In the realm of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” the allure goes beyond the gripping mystery and stellar cast to encompass the impeccable wardrobe of Selena Gomez’s character, Mabel Mora.

Costume designer Dana Covarrubias, the genius behind Mabel’s distinctive style, dishes out the fashion formula that has graced the screen across all three seasons. In this deep dive, we explore the key elements, shopping insights, and Covarrubias’s go-to sources, allowing you to bring Mabel’s chic looks into your own closet.

Mabel’s Signature Aesthetic: A Symphony of Patterns and Colors

Mabel’s on-screen persona is a harmonious blend of patterned knits, vibrant coats, and statement hoop earrings. Covarrubias unveils the method behind the madness, explaining her thought process for crafting Mabel’s standout looks that effortlessly capture attention.

The Sweater Chronicles: Unveiling & Other Stories

For interior scenes, Covarrubias focuses on Mabel’s upper half, emphasizing remarkable sweaters with unique patterns or textures. The go-to shopping destination for these iconic pieces? & Other Stories. This budget-conscious choice, ranging from $50 to $200, ensures the show’s extensive character roster can be stylishly dressed without breaking the bank.

Diamond Sweater – The lovely diamond patterned collard sweater was sold out on & Other Stories, but no worries: we have a few good backups. Check out this checkered look from the same brand, currently on sale in both black-and-white and green.

Madewell Cable Turtleneck Sweater – This oversized turtleneck is ideal for relaxing with a great podcast. The sweater is nice to the touch and has some elasticity because it is a wool blend. The color options for the style include “basil” and “heather cinnabar.”

Skirts, Tights, and the Art of Balance

To complement oversized sweaters, Covarrubias opts for cute miniskirts, favoring a structured A-line silhouette. A shopping spree at Bloomingdale’s yields these gems, often made from pleather to strike the perfect balance.

“With an oversized sweater, I usually try to go with a cute little miniskirt. I’ll just go to Bloomingdale’s and hunt them down. I like to go with a structured, A-line [silhouette], and we like to use a lot of pleather. If the sweater’s very busy, I’ll go for something solid; if the sweater’s very simple, I’ll go for a pattern, like a plaid or a houndstooth.” Covarrubias said

Alice + Olivia Carter Vegan Leather Pleated Miniskirt

Madewell Buckle-Belt Wrap Miniskirt

Sheet tights become Mabel’s reliable companion, offering durability and a touch of 1960s nostalgia, echoing the spirit of Nancy Drew.

“We always use Sheertex tights, because they don’t rip — at all, ever — and what I like about them is that you can go super opaque or super sheer. She’s running around, doing stunts and wearing these tights over and over again, and they really don’t rip.

Grounded in Reality: The Right Shoes for a New York Woman

Mabel’s footwear reflects the practicality of a New York City woman. Lug-sole boots, chunky-heeled loafers, or oxfords dominate her shoe collection. Brands like Ganni, classic Doc Martens, and Office of Angela Scott make regular appearances, ensuring Mabel can navigate the city streets with ease.

“For Mabel, it’s got to be a lug-sole boot or a chunky-heeled loafer or oxford. When we were first coming up with ideas for Mabel’s character, that was really important for us: to have her in a shoe that’s realistic for a New York City woman. She can actually walk around all day!

“We use Ganni a lot, we’ve used classic Doc Martens a few times and for the chunky oxfords, I love Office of Angela Scott.”

Coats: Building Drama from the Outside In

Stepping outdoors transforms Mabel’s ensemble, with Covarrubias crafting entire outfits around the chosen coat. Whether it’s faux fur, leather, or vinyl, the emphasis is on texture, volume, and a detective-inspired aesthetic. The coat becomes a central piece, dictating the tone for Mabel’s outdoor appearances.

Sadly, the Maya long double-breasted coat in yellow, which was the original form of this statement piece, is sold out. But we will continue to scan the skies for this canary beauty, and in the meantime, we will present these exquisite dupes. For around $30, you can get a more affordable option from Amazon, or you can invest more and get a cashmere coat from Ralph Lauren that is now on sale.

The problem of the white wool coat in New York City is real: how can one manage to look effortlessly stylish when using public transit to move from one place to another? Selena Gomez is as intelligent as they come. This masterpiece, which is double breasted, is presently available at Zara and is made of 30% recycled cotton.

Signature Accessories: Hoops and Personalized Necklaces

No Mabel look is complete without the signature gold hoop earrings, a versatile accessory that varies in size based on the scene’s demands. Jennifer Fisher takes the spotlight as the preferred hoop provider. Adding a personal touch, Mabel dons necklaces crafted by Rellery, featuring an “M” pendant and a marigold insignia, paying homage to her Mexican heritage.

Rellery Marigold Initial Necklace

Now that we’ve dissected the components of Mabel’s enviable wardrobe, it’s time to make these looks your own. Follow the breadcrumbs to the recommended stores, incorporate the essential elements, and channel your inner Mabel with confidence and flair. Selena Gomez’s on-screen style is within reach – all you need is a detective’s eye for fashion.

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