Sophie Skelton has officially wrapped filming for the final season of Outlander, but her journey with the beloved Starz series is far from over. As the show celebrates its monumental 10th anniversary, Skelton joined her co-stars Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, and Richard Rankin for PaleyFest’s opening night in New York City to honor the series’ enduring legacy. With part two of season seven set to premiere on November 22 and the eighth and final season on the horizon, Skelton embraced the moment to reflect on the show’s impact—and to celebrate in style.
For the special occasion, Skelton rocked a modern twist on the dress-over-pants trend, stepping out in a flowing pearly white David Koma dress layered over black wide-leg pants. She completed the look with sleek Gianvito Rossi pointed-toe heels and dazzling Repossi jewelry. Her hair was styled in a slicked-back look, a far cry from the period costumes and curls of her on-screen persona, Brianna MacKenzie.
Reflecting on wrapping up the series, Skelton shared her gratitude on Instagram. “Words cannot express the gratitude owed to each and every hard-working cast and crew member who brought this incredible series to life and every single fan who supports it with passion, creativity, and dedication,” she wrote. “Outlander really is more than just a show, it’s a family. While filming might be ending, there’s so much more to this journey that’s just beginning. We can’t wait for you to see it.”
The evening wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was also about embracing the moment. Below, Skelton takes us behind the scenes as she prepared for her big night in the Big Apple.
The Day of the Premiere
“It takes a village,” Skelton admits with a smile. After a full day of press, the team worked tirelessly to get everything in place for the premiere. “All hands on deck!”
Between steaming her white silk ensemble and perfecting her look, Skelton savored the excitement while joking about the challenge of keeping the delicate fabric pristine. “Excited for the pressure to keep this white silk unscathed… eeeek,” she quipped.
One unique touch was her decision to highlight her beauty spot. “My beauty spot always gets removed in post-production as they think it’s a zit,” she shared playfully. “So I’m reclaiming it tonight!”
Embracing New York Energy
Before stepping into the spotlight, Skelton took a quiet moment to enjoy the New York City skyline. “Seeing NYC from its heights and glory really calms me down,” she reflected. The city’s buzz contrasted with her serene pre-event ritual, grounding her before the event’s “beautiful madness.”
A Touch of Timeless Elegance
For Skelton, the evening’s fashion was about balance. “I love a timeless, classy feel, but with a bit of an edge and room for dancin’,” she said. Quoting Audrey Hepburn, she added, “Life’s a party. Dress like it.”
Her timeless yet modern aesthetic was complemented by a sentimental touch—a vintage Polaroid camera she takes to capture life’s special moments. “I’m a sucker for a photo being taken of a photo being taken,” she shared with a laugh, snapping the last rays of sunlight in her mirror before heading out.