From Mexico to New York: Jenna Ortega Promotes Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in Soft Gothic Designer Dresses and Statement Shoes

In August 2024, Jenna Ortega returned to the media spotlight, showcasing her signature gothic-glam style while promoting her fantasy comedy horror film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Jenna Ortega showcases her signature goth aesthetic for the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice press tour in New York and Mexico (Credit: Roger Wong / Dave Allocca / Starpix / EyePix / INSTARimages)

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz

Since her breakout role portraying the titular character Wednesday, Jenna Ortega has been drawn to playing mysterious, darker roles. After appearing in the slasher movies X, Scream V, and Scream VI, she is now slated to play Astrid Deetz, the rebellious teenage daughter of Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), known as the goth girl in the 1988 film Beetlejuice.

The sequel to Beetlejuice, the second film of the Beetlejuice franchise, takes place 36 years after the events of Beetlejuice (1988).

Following Charles Deetz’s untimely death, his widow Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara), together with their daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder), Lydia’s daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), and husband Rory (Justin Theroux), return to Winter River. When the rebellious Astrid discovers the mysterious town model in the attic, she accidentally opens the door to the afterlife, releasing Betelgeuse and upending Lydia’s life.

Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, and Justin Theroux star in the 1988 Beetlejuice sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Although I am eager to see Ortega in more colorful outfits one day, I must admit that her gothic ensembles for the film’s press run make sense, considering its tone. But unlike her Wednesday promotional wardrobe, Ortega’s outfit choices for the Beetlejuice sequel are trendier and more laid back—no eerie floor-length black dress or gothic laces.

Ortega’s press-tour wardrobe, curated with the help of stylist Enrique Melendez, feels fresh and fashion-forward — and her shoe choices are just as captivating.

Preppy Schoolgirl Chic: Thom Browne Tartan Skirt & Mary Jane Brogues

Those who watched the original Beetlejuice might recognize Ortega’s ensemble, modeled after a look worn by young Lydia Deetz.

It included an A-line pleated plaid skirt, a white cropped shirt, and a school jacket with a gold wreath embroidered on one chest, all in homage to her character, Astrid’s mother.

Ortega’s $450 Thom Browne shirt was cut from white cotton Oxford fabric and had striped grosgrain armbands, a round collar, a chest pocket, and a name tag right above the rounded hem.

Her $1,161 tartan-patterned twill pleated skirt featured Thom Browne’s iconic dropped-back design.

Jenna Ortega wears a schoolgirl outfit featuring a Thom Browne tartan skirt, a cropped shirt, and a school blazer similar to what Winona Ryder’s young Lydia Deetz character wore in the original Beetlejuice movie (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

I am digging the Beetlejuice references here! In addition to honoring Winona Ryder’s 1988 outfit, Ortega carried a bag in the shape of a book that alluded to the guidebook shown in the movie. It was titled Handbook For the Recently Deceased, but French designer Marc Ozias gave it a witty update, replacing “Handbook” with “Handbag.”

Ortega wore her shiny black hair in soft waves and hid her eyes behind tortoiseshell Barton Perreira sunnies—though I would have rather had it taken off.

She kept her jewelry understated, opting for just two standout rings: a $14,000 Suzanne Kalan Golden Milli Stacker Diamond Eternity Band set with 2.20 carats of baguette-cut white diamonds, and a Rainbow K Empress Ring crafted in 18k gold with 2.20 carats of baguette and channel-set sapphires accented by 1 carat of round pavé-set white diamonds.

Jenna Ortega carries a bespoke Ozias book-shaped bag that references the guidebook, Handbook For The Recently Deceased, in the movie (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Naturally, Ortega gave her ensemble a high-fashion modern spin. She donned navy-and-white Mary Jane brogues instead of the all-black shoes and black knee-high socks Winona Ryder wore in the original film.

I love how these shoes combine masculine and feminine elements to create a timeless pair. They look rugged in navy pebble-grain leather with white trims and perforated brogue detailing, yet ladylike with double Mary Jane buckled straps and 4-inch block heels. Of course, they are finished with Thom Browne’s signature striped grosgrain loop tab at the back.

Jenna Ortega teams her preppy schoolgirl outfit with Thom Browne’s Mary Jane brogues designed with perforations, crisscross straps, wingtips, and block heels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Monochrome Drama: Agent Provocateur Corset, Cong Tri Blazer & Le Silla Pumps

Jenna Ortega mastered the art of high-contrast dressing as she left the Today Show studios, channeling a modern-day Cruella de Vil with a look that felt equal parts youthful and trend-driven.

Proving she’s one to watch in fashion, Ortega layered three designer pieces: a corset from Agent Provocateur, a blazer from Cong Tri, and a midi skirt from Cider.

Her bold half-and-half corset top, with one side being white and the other black, was undoubtedly the main attraction of the ensemble. The busk front fastening, padded bra cups, and strapless sweetheart neckline added to its beautiful elements, making it quite appealing.

Ortega wore the striking corset underneath an oversized black Cong Tri blazer ($1,384) draped over her shoulders. The blazer, constructed from black twill, has peak lapels and side flap pockets.

Jenna paired it with a black satin midi skirt for a hint of feminine elegance. Its tie waist added to its beauty!

Jenna Ortega channels Cruella de Vil in a half-black, half-white Agent Provocateur corset top, oversized Cong Tri blazer, and Cider satin midi skirt (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

I appreciate Jenna’s decision to go minimal with her accessories, allowing the ensemble to speak for itself. She wore a delicate Solo for Diamonds necklace with Ukrainian lab-grown diamonds, earrings, and a black-face silver watch.

I think black heels are the ideal finishing touch for an all-black ensemble. Jenna decided on the Le Silla “Uma” shoes, which Dove Cameron was seen wearing in June.

They are elegant but sexy, with 5.5-inch razor-thin stiletto heels supported by comfy 1-inch platforms. The sleek black patent construction and slender wraparound slingback strap add to their seductive appeal.

Jenna Ortega completes her black-and-white ensemble with Le Silla Uma slingback pumps in glossy black patent leather (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Soft Goth Glam: Dolce & Gabbana Skirt Suit & Platform Sandals

Jenna Ortega kicked off the Beetlejuice press tour in New York City with a soft-glam take on Morticia Addams. In contrast to her more playful choices on the media circuit, she chose something more sophisticated for a photocall in New York City.

She donned a black pinstripe skirt suit by Dolce & Gabbana, crafted in Italy from a luxurious wool blend. It was fashioned with classic suiting elements like princess seams, front buttons, and besom pockets, but it was given a contemporary twist with a sweetheart neckline and a waist-defining silhouette. I love how it created a peplum-like detail that I think looks great on modern women like Ortega.

Jenna teamed the jacket with the $99.50 Pinstripe Ponte skirt, which has matching classic pinstripes and a feminine flared silhouette.

The outfit isn’t bad, but it’s probably my least favorite from Ortega in this era. I actually think it’s giving off powerful mafia boss energy, not a gothic vibe. Her more carefree and youthful wardrobe appeals to me more.

Jenna Ortega opts for a more mature and sophisticated look, channeling her inner mafia boss in a black pinstripe Dolce & Gabbana skirt suit at the New York photocall for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Enhancing the elegance of the ensemble, Ortega accessorized with Mikimoto diamond earrings and Solo for Diamonds rings. These include the $4,065 14k White Gold Ring with 26 2.68ct. round diamonds, the $2,200 14k White Gold Ring Solo by Olga Kharlan with round lab-grown diamonds, and the $2,450 White Gold Ring Solo By 2153 with pear-cut lab-grown diamonds.

Bobby Eliot fashioned Jenna’s raven hair in sleek, subtle waves, while Melanie Inglessis gave her a ’90s glam with soft, smokey winged eyeliner and brown lip liner. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see her makeup in its entirety because she was wearing a set of Dolce & Gabbana DG logo sunglasses.

Considering her 5’1” height, which is significantly shorter than the average American woman, I wasn’t surprised that she wore really tall platform sandals for the photocall. They’re chunky and add a contemporary element to the classic pinstripe skirt suit.

Jenna chose the “Keira” sandals by Dolce & Gabbana. They are crafted from glossy black patent leather and are secured to the ankles with slim buckled ankle straps. They are set on 1.5-inch platforms and 6-inch block heels with gold-tone DG hardware.

Are you looking to boost your height? Mytheresa has them on sale for $737 (from $1,053).

Jenna Ortega pairs her pinstripe skirt suit with Dolce & Gabbana open-toe platform sandals, showcasing her blood-red pedicure (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Teal Twist: Custom Lurline Dress & Le Silla “Eva” Pumps

Though black is typically associated with all things gothic, Jenna deviated from this color scheme and showed up at a fan gathering in Mexico wearing a teal outfit that truly echoed the movie’s iconic green motif.

At first glance, I thought Jenna was straying from the gothic style of her press tour wardrobe since the ensemble appeared to have a sculptural floral bodice. But the tiny details hold the key to its gothic secret. Looking closely, you can see that the corset is covered in skull sculptures instead of flowers.

This makes sense because, in addition to the fact that it is for a Beetlejuice Beetlejuice event, the ensemble was custom-made by Lurline, a Saudi Arabia-based label noted for its feminine, soft goth aesthetic.

Jenna Ortega pays tribute to Beetlejuice’s shrunken head by wearing a custom Lurline corset top with three shrunken heads and a skirt with leather cords that resemble the character’s sewn mouth (Credit: EyePix / INSTARimages)

The corset top is originally part of Lurline’s fifth collection, designed by Sarah and Siham Albinali, the siblings who founded the label. Jenna’s version, however, was created with the help of her stylist Enrique Melendez.

The masterpiece pays homage to the shrunken head from the first film and Bob from the Beetlejuice sequel. On the corset are three shrunken skulls with draping waves that mimic the character’s wrinkly appearance. It was paired with a skirt designed with leather cords that mirrored the character’s stitched-up mouth.

“Enrique had the brilliant idea to alter our molded skull motif into something resembling the iconic shrunken heads from Beetlejuice, specifically Bob from the new film,” the Albinali siblings said in a statement.

Jenna Ortega enhances the eerie vibe of the look by wearing pewter blue eyeliner, blood-red lipstick, and matching nails (Credit: EyePix / INSTARimages)

In keeping with the teal motif of the ensemble, Jenna carried the $450 emerald green “Amina” bag, a signature style from Ahikoza. Its structural top knot, which doubles as a top handle or clutch, makes it instantly identifiable.

Jenna wore David Yurman diamond drop earrings and rings from Rachel Katz, Brosway, and Solo for Diamonds to add a dash of glitz to the macabre outfit.

Melanie Inglessis applied rose lips and pewter blue eyeliner on her, while Bobby Eliot wrapped her hair in a half-down, half-up style accentuated by a flower headpiece from Florever MX at the back.

A pair of Le Silla “Eva” pumps in the same teal hue completed the outfit. They may be simple, but I like how they complemented the ensemble and allowed it to speak for itself. Celebrities, like Zendaya, Eva Longoria, Regina King, Kristen Stewart, and Heidi Klum, love them.

They have a streamlined silhouette, pointed toes, and 4.7-inch slim stiletto heels. They are available in several hues and range in price from $364 to $797 on Farfetch.

Jenna Ortega completes a monochromatic teal look by teaming her Lurline outfit with teal Le Silla Eva pumps (Credit: EyePix / INSTARimages)

Punk Princess: Vivienne Westwood Archive Dress & Custom Steve Madden Mary Janes

The perfect look to kick off the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice press tour! Ortega flew to Mexico, bringing a stunning piece that her stylist, Enrique Melendez, unearthed from the vaults of Vivienne Westwood’s Spring/Summer 2009.

It’s a nude tulle minidress that evokes a ballerina princess with its off-the-shoulder draped neckline, accentuated with bows at the shoulders and fanciful layers of tulle around the scalloped skirt. Its punk rock appeal—a Vivienne Westwood signature—stems from the reflective black PVC embroideries referencing the eerie sandworm from Beetlejuice.

Jenna Ortega goes punk princess goth in an archival Vivienne Westwood off-the-shoulder mini dress featuring nude tulle layers and a reflective black PVC embroidery that mimics the eerie sandworm from Beetlejuice (Credit: EyePix / INSTARimages)

The ensemble is so beautiful that I don’t think jewelry is necessary, but Ortega upped the ante with $1,160 Anabela Chan Black Diamond Twinkle Ear Jackets. She also adorned her blood-red manicured hands with Maison H rings, including the $6,430 18k White Gold Skin Ring with 0.07ct. black diamonds and the $7,140 18k White Gold Skin Ring with 2.96ct. black diamonds.

In terms of footwear, Ortega wore specially made Steve Madden shoes created in collaboration with her stylist, Melendez.

They are a classic pointed-toe Mary Jane style crafted from snake-effect leather with white lacing at the heel counters, adding to the Beetlejuice reference. They are finished with a strap across the vamp, thick platforms, and towering heels that add a few inches to Ortega’s petite frame.