Inspired by… Bringing Up Baby
For the first installment of our series on 10 more movies for fashion inspiration, today we’ll talk fashion inspiration from the film Bringing Up Baby. This movie, released in 1938, follows the crazy adventure of a scientist (Cary Grant) who meets a somewhat absent-minded and bold woman (Katharine Hepburn). The two end up in various predicaments, including taking care of a leopard named Baby.
Katharine Hepburn’s style in Bringing Up Baby can best be described as glamourous and elegant– very Old Hollywood. Every outfit had some kind of interesting detail, whether it was a bold sash, a ruffled collar or an oversized bow. The film even incorporated some menswear-inspired outfits that Ms. Hepburn was famous for wearing.
Here are three outfits inspired by Katherine Hepburn’s style in the film:
Outfit #1: Effortless and Chic
Product Information: Dress- ModCloth, Hat- Anthropologie, Ring- ASOS, Shoes- Urban Outfitters, Bag- Fred Flare
This outfit gives off a very 1930s vibe. This long-sleeved dress is conservative yet stylish in a pretty blue color. The cloche hat is similar to one Hepburn wears in the film with an adorable flower detail. The ring is a homage to Baby used in a modern way, while the t-strap shoes continue the vintage feel. Finally, this sturdy, classic bag is perfect for everyday use.
Outfit #2: Menswear Inspired
Product Information: Blouse- net-a-porter.com, Pants- Forever 21, Bag- ASOS, Oxfords- Nordstrom, Bracelet- Urban Outfitters
As I mentioned before, Katharine Hepburn was famous for wearing menswear. At the time, the idea of women wearing pants in a film was very uncommon, but it was rumored that Hepburn convinced the studio to allow her to wear some in the movie in an unconventional way.
This outfit is perfect for the warmer weather that is (hopefully) right around the corner. These wide-leg pants are made of linen, which makes them super lightweight. They are also high-waisted– perfect for tucking the ruffled blouse into. These oxford pumps are a nod to menswear, but with a feminine touch. And the bag has intricate detail that is similar to the detailing on the lightweight gold cuff.
Outfit #3: Glamazon
Product Information: Dress- ModCloth, Clutch- ASOS, Earrings- Forever 21, Pumps- Nordstrom
In the film, Katharine Hepburn’s character wears a gorgeous floor-length gold lamé gown, in an iconic scene. This is a modern take on that look: instead of a gold lamé gown, this dress has a metallic gold waistband and a classic shape. A patent clutch and some elegant earrings continue the glam yet classic look. Some leopard print heels add a fun touch and, again, pay tribute to Baby.
Feelin’ inspired?
Have you ever seen Bringing Up Baby? What do you think of 1930s fashion? Do these outfits capture the essence of the film? Leave a comment and let us know!
 |
Posted on on February 28, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: 1930s, Bringing Up Baby, Fashion Inspiration, Films, Inspiration, Katharine Hepburn, Movie Inspiration, Movies
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
BreaD
I have never seen Bringing Up Baby but I do LOVE Katharine Hepburn. Shedoes such a great job acting and has strong and funny female roles – plus she always looks fly doing it. I really like all three of the outfits you created. The second one in particular is verrry Katharine Hepburn. Great Job!!!
Sari
These outfits are amazing- I would wear them all! Great job :)
kristi
I am in LOVE with the third outfit! I would wear/ use everything from there!
Sarah
Wow, i have never even heard of this movie, but now I must definately see it! I love the second outfit! so cute! thannks for this more vintage blog, it’s very inspirering :)
Breanna
And I like the first outfit most, haha. I have never worn rings so far, but since the post here mentioning the statement rings I like them more and more.
katharine
I love this. Anyone who hasn’t seen this movie needs to, it’s absolutely hilarious. Carey Grant is great actor and Katharine Hepburn (who I’m named after) is one of the best actresses of all time.
Love the outfits.
Iris
Wonderful post that was very thoughtfully planned – I feel like you seriously got the heart of Hepburn’s style in this movie, and I love all three of the outfits!
Luana
I absolutely love the jaguar ring, thank for showing it!
Karissa
I LOVE LOVE LOVE outfit number three! Especially the heels :]
Chelsea
People have told me I remind them of Katharine Hepburn, which I consider an honor. Stylish, classy, and funny.
Robyn
Good inspiration, College Fashion! I love this movie, and your outfits are classy and elegant– just like Ms. Katharine Hepburn herself.
April
Ooooh, I love the movie Bringing Up Baby – and now I definitely want to see it again after this blog! Absolutely love outfit #2 – gorgeous, classy and feminine without being girly.
Kaitlin
LOVE the MJ top in look two!! I need it!
fernanda
You’re missing BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S!!! audrey hepburn is such a fashion icon in this movie, i totally love the style of her caracter (holly)
Ashley - Flagler College
@Fernanda- I love Holly Golightly’s style too.. definitely one of my faves for fashion inspiration! CF has already covered fashion from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you can check it out here: http://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/inspired-by-breakfast-at-tiffanys/
om nom nom
great post!
the outfits are really pretty :) …wish there was something on cary grant though :D
jenny
OMG! I love Bring Up Baby! Katharine Hepburn is amazing!
Sari
Just wanted to add that I watched Bringing Up Baby this weekend… it was such a sweet and hysterical movie!
Kimberly
I love this film. You did a great job at capturing the fashion. Have you ever seen Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, HUmphrey Bogart, and William Holden? I love the fashion in it and think it would be awesome to see its inspirations.
Marcela
OMG! You guys featured my favorite movie! I’d sell my lung for that leopard ring!