Fashion at the Movies: Titanic
One of the most adored love stories of all time, James Cameron’s epic film Titanic first graced the silver screen in 1997. Set during the RMS Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912, the movie follows the romance of fictional passengers Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater. The two connect despite belonging to different social classes and the fact that Rose is already engaged to the arrogant Cal Hockley.
While Titanic is perhaps best known for its box office records and heartbreaking-ly romantic plot (it’s impossible not to bawl your eyes out when Celine starts singing, no matter how many times you’ve seen it), its elegant Edwardian costumes are just as noteworthy. Today, I’ll break down some real-life-wearable looks inspired by the film’s glamorous wardrobe.
Outfit 1: Rose Dawson
Since Rose is a member of the upper class, she is always dressed in high-end looks and swathed in expensive fabrics and jewelry. However, she quickly realizes social status does not matter when she falls in love with drifter Jack Dawson. At the end of the film, Rose even identifies herself as Rose Dawson to her rescuers from the RMS Carpathia.
To achieve Rose’s sophisticated style, pair a ladylike hat with an ornate dress, classic pumps, and post earrings. Black tights and a wool coat help keep you warm in the winter while still looking stylish!
Product Information: Hat- Yes Style, Coat- Miss Selfridge, Dress- Topshop, Earrings- ModCloth, Tights- American Eagle, Heels- Miss Selfridge.
Outfit 2: Heart of the Ocean
This outfit is inspired by the intricately beaded dress Rose wears to dinner on board the Titanic. Get a similar look with the lace dress below, which also has a silk lining, and add a beaded shawl cardigan for glitz and warmth. This necklace is a reproduction of Rose’s Heart of the Ocean necklace, and is the perfect finishing touch on a formal outfit.
Product Information: Necklace- Swarovski, Heels- Nordstrom, Dress- Piperlime, Cardigan- Miss Selfridge, Purse- Miss Selfridge.
Outfit 3: “I’ll Never Let Go”
We all know how the movie ends, but I wanted to make this last outfit a happy and romantic one. The bright yellow dress Rose is wearing in the photo above inspired the sweet sorbet colors used in this outfit, like the top and cardigan. A Victorian-inspired skirt and white lace booties add elegance, while knee socks keep the look fun.
Product Information: Ring- Topshop, Skirt- ModCloth, Top- ModCloth, Socks- ModCloth, Cardigan- Miss Selfridge, Earrings- Topshop, Boots- Topshop.
An Elegant Premiere
Even though Titanic premiered in the ’90s, some style elements from that time are still in fashion, like lace pieces and a glamorous red lip. A little over ten years later, Kate and Leo were reunited on the red carpet for the premiere of Revolutionary Road. The two still kept their looks classic and sleek.
To make Kate’s red carpet look work for daytime, pair a dressy lace top with jeans and a casual cardigan. Embellished sandals and bow earrings add some cuteness, while a classic dark red lip creates drama.
Product Information: Lipstick- Amazon, Earrings- Piperlime, Top- Piperlime, Jeans- American Eagle, Sandals- Topshop, Cardigan- Hollister.
Need More Titanic?
- Get ready to see Titanic as you’ve never seen it before: a 3D theatrical re-release is due out in 2012, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ship’s sinking.
- This website features an in-depth look at the costumes used in the film, especially all of Rose’s gowns.
- You can view costume sketches by designer Deborah L. Scott here. She obviously knows her stuff – after all, the film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
What do you think?
Are you a fan of Titanic? What did you think of the costumes used in the film? What other movies inspire your sense of fashion? Let me know with a comment!
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Posted on on February 11, 2011 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: costume, Fashion Inspiration, history, Inspiration, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Movies, Titanic
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Danielle
LOVE LOVE LOVED this post! To this day, Titanic is still my favorite movie and the outfits picked are adorable.
Nicole
Oh wow! The inner 6 year old me squealed. Heck, who am I kidding I acutally did squeal! I love titanic and I adore the elements taken from this film and put into outfits, especially the lace details. heart of the ocean is my favourite one! Keep up the amazing work! :)
Caitlin
Great idea for a post! The fashion in Titanic is gorgeous – I loved the first and third outfits most, especially the skirt used in the third :)
Essy
loooove the fashion in Titanic, wish the outfits reflected it a bit more but love the inspiration!
Jennifer
I love the third outfit! That skirt is adorable! The other outfits are also all very nice.
anshika
lovely post…but the era is Edwardian..not Victorian
Stacy
Actually the fashion is Edwardian, not Victorian. The Victorian era ended in 1901 with Queen Victoria’s death.
Safiyyah
Once more, you open the door and you’re here in my heart, and my heart will go on and on….
Every time I think of Titanic, Celine Dion plays in my head lol. Titanic is my all time favorite movie and the costumes were amazing. My favorite would always be that white pinstripe suit that she wears the day she boards the ship.
Cassidy
Yes!! Titanic is my favorite movie of all time! Thank you CF for doing this. You made my day!
ELLEN
TITANIC!! It’s the movie that still makes me cry every time I watch. Thanks a lot! The first outfit is gorgeous!
Liz
I loved and still love that film, it’s action-packed, romantic, and the scenes are dialogue are just stunning! You should have done on when they are dancing below deck, that’s the best!
Milana
One of my favorite movies awww I love Titanic! And the outfits you’ve made are just great!!!
Aria
OMGG i had no idea it is gonna be re-released!!!!
Zephyr - CF Editor
Thanks for the feedback about the Edwardian vs. Victorian mistake – I’ve corrected it in the post!
Blair
BEST MOVIE EVERRR! i have never NOT cried when i see this movie.
great post!!! i love ittt!
Arielle
WOW all of these outfits are so elegant and beautiful! Amazing post
Amanda
I literally jumped up and down when I saw this. Titanic has been my favorite movie for four years and I still cry everytime I see it. So what is up with it not being on itunes?!
LEONARDO DICAPRIO WHOOO! <3
Kenna
LOVE THIS MOVIE LOVE THIS POST! Such cute outfits!
Ashlin
I agree with Essy, I don’t think the outfits chosen reflected the styles very well at all
Vicky
I LOVE the hat Kate Winslet wears in the opening scene of the movie. Just amazing. I’ve been searching for a hat just like it – I loved the one you chose! :)
Kearston
I like the inspiration but I also agree that the outfits didn’t reflect those from the movie at all…
Rachel
Okay so I definitely screamed when I saw this. Ahh titanic is my favorite movie and I cry every time. I’ve been commenting on other posts, saying they should do a titanic inspiration one, and they did! Not to take credit. But I am personally pretty proud of myself hahaa. The outfits don’t exactly reflect the styles as much, but yeah I’m still gonna go out and buy all this stuff. LOVE the first and the second! Yaay :)
Rachel
Okay so I definitely screamed when I saw this. Ahh titanic is my favorite movie and I cry every time. I’ve been commenting on other posts, saying they should do a titanic inspiration one, and they did! Not to take credit. But I am personally pretty proud of myself hahaa. The outfits don’t exactly reflect the styles as much, but yeah I’m still gonna go out and buy all this stuff. LOVE the first and the second! Yaay I’m extremely excited by this :)
Jen
the links to the dress on #2 (piperlime), and the earrings and top on #4 (also both piperlime items) dont work :( it just takes you to the site, but you cant find the item! help? i love it but i cant get to it!
by the way, love titanic! good job on #2!
Jana
Why don’t you ever feature maxi dresses? Or at least under-the-knee-dresses… in all those pictures, Kate never wears a short dress so why not use this as an inspiration? I am a long time follower of your blog and I love long skirts and dresses and I keep wondering when they will show up here!
Karlee
omg i loveeee all these outfits alot. good job, megannnn! i love the color schemes you chose, especially in the third one :)
Megan
An absolutely fantastic post! Loved ALL of these outfits.
I love, love, love inspiration posts! Every time I watch Titanic my eyes are glued to the gorgeous costumes.
This is just great! Good job!