Fashion Inspiration: The Grand Budapest Hotel

“Yet without question, without fail, always and invariably, she’s exceedingly lovely.”

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Grand Budapest hotel title
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Wes Anderson’s now-classic film, The Grand Budapest Hotelhas a little bit of everything — humor, tragedy, action, adventure, and of course, beautiful sets and costumes. Set in a fictional European country, the story involves a legendary hotel concierge, his trusted friend and lobby boy, and the theft of a priceless painting.

The film features a large ensemble cast, so rather than focusing on specific characters, I drew my inspiration from a few motifs that appear again and again in the film. Keep reading to learn more, and to see a few outfits inspired by The Grand Budapest Hotel:

The Hotel

Grand Budapest hotel concierge desk
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In its 1930s heyday, The Grand Budapest is an ornate hotel with a dedicated staff led by the dashing concierge, Monsieur Gustave. The gorgeous resort is swimming with professional polish and luxe details.

For a look inspired by the hotel and its staff, go for something professional, but with bright colors. A red and purple combination would just be perfect — how pretty is this red top and purple pant pair? Don’t forget to include accessories that also fit with the look, like gold detailed earrings and purple lipstick.

Outfit inspired by The Grand Budapest hotel: Red blouse, purple trousers, lavender heels, vintage earrings, red purse

Products: Top – & Other Stories, Pants – Revolve, Shoes – ASOS, Bag – Unique Vintage, Earrings – Unique Vintage, Lipstick – Besame

Mendl’s

Grand Budapest hotel mendl's
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In the film, Mendl’s is a bakery that makes the “Courtesan au Chocolat,” a beautiful pastry that is always wrapped in their signature pink box (there are even instructions on how to make your own!). The bakery and its pastries are all in soft, pretty pastel colors, which can easily be translated into spring fashion.

For a Medl’s inspired look that’s still of-the-moment and fresh, stick to a pastel color palette and vintage styled clothing. A dress with puffed sleeves and a collar is perfect as the centerpiece of the look. Accessorize with tiny details and baby pink pumps. This look is the perfect mix of vintage-inspired and modern, perfect for paying a visit to your own favorite bakery this spring (and taking some photos for Instagram).

Outfit inspired by The Grand Budapest hotel and Medl's: Gingham dress, vintage pink pumps, woven handbag, striped hair bow, rings

Products: Dress – & Other Stories, Shoes – Modcloth, Bag – & Other Stories, Rings – & Other Stories, Scrunchie – & Other Stories, Lipstick – Besame

Boy with Apple

Grand budapest hotel boy with apple
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At the center of the plot is the famous (and utterly priceless) painting Boy with Apple, which many of the characters would like to get their hands on. To channel this painting in your own wardrobe, try this luxe going-out look.

For an outfit inspired by Boy with Apple, start by pairing a peasant style top with some standout burgundy velvet pants. Throw on a few accessories like a red purse and red earrings to represent the apple. Finally, finish off the look with a pair of simple and chic brown pumps.

Outfit inspired by The Grand Budapest hotel: Gingham puff sleeve blouse, burgundy velvet pants, brown pumps, red lipstick

Products: Lipstick – Besame, Top – & Other Stories, Pants – & Other Stories, Shoes – & Other Stories, Purse – & Other Stories, Earrings – & Other Stories

Thoughts?

Have you seen the film? Which look is your favorite? What other fashion inspiration posts would you like to see? Let us know in the comments!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2014; it was completely updated and revamped in 2019 with new outfit sets and information.

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