer, $100 (or in taupe, $138), lace print bodycon dress, $49.80, reptile print heels, $70

What would Cookie wear? See how to dress like Cookie Lyon with two head-turning looks for less that Cookie Lyon might wear to watch her sons perform at the club or record at the studio. Naturally, I've included some of her signature pieces: furry textures, statement jewelry, bodycon dresses, animal prints, glamorous lip and nail colors, and notice-me-heels. The best part? Each piece is under $150.


Shop the pieces above:
1. Rich and famous earrings, $65
2. Floppy felt hat, $52 (similar style under $20)
3. Chain bib necklace, $16.50 (similar style with multi-chain details under $30)
4. YSL lipstick (other colors available), $35
5. Scalloped bodycon mini dress, $68
6. Ombré faux fur coat, $140
7. Lace bodycon dress, $90 (similar style in black under $50)
8. Snake embossed clutch (also in silver), $78
9. Leopard print handbag, $42 (love this style under $50)
10. Suede platforms, $135, or similar style in black, leopard, or taupe for under $30
11. Dior nail laquer, $27
12. Suede fringe heels (also in rust and mushroom colors), $149.95 (or similar style in blue or beige under $100)

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Get her footwear looks:

Sept 14, 2015 update - In anticipation of the season 2 premiere of Empire, Saks Fifth Avenue has curated an ultra glam Lyon family-inspired collection that would make Cookie and Lucious proud. See the entire "Empire State of Mind" collection, including clothing and accessories for men and women.



October 8, 2015 update - See Cookie's Empire season 2 style and get her latest looks for less.

P.S. Follow me on Twitter and use #Empire during and after the show to see how to score some of Cookie's pieces on a budget. 

More from the Saks collection:

Shop Cookie's glam style: