I really love Dita Von Teese's style. I know she cultivated her look over time and admits that she is a creation, a carefully crafted image. So I'm curious: what would it take to have a Dita-esque look? What are the must have pieces to dress like Dita? Can Dita's look be summed up as pinup or retro glamour?
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The Franco Fille (francophile)
My style: 50% Parisian Chic, 50% Upper East Side
I love Dita's style as well, she's one of my big influences right now. I think her influences would be vintage pinups and retro Hollywood glamour, as well as a little fetish.
There's a good thread devoted to her in the Star Style section. She seems to rely on tailored suits for more casual appearances, and go all-out for formal events. In the few candids I've seen of her she's worn sundresses, and once wearing a pair of black capri pants @ an airport. Her idea of casual seems to be a step up from everyone else's. I doubt she ever worries about being overdressed for something.
Try vintage clothing, as well as online stores like Daddy-o's and Dancestore, sites that feature retro-inspired clothing and things for swing dancers.
And she's always well-coiffed and made up. I think that's key.
I love Dita's style as well, she's one of my big influences right now. I think her influences would be vintage pinups and retro Hollywood glamour, as well as a little fetish.
There's a good thread devoted to her in the Star Style section. She seems to rely on tailored suits for more casual appearances, and go all-out for formal events. In the few candids I've seen of her she's worn sundresses, and once wearing a pair of black capri pants @ an airport. Her idea of casual seems to be a step up from everyone else's. I doubt she ever worries about being overdressed for something.
Try vintage clothing, as well as online stores like Daddy-o's and Dancestore, sites that feature retro-inspired clothing and things for swing dancers.
And she's always well-coiffed and made up. I think that's key.
Thanks! I'd really like to incorporate some vintage into my wardrobe. I will definitely pour through the Dita thread to get a better idea.
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The Franco Fille (francophile)
My style: 50% Parisian Chic, 50% Upper East Side
i love dita's style, too, although it's pretty much the opposite of my own. but i love that it's her "creation," very crafted and precise. have you read her books? the photos in them are fantastic. and i hear she is also writing a book about "eccentric beauty"...
I would look at books about the fashion and clothing of 40's-50's as well as old ads, fashion magazines and pin ups of that time period. Von Teese takes her inspiration straight from those influencers, therefore I believe the key must be there.
Then I would get to know well my local vintage shops aswell as those on internet. I would make lists of what goes and what doesn't go with a style like that, and what certain situations (ie work, party, weekend) require from clothing. Then I would see how I could find the clothes that accommodate the best to my needs while still looking 40's pin up-ish.
Good luck! I am not so keen on Dita Von Teese's style, but I adore it when others want to embrace "old-fashioned" ways of dressing and fashion.
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"Because of all sorts of cloth have their motions, as well as Bodies, it must needs that they differ in themselves." -Lomazzo
Lately Dita has been wearing more designer items and less vintage. Since her mainstream breakthrough she probably has more access to the fashion world.
But the reason I like her style so much, is that even modern clothing looks vintage on her. Wearing a new design, she still looks like an old-Hollywood diva. I guess she does a really good job of hand-picking what she puts on and what not.
What I'm trying to say, is that I don't think that vintage dresses are a must for the Dita style. If you look carefully, even in normal shops like Zara, you can find clothes that fit her character.
definately a fitting black pencil skirt, 1940's-esque blouses (victoria secret has a few very retro pieces right now) wedge heels, platform heels, rounded toes, peep toes, fitted dresses, sweet-heart necklines, proper lingerie, proper prints (retro prints)....you really have to have a love for the style of the 30's 40's and the confidence and guts to pull it off. i met dita and she's definately a character when she goes out. full makeup, ironed perfect hair, her demure is there as well. watch old movies, get some books on the art of the pin-up, vargas girls, all of that. When you start looking at stuff like that for inspiration, dressing like dita should come easily....but it's definately a high maintenace look. i was into it for a while, but you have to have perfect make-up and do your hair every day, groomed eyebrows, have a dear friend in liquid liner and a steady hand. it's quite a bit of work to look old hollywood glamorous.
definately a fitting black pencil skirt, 1940's-esque blouses (victoria secret has a few very retro pieces right now) wedge heels, platform heels, rounded toes, peep toes, fitted dresses, sweet-heart necklines, proper lingerie, proper prints (retro prints)....you really have to have a love for the style of the 30's 40's and the confidence and guts to pull it off. i met dita and she's definately a character when she goes out. full makeup, ironed perfect hair, her demure is there as well. watch old movies, get some books on the art of the pin-up, vargas girls, all of that. When you start looking at stuff like that for inspiration, dressing like dita should come easily....but it's definately a high maintenace look. i was into it for a while, but you have to have perfect make-up and do your hair every day, groomed eyebrows, have a dear friend in liquid liner and a steady hand. it's quite a bit of work to look old hollywood glamorous.
Sounds wonderful, but it does sound like a lot of work. I doubt I could pull it off everyday since it IS time consuming to create that look. But maybe on special occasions or special events. . .
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The Franco Fille (francophile)
My style: 50% Parisian Chic, 50% Upper East Side
I love vintage 50s cocktail dresses that flare out. I'm also looking to add a few vintage inspired shoes to my wardrobe (t-strap mary janes, peep toe).
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The Franco Fille (francophile)
My style: 50% Parisian Chic, 50% Upper East Side
Yes, a strong mouth is key. I don't have Dita's porcelain complexion and actually hate lipstick, but I may have to pay a visit to the makeup counter to find a red that works for me. It's such a bold look.
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The Franco Fille (francophile)
My style: 50% Parisian Chic, 50% Upper East Side
yah, it's a lot of work...i admire the rockabilly girls and some of those suicide girls who can pull this off on a daily basis. im too much of a cameleon to do it...one day i want to be a pin-up, the next mia farrow, the next hippie chic!