Maisie Williams Recreated a '90s-Era Sandra Bullock Look at the 'Practical Magic 2' Premiere
Our take

The resurgence of ‘90s style continues its relentless march through the fashion landscape, and Maisie Williams’ recent red-carpet homage to a young Sandra Bullock at the *Practical Magic 2* premiere feels particularly resonant. It’s not merely a revival; it’s a considered reinterpretation, a subtle nod to a specific era of understated cool. The actor’s comment – “Pulling this look together felt like winning the Oscar” – speaks to the power of a well-executed vintage-inspired moment, a feeling of effortless chic achieved through mindful curation. We’ve seen this aesthetic explored before, particularly in the renewed interest in minimalist silhouettes and tailored separates; the recent trend of [The New '90s It Bag of Fall 2026 Is Here] highlights this return to classic, enduring pieces. This isn’t about recreating the decade wholesale, but rather distilling its essence into something modern and wearable. The broader shift away from maximalism, as evidenced by the popularity of [Full-Coverage Swimwear Defined Summer 2026], points to a collective desire for a quieter, more considered approach to style – a sentiment perfectly embodied by Williams’ look.
What makes this particular recreation so compelling is the inherent coolness of the original. Bullock in the ‘90s wasn't defined by overt glamour; instead, she projected an approachable, intelligent style, a confidence rooted in simplicity. Williams’ interpretation captures that essence without feeling like a costume. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of classic tailoring, a well-chosen slip dress, and the power of understated accessories. This resonates deeply with the current cultural moment, which values authenticity and self-assuredness over manufactured perfection. The emphasis on trousers over jeans, as discussed in [Hold the Jeans—IMO, These Trousers (Plus These Shoes) Look Far Chicer ], further reinforces this move towards a more sophisticated, elevated aesthetic. It’s about investing in pieces that transcend fleeting trends and speak to a timeless sense of style.
Beyond the specific look itself, this moment underscores a broader phenomenon: the cyclical nature of fashion and the increasing sophistication with which we engage with it. We’re not simply repeating past trends; we’re dissecting them, recontextualizing them, and integrating them into our own personal narratives. This is a far cry from the early 2000s revival, which often felt more literal and less nuanced. Today’s approach is about understanding the *why* behind a trend – the cultural context, the underlying values – and then translating that understanding into something fresh and relevant. It's about honoring the past while simultaneously forging a new path forward. This requires a level of discernment and a keen eye for detail, qualities that are increasingly valued in the current landscape.
Ultimately, Williams’ recreation of this iconic Sandra Bullock look serves as a reminder that true style is about more than just clothing; it's about embodying a feeling, projecting a confidence, and expressing a personal narrative. It begs the question: will this particular iteration of ‘90s cool become a defining aesthetic for the next generation, and if so, how will they adapt and evolve it to reflect their own unique perspectives? The cyclical nature of fashion ensures that we’ll continue to see echoes of the past, but it remains to be seen how these echoes will be shaped and reimagined in the years to come.
It's not every day that an actor gets the opportunity to work with Hollywood legends like Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. So, Maisie Williams—who plays Bullock's daughter in the sequel—is making the most of the Practical Magic 2 press tour. At the London premiere on August 26, Williams honored "her film mother" by recreating one of Bullock's red-carpet looks from the '90s.
Almost 30 years ago, at the 1999 Forces of Nature premiere (Bullock's rom-com with Ben Affleck), the actor stole the show in a boatneck top with cap sleeves and a low-rise, silk organza skirt. Both pieces were cut from the same oxblood shade of red, which would've worked on a Practical Magic red carpet the year prior. Like the '90s cool-girl that she was, Bullock wore a pink crystal-covered necklace choker-style.

Two-plus decades later, Williams cast a resurrection spell to bring the look back into the spotlight.

For the English Game of Thrones actor, the London premiere wasn't just another A-list affair. To make the homecoming one to remember, her stylist, Dino Bonačić, brought the bespoke red dress to life with his "dream collaborator," British designer Ellie Misner.
According to his post-premiere Instagram caption, the sleeveless corset top was "snatched" to reflect "the effect of a ruched T-shirt." But because Bonačić "wanted the look to feel fitted to a 2026 premiere of this scale," he added an elongated carpet-covering train to the "exuberant" skirt.

Yes, Williams looked every bit her movie mom's daughter, but that's not to say she didn't take a couple of creative liberties. Giving Bullock's '90s-style choker a high-fashion upgrade, Bulgari loaned the Game of Thrones actor a chunky diamond necklace with a rich-hued rubellite at the center.
To finish the look, Williams accessorized with serpent-shaped rings by Bulgari and a Roger Vivier clutch. On her feet, she wore Christian Louboutin platforms so high, they made "Maisie taller than her sister, Joey King, for the first time," according to Bonačić.

"Pulling this look together felt like winning the Oscar," Bonačić said of the trophy-worthy tribute.
It seems Bonačić and Williams have a slew of Bullock-inspired looks up their sleeves. "As soon as Maisie and I started talking about working together, I knew I wanted to pay homage to her film mother, who has epitomized the rebellious energy of the 1990s that Maisie oozes with herself," he wrote on Instagram.
Bullock has no qualms about this. The next morning, she even gave her on-screen daughter access to her archives: Williams wore the circa-2006 mermaid gown from the Infamous premiere, adding a witchy brooch to the neckline.
Now, it might've been more on-the-nose to channel Bullock's little black dress from the Practical Magic premiere in 1998. But since the cast will be serving looks from now until the theatrical release on September 11, maybe Williams is saving an homage to the silky corseted style for a screening in New York or L.A. Stay tuned. We know we will.
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