How to dress like Uzo Aduba: Blazers, bobs, and main character energy

Uzo Aduba wearing a black dress with studded shoulders and oversized sleeves at the 2025 Fashion Trust event, via @uzoaduba on Instagram; Uzo Aduba wearing her signature side part during The Residence press tour via Talkingwithtami.com; Uzo Aduba in a stunning beige Cong Tri dress at the 2021 Tony Awards via JustJared.com.

Uzo Aduba commands the room effervescently, and her wardrobe does exactly the same.

Uzo Aduba doesn’t just dress up, she commands attention. Fresh off her powerful role in Painkiller and now leading the cast in Netflix’s The Residence, Uzo Aduba serves on-screen range and off-screen style. Most of us first met her as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black, a role that earned her two Emmy Awards, a Critic’s Choice Award and a SAG Award.

Uzo’s fashion choices mirror her acting—bold, nuanced and impossible to ignore. She balances elegance with ease, structure with softness, and often finishes her look with a signature bob we can’t stop admiring. If her style has ever made you take notes, this guide is for you. Here’s how to dress like Uzo Aduba, with fashion tips you can apply to your style.

Tailored to turn heads

(left to right): Uzo Aduba wearing a full yellow Christian Siriano suit, shared via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing a Balenciaga hourglass houndstooth blazer paired with a matching pencil skirt, shared via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing a brown full suit, shared via @uzoaduba on Instagram.
Image credit (left to right): Uzo Aduba wearing a full yellow Christian Siriano suit via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing a Balenciaga hourglass houndstooth blazer with matching pencil skirt via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing a brown full suit via @uzoaduba on Instagram.

A structured blazer is Uzo Aduba’s style staple, and she wears it powerfully. From sharp shoulders to perfectly cinched waists, her tailored pieces strike the right balance between confidence and elegance. It doesn’t matter if she’s wearing a complete set,  layering it over a jumpsuit or with wide-leg trousers; the message is clear: a strong blazer makes a statement. Invest in one with a bold silhouette for an instant, elevated transformation.

Maxi energy, minimal effort

Left to right: Uzo Aduba wearing a free-flowing mint Ferragamo dress, shared via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing a maxi pastel pink Christian Siriano dress, shared via @uzoaduba on Instagram.
Image credit (Left to right): Uzo Aduba wearing her free-flowing mint Ferragamo dress. Uzo Aduba wearing a maxi pastel pink Christian Siriano dress via @uzoaduba on Instagram.

Uzo knows that making a statement isn’t only about sharp lines, sometimes, softness gets it right. Her flowing dresses are the perfect blend of grace and ease, made with lightweight fabrics that move with intention. They bring effortless elegance, proving that comfort and sophistication can coexist. Take a cue from Uzo and add a few breezy pieces with fluid silhouettes to your wardrobe.

Lengthening in style- Uzo’s formula

Left to right: Uzo Aduba in a floral Cristina Ehrlich midi dress, shared via @uzoaduba on Instagram; Uzo Aduba wearing a green Cristina Ehrlich two-piece shirt and tailored trousers; Uzo Aduba in a silk blush midi dress, shared via @uzoaduba on Instagram
Left to right: Uzo Aduba in a floral Cristina Ehrlich midi dress via @uzoaduba on Instagram; Uzo Aduba wearing a green Cristina Ehrlich two-piece shirt and tailored trousers via @uzoaduba on Instagram; Uzo Aduba in a silk blush midi dress during the press run for The Residence via @uzoaduba on Instagram.

Uzo masterfully wears outfits that flatter her. Her wardrobe is a collection of midi dresses and matching sets that elongate her silhouette and give her legs an endless look. It’s a style choice that never fails. With this choice, she demonstrates the power of knowledge in styling. These classic outfits create a flattering effect and also offer versatility, seamlessly transitioning for events. It’s a smart and stylish formula that guarantees confidence and poise.

To steal Uzo’s formula, opt for midi hems and co-ord sets that cinch your waist to lengthen your frame effortlessly.

The perfect shoulder action

Left to right: Uzo Aduba in a floral Cristina Ehrlich midi dress via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing a green Cristina Ehrlich two-piece shirt and tailored trousers via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba in a silk blush midi dress during the press run for The Residence via @uzoaduba on Instagram.
Image credit (left to right): Uzo Aduba in a floral Cristina Ehrlich midi dress via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing a green Cristina Ehrlich two-piece shirt and tailored trousers via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba in a silk blush midi dress during the press run for The Residence via @uzoaduba on Instagram.

Uzo Aduba knows the power and allure of a good shoulder moment. Her outfits may be modest in cut, but she never shies away from showcasing her elegant shoulders. Whether it’s through off-the-shoulder gowns, monostrap dresses, or strapless styles, if it highlights her clavicle, she’ll stun in it. This subtle detail brings a touch of timeless elegance with the right amount of sexiness.

To emulate this effortlessly chic style, opt for asymmetric or off-the-shoulder styles that frame your neckline beautifully. You’ll achieve the perfect balance of sophistication and allure.

Mastering the bob: Effortless and iconic

Left to right: Uzo Aduba wearing her signature side-part bob at the 2022 Tony Awards via People.com. Uzo Aduba with her signature side-part at the 2024 Vanity Fair Party via @uzoaduba on Instagram.
Image credit (left to right): Uzo Aduba wearing her signature side-part bob at the 2022 Tony Awards via People.com. Uzo Aduba with her signature side-part at the 2024 Vanity Fair Party via @uzoaduba on Instagram.

Uzo’s bob is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement. Styled with a deep side part or sleek and centred, her bob exudes sophistication with face-framing perfection. The glossy, sharp angles elevate her look, highlighting her face and adding an allure of grown-up confidence. To channel Uzo’s signature style, pair your sleek bob with clean, structured pieces in your wardrobe. The result is a sharp, chic look that commands attention.

Subtle, glowing perfection

Left to right: Uzo Aduba wearing nude makeup at The Residence LA premiere via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing her signature side part during The Residence press tour via Talkingwithtami.com.
Image credit (left to right): Uzo Aduba wearing nude makeup at The Residence LA premiere via @uzoaduba on Instagram. Uzo Aduba wearing her signature side part during The Residence press tour via Talkingwithtami.com.

Uzo’s makeup is the epitome of understated beauty. She embraces nude tones, dewy skin, and eyes that enhance her natural features. It’s a polished look that complements her outfits and never competes. To achieve this glowing makeup look, opt for nude shades that highlight your natural features while keeping everything else balanced and fresh. This delivers a flawless finish that lets your outfit and confidence take centre stage.

Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp in “The Residence”: Earthy comfort meets murder mystery

Uzo Aduba in an earthy look with edgy silhouettes on the set of The Residence, shared via NBC.com
Image credit: Uzo Aduba showcasing her comfy style in Netflix’s The Residence, via NBC.com

In “The Residence,” Uzo Aduba’s character, Detective Cordelia Cupp, nails sophisticated, no-nonsense style. Think structured tweed blazers, crisp button-up shirts, tailored vests, and trousers that scream professionalism with a modern edge. It’s polished, sharp, and sleek, perfect for anyone who wants to look like they’re in charge. Tailored blazers and trousers with clean lines and timeless fabrics create an effortlessly polished look.

To dress like Uzo Aduba is to dress like a confident, self-aware woman. She balances elegance and power effortlessly and softly. From her power blazers to flowing dresses, Uzo proves that personal style isn’t about following trends—it’s about embracing what works for you.

Confidence shines brightest when you dress to highlight your natural beauty and unique personality. Channel Uzo’s bold yet understated approach and elevate your looks with empowering pieces.

Author

  • Meet Oshorena, fashion-forward and redefining style one trend at a time. Oshorena brings a fresh perspective to the world of fashion and beauty writing, infusing her work with youthful energy and an unapologetic love for all things stylish. From dissecting the latest runway looks to uncovering hidden gems in the world of skincare, she's your go-to guide for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and beauty.

    View all posts Fashion & Beauty Writer
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