Nearly 14 years ago, “The Devil Wears Prada” hit theaters. It reaffirmed our love for Meryl Streep and taught us essential fashion tips–but there’s more to this film than a lecture on the difference between cerulean and other shades of blue. In fact, it shows us how to be successful across many facets of life.
Here are six lessons you can take away from “The Devil Wears Prada.”
1. Embrace Change
Sometimes, you need to play a role to fit a certain part. In “The Devil Wears Prada,” Anne Hathaway’s character Andy faces change as she switches jobs. At first, she’s nervous and insecure–after all, she’s never worked as a personal assistant for a fashion magazine’s editor-in-chief. Eventually, she realizes that she needs to rearrange her approach.
Andy starts to dress differently, which allows her to adopt an assured, confident persona. As a result, she becomes a better employee. If you feel like a change could promote your place at work, encourage your team to take a leap. Open the lines of communication, encourage people to ask questions and set goals. You shouldn’t alter every part of yourself to fit a new identity, but everyone could use an improvement or two.
When you get dressed, prepare to send a message. For example, a black suit can exude certain dominant traits like power and leadership.”
2. Try, Try, Try
A lot of us have felt like Andy before. We pursue a different job opportunity or enter a new relationship. Later on, we may want to quit whenever we encounter a significant problem. Andy says that she doesn’t want to try, because Miranda, Meryl Streep’s character, won’t acknowledge her success. When she fails, Miranda notices, so why should she try at all?
Miranda’s trusted stylist, Nigel, tells Andy that she’s replaceable. If she doesn’t want to work there, she should quit. When you don’t maintain a resilient attitude–the ability to adapt to life-changing situations–you can’t achieve your goals. Though it takes time and effort, it’s important to do your best to push through. If Andy resigned, she wouldn’t have made it to Paris–or found a position at her dream company.
3. Always Look Your Best
A scene from “The Devil Wears Prada” (Fox 2000 Pictures, 2006).
Whether you’re on a date or at a job interview, first impressions matter. We don’t like to think that appearances make a difference, but they do. Sure, Andy works at a renowned fashion magazine, so everyone’s a little judgmental. In the real world, those hyper-aware senses aren’t always present. People can still look and observe, though–and it pays to look your best.
When you get dressed, prepare to send a message. For example, a black suit can exude certain dominant traits like power and leadership. What employer doesn’t want to hire a candidate that displays confidence? In any case, make sure that you look and feel your best.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
A lot of people can’t say no. They want to please others, so they take on a laundry list of responsibilities. Sometimes, it’s best to be a little selfish. At the end of “The Devil Wears Prada,” Andy finally learns how to take control of her destiny. She tosses her cell phone into a fountain and takes a step toward a better career. She’s come a long way as a person, and this step confirms her strength.
When you can say no freely, you show others that you’re both empowered and self-assured–and it’s up to you to maintain control. Though a few people won’t like this change, their opinions shouldn’t make a difference. For once, it’s essential to live for your own benefit instead of anyone else’s. It takes Andy an entire movie to realize that selfishness can be beneficial, so there’s no rush.
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5. Fake It Till You Make It
We can’t all be as self-confident as Miranda, who walks into a room and demands immediate attention. That said, it’s essential to find a balance. No, you shouldn’t lie or change to fit a particular cliché. Instead, you can use specific body language habits to make yourself look bolder. Maintain eye contact when speaking with someone, stand up straight and always offer a firm handshake.
You won’t turn into Miranda overnight, but that’s perfectly fine–no one really wants to be her. Still, these small alterations can make you appear slightly more confident when necessary.
Adopt These Approaches from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’
This classic chick-flick offers a ton of essential life lessons that we can apply to our daily lives. Take a few notes from Andy and Miranda so that you can transform every aspect of your life.
