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Fashion Inspired by Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Last Updated on January 31, 2019 by Liza - University of Minnesota
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl Promo Picture

Promotional Image for Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Starring Billie Piper. [Photo Credit]

One night, while attempting to find a replacement series to fill the void left by Sex and the City, I stumbled upon the UK gem that is Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

The based-on-a-true-story series, starring Billie Piper (You might remember her as 90s pop princess “Billie,” the girl behind “Because We Want To” and “Girlfriend!”), follows the adventures and exploits of Hannah Baxter, a young, attractive, well-educated London woman living a double life as courtesan named Belle.

The show is a total guilty pleasure: crazy storylines, cute British boys with even cuter accents, and amazing high-street inspired fashion. It’s the perfect combination of funny, sweet, and sexy. All things considered, it’s actually a pretty decent substitute for SATC– and like Ms. Bradshaw, Belle is a published writer herself! Both fashionable women in their own rights, Hannah and Belle have amazing wardrobes. From casual to sexy and everything in between, Hannah and her alter-ego have it covered.

Interested in imitating either Hannah or Belle’s style? CF has your back! Read on and get inspired.

Elements of Hannah’s Style

Hannah Style

Photo Credit

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Structure. Hannah’s looks are streamlined, and each one incorporates an element of structure. She goes for blazers, shoulder pads, and peplums, all of which promote a more sophisticated, conservative vibe than the clothing worn by her alter ego.

*

Simple hair and a fresh face. The easiest way to tell Hannah from Belle is to note Piper’s changes in hair and makeup. Hannah often pulls her hair back, sweeps it away from her face, or simply wears it down with a subtle wave. Her makeup is minimal and natural, avoiding heavy eyeliner and dramatic lips. Hannah creates a subtly-pretty, dewy look by  limiting her cosmetic application to peachy-pink blush, black mascara, and natural lips. The result is a face that’s effortlessly youthful and attractive–perfect for every day!

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Coverage. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Hannah’s wardrobe staples provide more coverage than Belle’s! She favors longer hemlines and looser fits for skirts and dresses, layers her clothing, and shows minimal cleavage. Hannah dresses for women while Belle dresses for men.

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Great accessories. In a similar vein, Hannah accessorizes far more than Belle does. With Belle, the focus is on the body and the fit of the clothing. Hannah, however, adds interest to her outfits by piling on bangles, wearing eye-catching dangly earrings, and carrying statement bags.

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Gorgeous lounge-wear. Belle may have an enviable collection of seductive lingerie, but Hannah owns loungewear that is impossible to beat! She has an extensive collection of silk robes, floor-length printed kimonos, and bed jackets that she is often seen wearing while relaxing and writing – they’re SO much cuter than sweatpants, an oversized tee, and slippers.

Hannah’s Fashion Essentials

Hannahs Essentials

Product Information: Waterfall Devoree Kimono, Topshop. Nicole Sunglasses, Fred Flare. Lena Tuck Woven Trousers, Boo Hoo. Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Tints, Bergdorf Goodman. Vintage Pearlescent Chandelier Earrings, Forever 21. Get Spotted Scarf, Madewell. The Boyfriend Blazer, Fred Flare. Sweetheart Party Dress, American Eagle. Faux Fur Stole, Topshop. Canvas Pump, Urban Outfitters. Turquoise Sedona Ring, 1928. Wrapped Up In Blue Skirt, Modcloth. Winter Kate Eden Jacket, The Trend Boutique.

Outfit Inspired by Hannah

InspiredbyHannah

Product Information: Closet Peplum Skirt, Oil. Rosebud Salve, Sephora. Mirror Cocktail Ring, Unique Vintage. Butterfly Sleeve Chiffon Top, Metropark. Kitten Heel Court Shoes, Dorothy Perkins. Talullah Earrings, Asos. Classic Trench, American Eagle. Doctor Doctor Bag, Spotted Moth. OPI Suzi Skis The Pyrenees Nail Lacquer, Hair Boutique.

Elements of Belle’s Style

BelleStyle

Photo Credit

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Body-conscious tailoring. When Belle is dressed, her style is sensual, but not overtly sexual. The look isn’t at all skanky (for the most part), even though, well, you know… Belle must, after all, live up to her title of a “high-class” call girl. When in doubt, this classy version of sexy is what we should aim for: Showing too much skin is never a good look. Wearing a great pair of heels and a longer dress can be much sexier (and more flattering!) than donning the same pair of heels with a tight mini. A little mystery goes a long way, and can make you look more mature and refined.

*

Feminine and romantic fabrics. Many of Belle’s outfits, and especially her nightwear, feature feminine textiles that are tactility-pleasing. Belle has an obvious penchant for lace and silk, and often includes these fabrics in her outfits. Of course, Belle’s gorgeous undergarments are wardrobe staples that cannot go without mention: She favors matching sets, stockings, corsets, and garter belts. It’s a mix of classic vintage style and modern-day sexy.

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Sultry hair and makeup. Completely opposite from Hannah, Belle rocks a beauty look that’s decidedly sultry. The show’s opening titles feature Hannah getting into character as Belle–glamming up and applying makeup (as Kanye West would say, #itsaprocess) to make herself look like a very different woman. Belle’s makeup staples include dark eyeliner, false eyelashes, smokey shadow, dramatic lip color (either red or another highly-pigmented shade), and a spritz of men’s cologne. For her hair, Belle wears her long blonde locks down and generally prefers romantic curls or voluminous, touchable styles.

*

Variety. Belle’s looks also vary from Hannah’s in that Belle is more adventurous when it comes to wearing a variety of styles. Because Belle is constantly adapting and playing a part, her wardrobe has much more variation than Hannah’s: Belle plays with color, rocks hot shoes, and sometimes goes for hair extensions or wigs! Each of her looks is memorable and obviously “Belle,” but they aren’t particularly similar.

Belle’s Essentials

BellesEssentials

Product Information: Wisen up Coat, Modcloth. MAC ‘A Tartan Tale’ Lipstick, Nordstrom. Pick of the Glitter Heel, Modcloth. Luxe Leather Pencil Skirt, Oasis. Leopard Print Scarf, Yes Style. Hot Tools Professional Jumbo 1″ Curling Iron, Amazon. Dolly Cut Out Bustier Dress, Asos. O Lingerie Eloise Padded Bra and Brazilian Briefs, Oli. Salt and Peplum Dress, ModCloth. Steve Madden Haylow Pumps, Zappos. Vanessa Bruno Silk Camisole, The Outnet. ck one Fragrance, Sephora. Padlock Purse, Jane Norman. Shu Uemura Luxe False Eyelashes, Nordstrom.

Inspired by Belle

BelleOutfit

Product Information: Jessica McClintock Rose Clutch, Endless. CZ Pave Ball Stud Earrings, Fantasy Jewelry Box. Timpa Duet Lace Underwire Demi Bra, Journelle. Oasis Corset Asymmetric Neckline Dress, John Lewis. (Similar Product) Double Wrap Studded Belt, Asos. Sam Edelman Nivan Pump, Amazon. Frederic Fekkai Wave Creating Spray, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Want to see more?

If you loved Hannah’s or Belle’s style and you’re looking to watch a program that’s funny and sassy while still being thought-provoking, make sure to check out Secret Diary of a Call Girl! The series will premiere its fourth and final season in January on Showtime and is also available on Netflix and iTunes.

What do you think?

Have you watched Secret Diary of a Call Girl? Are you inspired by Belle’s/Hannah’s style? Did you recognize Billie?! Leave a comment and let us know!

Tags : TV, TV fashion

21 Comments
Originally published on November 11, 2010
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Comments

  1. Lynn says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Yay!!! I LOVE this show! And Billie Piper (love her in Doctor Who also). Thank you for doing this, love the outfits 🙂

    Reply
  2. Hi there love says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:21 am

    I’ve never seen the show, but the wardrobe looks incredible! And i love the outfits you put together, so inspirational!
    love this!

    Reply
  3. Camille says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    YESSSS! I love this show and post! Can’t wait for the 4th season 🙂

    Reply
  4. Cassandra says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I LOVE this show! and Billie Piper. She’s so hilarious. love the clothes. love her more on dr who, but still. this is a great show.

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I love watching Secret Diary of a Call girl 😀 I’ve only seen a few episodes but the fashion in that show is amazing! And Lynn I’ve watched her as Rose too 😀

    Reply
  6. Alison says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I LOVE Secret Diary of a Call Girl, so I was thrilled when I saw this post! I love the outfits you put together, they totally fit Hannah/Belle.

    Reply
  7. Serena says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    OMGG!!!! This is DEF. one of my fave shows! lol and I thought I was the only one that watched it… I’ve always loved Belle/Hannah’s style and this post is amazing. Her character is one of my biggest style icons 🙂

    Reply
  8. Mackenzie says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    She will always be Rose Tyler to me. I so miss her

    Reply
  9. Charlotte - University of Birm says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I definitely didn’t know you guys had heard of Billie over here!!
    I love this post- I’ve never watched the show much but this is a great breakdown of creating different personalities in your clothes :]]

    Charlotte xxx

    Reply
  10. Jackie says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Yes! She’ll always be Rose from Doctor Who, but she’s really great in this show too. Thanks CF.
    *Sidebar* Doctor Who inspired by would be really awesome.

    Reply
  11. Demi - University of Maryland says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    love the outfit inspired by belle!!!

    Reply
  12. stacy blauvelt says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    can i just say i loved this show the moment i heard it existed?! i just got sooo excited when i saw this post it really just brightened my day! ive been waiting for the new season forever!!! cant wait!

    Reply
  13. DD says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I love the outfits you’ve put together and the whole look – sultry but not slutty!

    Reply
  14. Yvonne says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I’ve never heard of this show until I read this post! Love all the outfits inspired by this character! Or should I say BOTH characters? 😀

    Reply
  15. Robin says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I love Billie Piper in Secret Diary of a Call Girl but super especially as Rose Tyler in Doctor Who! Cute outfits! Very fab!

    Reply
  16. Essy says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Fantastic fantastic show oh I miss Callum Blue but oh well silly old Alex. Billie is a fantastic actress and she wears those clothes so well it’s quite a change from the regular clothes she had to wear on Doctor Who too!

    great article =)

    Reply
  17. Brea says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    Great post. You have to love Brit telly, and since this is posted, well… we all have to learn about David Tennants pin stripes.

    Reply
  18. Stephanie says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:07 am

    Loooove this post and this show
    you really do describe her style perfectly

    Reply
  19. Saima says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:45 am

    Does anyone know where you can get the long black ball earrings Belle wears when waiting to fly to New York in episode 4 of season 4? I’ve got a few similar styles but these are huge balls and I loved them.

    Reply
  20. Sarah says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:19 am

    hi 🙂
    ive just got into the program i and its really good 😀 this is great x could you possibly do one for bambi? shes my favourite character
    thanks so much xxx

    Reply
  21. Breanna says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:19 am

    I loved this post. Plus I totally agree with a Doctor Who inspired post.

    Reply

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