Where would we be without Euphoria’s fashion influence? Since its premiere in 2019, the Sam Levinson series has gone from a teen drama phenomenon to a trend-setting cultural force. With season 3 approaching, fans received a welcome dose of the show’s stylized aesthetic when several members of the cast reunited on December 18. In true Euphoria fashion, each star’s look was more distinct than the last, and, as it turns out, maybe a little symbolic of their character.

Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney and Maude Apatow all gathered at The Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles for an awards season event. Following a screening of the fifth episode of season 2, the actors participated in a panel discussion where they revealed future hopes for their fictional teen counterparts, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

We couldn’t help but notice how the celebs’ ensembles majorly strayed from their respective on-screen styles. After all, fashion in Euphoria is nothing if not strategic. Throughout the series, costume designer Heidi Bivens has famously used clothing to illustrate each character’s personal arc. Thus, their real-life fashion choices may just tell us something about season 3.

Look no further than Zendaya. As an executive producer and star of the series, the 26-year-old has high hopes for the development of her character, Rue Bennett, who struggles with drug addiction. Wearing oversized hoodies, no makeup and long hair that is perpetually in her face, Rue’s style shows how she doesn’t exactly have it all together. She is the antithesis of preppy fashion, but Zendaya delivered this exact aesthetic to promote the show, wearing a checkered Schiaparelli skirt paired with a button-up collared top. She finished the put-together ensemble with a brand-new sleek bob.

Was this a nod to her optimism about Rue’s trajectory? It’s not that far-fetched to argue yes. “I want people to know that there is something beautiful inside of her, whether she can see it at that time or not,” Zendaya said at the event. She went on to share that her biggest wish for Rue is to find happiness. “I just hope for a little bit of joy and for her just to be able to breathe and love without the fear of losing.”

On the other hand, Hunter Schafer, whose character Jules Vaughn goes from hyper-feminine in season 1 to edgy and androgynous in season 2, marked the occasion in an understated Rick Owens ensemble. Sporting a one-shoulder top and asymmetrical skirt with light makeup and chunky black boots, Schafer’s elegant ensemble emitted self-assured energy — something Jules is missing. Notably, during the Q&A, she said, “I think the product of Jules’ vice that she’s looking for is closeness with other people,” adding that she’s seeking safety and non-judgemental connections, but it doesn’t always work out that way.

Or take Cassie Howard (played by Sydney Sweeney) who has an often risqué, brightly coloured, shapeshifting wardrobe that represents how she doesn’t really know who she is. Sweeney, conversely, channelled down-to-earth schoolgirl subtly in an oversized Thom Brown get-up. Naturally, she noted how Cassie is always searching for a sense of family in everyone else. Interesting.

Then we have Cassie’s younger sister Lexi Howard (played by Maude Apatow), whose conservative style signifies her tendency to underestimate herself. In a delightful turn of events, Apatow sported the most risk-taking look of all in an asymmetrical cut-out velvet dress by Rodarte. At the event, she said she hopes that going forward, Lexi can free herself from “negative self-talk.” Step one: wear a dress like this.

While the premiere date for the third season has yet to be confirmed, it is speculated that it could arrive as soon as early 2023. Along with Zendaya, Schafer, Sweeney and Apatow, fan favourites Alexa Demie (who plays Maddy), Jacob Elordi (Nate) and Dominic Fike (Elliot) are reportedly set to return. Unfortunately, season 3 will notably be missing Barbie Ferreira’s character, Kat, who announced her shocking departure from the series in August 2022.

Today, Euphoria can be described as a show where everyone makes really bad decisions — except when it comes to their outfit choices. With award season around the corner, the cast is clearly using their chic style to generate buzz for a new instalment of the teen drama. And if these looks are any indication, Euphoria season 3 will yet again be a very fashionable affair.

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