Angelina Jolie’s recent off-duty look in New York City—a sweeping black bouclé cape coat layered over a champagne silk slip dress—was a masterclass in timeless elegance. But for fashion historians and long-time followers of the star’s style, the ensemble was also a striking case of fashion déjà vu .
The 47-year-old actress and humanitarian was photographed in Manhattan, accessorizing the look with a black Saint Laurent clutch and nude pointed-toe heels . While the contemporary styling was polished and refined, the silhouette was a near-perfect recreation of a look Jolie wore to the CableACE Awards in 1997 .
At that earlier event, a young Jolie donned a black velvet caped coat over a lilac floor-length slip dress, cementing her status as a burgeoning style icon . The similarity between the two outfits, worn roughly 25 years apart, highlights how Jolie’s fashion sensibility—a penchant for dramatic outerwear and minimalist slip dresses—has remained a consistent throughline in her career .
The cape has long been a favorite of the star for making bold sartorial statements . She has been spotted in the dramatic silhouette as recently as 2024 and 2026, proving the look is a staple of her elegant wardrobe . Whether attending the Paris premiere of her film Couture or a private screening in London, Jolie continues to return to the cape for its blend of glamour and effortless sophistication .
The 2023 New York sighting was a particular treat for fans, as it was a rare off-duty moment shared with her eldest daughter, Zahara . It served not only as a tribute to her own fashion history but also as a reminder of the enduring power of a well-tailored silhouette. As fashion publications noted at the time, the look was a “major fashion flashback” that proved Jolie’s signature style is as relevant today as it was at the dawn of her career
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
