At times when the inspiration well runs dry, looking back to the well-heeled women of the past is a sure bet in finding stylish insight. Plus, there is nothing like a game of dress up to channel the glamour and style of old screen queens and ancient it-girls alike. I decided to try out a few of my favorite ladies’ look, each with a distinctive style to get your imagination going:
Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday:
However many times I see it, Roman Holiday never gets old. How could it not when a runaway princess, Vespas, Gregory Peck, and Roman adventures are all involved? Not to mention Ms. Hepburn’s big skirts, neckties, and adorable haircut. Throw on a high-waisted, full skirt and all you need is an Italian boyfriend.
Jane Birkin:
With knee-weakening bangs and laid back style, Gainsbourg’s gal has plenty of style points for the taking.
Jean Seberg as Patricia in Breathless:
“Herald Tribune for Sale!” Sure, the adorable, pixie-haired Patricia may fall for the wrong guy and be a bit naïve, but her penchant for sailor stripes is certainly not a weak point. In a scene from the film, Patricia asks a director, “Do you think a woman has a role to play in modern society?” to which he responds, “Yes, if she is charming, has a striped dress and wears dark glasses.” However out-dated the question may be, dark glasses and striped dresses are forever in fashion.
Diane Keaton in Annie Hall:
Despite, and most-likely in light of her anxious babble, dangerous driving skills, and ditsy disposition, Annie Hall is an all time favorite, and her style is as uncanny as she is. Carrying on the menswear tradition established by vixens such as Marlene Dietrich, Ms. Hall sports vests, hats and trousers that should find their way into a closet near you.
Go ahead, try it! There are plenty of movies and old-school starlettes ripe with stylish ideas, such as Nancy of Sid and Nancy, Anna Karina, or Irma from Irma La Douce. Dress up isn’t just for kids, Uglies.
