Inspired by… Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette is a movie that portrays the rich life of one of France’s most famous queens. If you haven’t seen this movie, rent it immediately! You’ll be captivated by the lavishness of Marie Antoinette’s royal lifestyle, including everything from eloquent banquets to breathtaking gowns with tiers and tiers of pastel fabrics.
Elements of Fashion in Marie Antoinette:
There are many fashion motifs in Marie Antoinette, all of which will trigger inspiration and awe. I will review some of the most prominent elements of fashion within the movie, along with my modern interpretations.
If you haven’t seen the film, I hope to give you a taste of the costumes in this film, and maybe inspire you to go rent it! If you have seen the movie, my wish is that you recall the intricacy of the ensembles and maybe find a way to create your own modern translation!
The Marie Antoinette Color Palette
The color palette of this movie is definitely in the pastel range. For neutrals, ivory is the most prominent, whereas other popular colors include baby blue, light pink, and mint green.
My Interpretation:
Pastels are usually spring colors; however, for my interpretation I tried to incorporate a pastel piece with fall/winter hues for a look you could wear right now. (Just add your favorite coat!)
Product Information: Vanessa Bruno Silk Dress- The Outnet, Cuffed Suedette Boots- Forever 21, Silence & Noise Double Breasted Blazer in Ivory- Urban Outfitters, Vintage Black Beret- TopShop
Volume and Proportion
The garments in this movie have a lot of volume. From men’s puffy sleeves to hoop-style skirts, bigger was definitely better during that era. Even their hair styles were full!
My Interpretation:
I think the best way to pull off this look is to have one piece that has a lot of volume. I chose to do a full skirt in my look with a ruffled bottom! Other options could include puffy sleeves on a cocoon jacket or a fuller hairstyle for a change!
Product Information: Ruffled Hem Shimmer Skirt- Forever 21, Ivory Seamless Cami- Charlotte Russe, Stencil Flower Cardigan- TopShop, Funnel Shoulder Bag- Forever 21, Black Tights- Figleaves, Black Ankle Boots by INC- Macy’s
Embellishments and Details
Every outfit in the movie has such fine detail – the artistry and craftsmanship are very inspiring. One of the most noticeable elements in the movie is the use of embellishments, including lace and beading. It’s all very over-the-top and fabulous!
My Interpretation:
Again, keep the embellishment focused to one garment and accompany that piece with neutral accents. Remember: less is more!
Product Information: Lace “Jennifer” Dress- Fred Flare, Miss Me Women’s Muse Flat- Endless.com, Distressed Wide Headband- Forever 21, Priorities Silk Blend Cardigan- Bluefly
Floral Motifs
Florals are used everywhere in the movie and are reminiscent of the famous French royal gardens.
My Interpretation:
For my interpretation of the Marie Antoinette floral look, I wanted to juxtapose a floral with something more edgy to make it modern. I chose to pair a floral dress with over-the-knee boots. To keep the look fresh and modern, go with floral prints that have larger, more exaggerated flowers. Smaller floral prints can sometimes look too much like something from a baby nursery.
Product Information: Pretty Petunias Garden Dress- Shop Ruche, Dolan Over-the-Knee Boots- Top Shop, Long Sleeve Cardigan Sweater in Ivory- Eddie Bauer, Gold Leaf Necklace- Old Navy
Your Thoughts?
Are you inspired by Marie Antoinette? Which of the Marie Antoinette elements do you like best? How would you interpret a traditional style like this one into a contemporary version for your everyday life? Tell me with a comment!
Posted on on November 2, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Fashion Inspiration, Inspired by, Kirsten Dunst, Marie Antoinette, Movie Inspiration
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Megan | Charade
Wonderful! I love the aesthetic of this movie, so much so that a wrote my own article about it a while back! Check it out:
http://www.charadestyle.com/2008/08/girls-on-film.html
Megan x
Isabelle
The 2nd and 3rd outfits are my absolute favorites, they’re so lovely and girly. I loved this movie, I was surprised that I did love it but I adored it most especially for the fashions :)
Good girl gone blog
I heard the movie was bad, but I’m totally intrigued by the outfits. Maybe I’ll see it just for that ;)
Cassandra
I didnt really enjoy the movie itself all that much, but I remember just staring at the pretty the sets and costumes afetr a while :)
I love the last, floral outfit so much, mainly because over-the-knee boots and good, big-ish cardies are what Im looking for right now :) and plus, that dress is lovely.
Sarah
You always pick awesome movies, but I think you’ve been missing the mark since Annie Hall. A dress and boots seems kinda dull, no offense!
Caity
These are so cute! Looks like some great inspiration for spring.
josie
love the last outfilt. i watched the movie just to see the clothes.LOL. anyway watchin that movie felt like there is no life in any of those people.all of them pastel dresses and all of them have pale complexion .They all would look in twilight.it need some color.maybe it just me but i always associate warm color with life and health & happiness .
Karissa
I absolutely love Marie Antoinette’s style. She is definitely a fashion icon. I love how this was posted on her Birthday too! <3
Lillian
I love this! I’m always trying to find ways to get inspired by my favorite movies in a way that doesn’t look like I’m wearing a costume! (granted, my everyday style is a little costume-y) Miss Gala Darling posted on this same topic a while ago that is a bit more on the literal side.
http://galadarling.com/article/marie-antoinette-style
Cara
Marie Antoinette is one of my favorite movies and favorite historical figures of all time, but I think the fashion is this article is almost too modernized. If I saw someone in any of these outfits, I wouldn’t think of Marie A. unless they mentioned the connection. I have been very inspired by the movie again lately myself, and have designed and begun to make several articles of clothing that a more literal yet still modern take, based more on shapes and patterns of the 18th century gowns that colors.
Wonderful movie, though; every fashionista needs to see it if only just for the excellent “Shoes and Candy” scene…where the special shoes are all designed by Manolo Blahnik, I might add, all you hesitant girls!
Milana
Nice post. I love getting inspiration from people who you don’t want to dress like, but just want the same feeling their outfits have. Although I think the modern Marie wouldn’t dress like the stylings in this post (they’re maybe a bit too conservative) they are nice stylings.
Milana from FashionStyleAdvice
Luinae
Best. Post. Ever.
I love this movie, this style, and this post! Its very feminine and so totally my thing. Thank you for the inspiration!
Vivi
Wow, I love the skirt in the 2nd outfit, and the dress in the last outfit! Very cute!