Postcards From Portofino: Channel Your Inner '50s Film Star

Is there any better source of style inspiration than the stars of Old Hollywood? From Marilyn Monroe's bombshell beauty to Audrey Hepburn's chic sophistication and Lauren Bacall's sultry elegance, it's impossible to watch a golden age Hollywood movie without wanting to steal one of the gorgeous outfits onscreen. That's why we created our Postcards from Portofino collection, inspired by the timeless glamour of fifties film star fashion. 

Want to channel your inner starlet? Let's explore a few staples of cinematic style.

Polka dots are practically synonymous with the 1950s, especially with Marilyn Monroe’s ultra-glamorous polka dot bikini. Fun, eye-catching and a wonderful way to add pops of colour, they’re a retro favourite we love to include today.

Polka dots are perfect as the main event or an accent feature. You can easily make a plain outfit stand out with a polka dot neck scarf or spotty dotty handbag. Or, turn heads in a full polka dot dress, wonderful as a wedding guest or event outfit.

One style we love is layering dots on dots. A great way to do this is by wearing polka dot items with spots of different sizes. Top a statement polka dot poodle skirt with a smaller-spotted blouse in the same colour. You can also break up the outfit by mixing dots with plain block-colour pieces. Try a polka dot skirt, then a plain fitted top, then a scarf with a polka dot pattern. 

The hourglass silhouette is a hallmark of fifties film star style. Created with an A-line flared skirt and a cinched waist, the shape is instantly recognisable as iconic and retro. Think Marilyn Monroe’s unforgettable white dress in The Seven Year Itch.

Choose an A-line skirt or dress, and consider exaggerating the silhouette further with an underskirt. To highlight the cinched waist, a belt is ideal. If opting for a skirt, find a knitted top or a blouse knotted at the bottom for the full fifties figure.

The other option is to exaggerate your own figure naturally. Another popular style for golden age glamour was the ‘wiggle dress’ - a narrow-hemmed figure-hugging frock designed to flaunt the wearer’s natural curves.

Women’s tailoring was another cinematic style staple, seen on Lauren Bacall in Designing Woman and Grace Kelly in Dial M for Murder. 

To mimic these power dressing heroines, a blazer is a must. A fitted blazer with squared shoulders and a cinched waist creates the iconic fifties silhouette. Then, pair with a pencil skirt or wide-legged tailored trousers and Mary Jane heels. A soft, silky blouse with a bow-knot or frill detail adds a classically fifties touch of femininity to the look. 

Fifties film stars loved a heel, with the pointy, slender stiletto heel invented and popularised in the decade. They conveyed sleekness and elegance, especially when paired with a pointed toe or a slingback. 

However, if heels aren’t your thing, don’t despair. Cinematic style is still well within reach when you channel Audrey Hepburn in chic ballet flats or shoes with a very slight heel, as the already statuesque beauty avoided the higher heels popular with other stars of the decade. 

The finishing touches to your film star fabulousness are, of course, some scene-stealing accessories. Pearls are a go-to, offering effortless class. Another favourite is the chiffon scarf, which can be knotted to one side at the neck or delicately draped over the head and knotted at the chin, Grace Kelly style.

In summer, large statement sunglasses are an essential. A cat-eye shape was particularly popular, coming to a point at the outer corners, much like the eyeliner style of the same name, for a striking effect. 

Lastly, a structured handbag with a short grab handle is the constant companion of a fifties fashionista. For extra points on cinematic style, try matching your handbag to your shoes.