One Day Outfits: Why We All Want To Dress Like Ambika Mod In The Trending Netflix Show

The perfect fashion picks for the upcoming spring sunshine.

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by Ruby Barry |
Updated on

One Day, the new Netflix limited series, has been much-anticipated. Based on the 2009 novel of the same name, this One Day adaptation – which follows 2011's film starring Anne Hathaway – tells the love story of two students, Dexter Mayhew (played by Leo Woodall) and Emma Morley (played by Ambika Mod), who meet on the day of their graduation from the University of Edinburgh. After more than a decade since its release, the book has sold a total of four million copies globally and, given the total meltdown the internet has had over the new Netflix adaptation, One Day might just be the love story 2024 needs.

Each episode finds Dex and Em on this one particular date throughout the years, as they grow and change, move together and apart, and experience joy and heartbreak. For a lot of audiences, the first episode was a winner simply because it captured beautifully the essence of that specific moment in time attending a UK university.

one-day-ambika-mod-outfits
©netflix

This all-powerful nostalgia for everything '90s and beyond that pervades the internet pertains to fashion, too. One Day, along with its references to every millennial's childhood (who didn't want to own a hamburger phone?), pays homage to British fashion of the late '80s, '90s and early noughties.

Mod's character Emma certainly goes through a trend or two and the changing fashion, hairstyles and make-up truly help to build the world as something that feels lived-in and experienced. Where the first couple of episodes are defined by large shoulders, big hair and larger-than-life glasses, Emma defines herself through the '90s to the noughties with straightened hair, smooth lines and simple make-up.

SHOP: One Day Outfits - Emma Morley's Style, Worn By Ambika Mod

The Paisley Print Dress

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©netflix

A staple of the '70s that made an unexpected resurgence in the fashion scene during the '90s, paisley is a gold-standard print. This dress feels like just the sort of thing you'd find in a vintage store and wear forever.

Superdry, Print Flare Sleeve Mini Dresssuperdry
Price: £24 (was £59.99)

www.superdry.com

Description

Paired with black tights and knee-high boots, this gives just the right amount of nostalgia without feeling costumey.

Etro, Paisley Velvet Minidressmytheresa
Price: £680 (was £1,700)

www.mytheresa.com

Description

Etro's velvet mini will be perfect with pumps – consider it your cold weather party piece from now on.

The Casual Shirt And Tartan Trouser Combo

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©netflix

And easy, laid-back outfit, there's a way to do this without feeling like you're a student again.

Karen Millen, Premium Alpaca Wool Blend Mid-Weight Knit Cardigankaren millen
Price: £48 (was £119)

www.karenmillen.com

Description

Karen Millen's cardigan will give you all the ease of Emma's knit blouse, but with slightly more polish. Pair with high-waisted trousers or throw over a midi dress for a splash of colour.

Description

Or if you're wanting to embrace the double-breasted element of Emma's original blouse, with a more summery fabric, go for this inspired shirt by Aday.

Sézane, Damon Trousers in Navy Tartansezane

Description

These ankle-grazer trousers would be perfect as part of an office outfit, or styled with a white tee and trainers at weekends.

The Red Satin Dress

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©netflix

Emma's character nails the perfect wedding guest dress. We've got the ideal options for you below, with the same romantic red, high neckline and scooped shape.

Description

If you like the idea of this style but would prefer it with sleeves, Ghost's romantic dress is ideal. The neckline is particularly flattering and it looks as though you've unearthed it in a brilliant vintage store somewhere.

Reformation, Casette Silk Dressreformation

Description

Constructed with more of a cowl neckline, with a beautifully lightweight silk charmeuse fabric, this would be perfectly matched with a pair of strappy heels.

The Party Dress

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©netflix

Emma's graduation ball dress is the definition of '80s glam. Sheer fabric printed with polka dots, adaptations of this blue dress with a modern update are, thankfully, plentiful.

Rebecca Vallance Whitney Polka-Dot Ruched Midi Dressmytheresa

Description

Rebecca Vallance's Polka Dot Midi Dress is ruched to high heavens, and finished with a heart-shaped belt, perfect for finding your soul mate at any 'do. No pressure.

Free People, Selkie The Ritz Dressfree people

Description

A Cinderella dress if ever there were one, wear this for weddings or just weekends when you're feeling extra.

The Yellow Vest And Jeans

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©Netflix

This would be no One Day outfit list without the iconic look from the first episode, and the poster. It's easy to recreate and will serve you well this summer.

Description

A beautifully sunny yellow, this top is the perfect layering tool for now – and the ideal throw-on-and-go summer piece.

Reformation, Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeansreformation

Description

These Reformation Jeans come in seven shades but the Colorado style is our favourite.

Kurt Geiger Taya BootKurt Geiger
Price: £69 (was £149)

www.kurtgeiger.com

Description

Finish off with the classic Taya stompers from Kurt Geiger, with gold hardware details around the upper and buckle strap.

The Greecian Holiday Outfit

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©Netflix

With a plan of island hopping in Greece, Emma and Dex represent most people in their twenties, trying to navigate life whilst pretending they have it all figured out. Mod packs a punch with this light, airy summer look.

Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue Little Lies Gingham Apron TopUrban Outfitters

Description

Modernise the basic gingham vest with this Kimchi Blue Apron Top, featuring a boat neck, adjustable spaghetti straps and an apron hem bodice with a backless effect to reverse.

H&M, Suit WaistcoatH&M
Price: £8 (was £12.99)

www2.hm.com

Description

If you want to smarten it up for the evening, this H&M waistcoat in light beige checks is sublime.

White Stuff, Matilda Crinkle Shorts, Blue/Multijohn lewis
Price: £32 (was £40)

www.johnlewis.com

Description

Light enough to pack into your suitcase, wear these with tank tops and oversized, breezy shirts.

Fat Face, Floral Border Hair Scarffat face

Description

This is perfect for keeping hair out of the way on windy days.

Mod and Woodall have previously played supporting roles in award-winning dramas, both giving performances which threatened to steal the show from the frontrunners. Mod stormed onto the scene with This Is Going To Hurt as Shruti, whilst Woodall plays his character Jack on White Lotus with charisma and nuance.

What Have One Day Reviews Said So Far?

The One Day reboot offers reparations for the 2011 film which was, sadly, a flop.

Carol Midgley at The Times wrote, 'I loved this adaptation, which is tender, funny, heartbreaking … and gorgeously shot.' She proceeded to give it a full five stars.

The BBC writer Neil Armstrong called One Day 'a perfectly judged adaptation of David Nicholls's bestselling 2009 novel' and warned viewers to 'prepare to laugh, prepare to cry, but don't miss it.' He has also given the series five stars.

In The Guardian, Chitra Ramaswamy wrote, 'Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall are extraordinary in this highly binge-able love story packed with magnificent nostalgia and a sublime soundtrack.'

Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Grazia, specialising in fashion and beauty. She loves finding dupes for clothes worn in TV & film, and is currently binge-watching Succession.

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