How to dress like a socialite

[stilettogirl84]

wasn't it hinted(in the book and more vaguely in the film) that 'Holly' was an escort/'pro'/wannabe? the clothing for the film was fun and chic but i can't say the character of Holly G. is a great role model for class. she was doing the best she could considering her humble background.

That may be, and I wouldn't reccomend anyone behaving like her, as she was quite unstable, but if you just emulate her wardrobe, one can come out all right!

 

[laboheme]

That may be, and I wouldn't reccomend anyone behaving like her, as she was quite unstable, but if you just emulate her wardrobe, one can come out all right!

oh, i've nothing against being unstable... pas de tout! LOL!

some of her accesories were a bit OTT, IMO. i need to re-watch to give specifics tho'.

 

[Ianastar]

This thread is very amusing, because a lot of the advice is aimed at creating what may be a classic caricature of a moneybags socialite. Dripping pearls and wheezing "dah-ling"!

Please do check out the New York Social Diary, which has numerous pictures from exclusive, upper crest New York social events, and it's a relief to see how diverse the styles of the women attending these events are. Also, there are numerous style horrors, and outfits I wouldn't ever consider wearing. The very fine and dearly departed Nan Kempner wears quite a few outfits that would be at odds with the socialite that's being described here.

Moral of the story: There is no one sort of "socialite" that you should aspire to. And for the record, Carolyn Besette Kennedy was hardly to the manner born. She just married a privileged man. Ergo style and class are independent factors in this case.

Wow...I've never seen so many facelifts in one room before.


It always amuses/saddens me that the men are so well dressed, yet look so utterly boring.

 

[Fabulyss]

The words 'classy' and 'socialite' don't mix

 

[Labeladdict2]

We all know money definitely can't buy class ( Paris are you listening?) I suggest sticking to classic elegance. Polished looks.

Is there a style icon you look up to?

Melania Knauss Trump
Jackie Kennedy
Carolyn Bessett Kennedy
Palm Beach "ladies who lunch"
- These are my biggest inspirations...

Gwyneth Paltrow- not really a socialite but she's got the style and class...

Amanda Hearst - she's young but has great style, not over the top trash like Paris Hilton.

Everyone has an inspiration...borrow ideas from them.

 

[ParadEyes]

Jackie Kennedy , definitely

 

[thefrancofille]

This is definitely my style. You don't have to be rich (although money helps!). Learn to have a discerning eye at whatever your price level! Buy natural fabrics and stay away from Poly if you can help it. It's all about the look: classic white shirt (starched to perfection!), black pants, PEARLS, kitten heels, great bag (Kelly if you can afford), clean lines, simple palette (black, white, navy, gray, camel, bone, beige with splashes of color).

I think for this style, tailoring is KEY! Getting clothes to look as if they were made for you is key. I am a complete retro girl. I ADORE Audrey, Jackie (whose early style was modeled on Audrey by the way), and 50s glamour pusses. I wish women still wore driving gloves and white gloves and little hats just to go out. Yes, I know that might sound weird, but that's just me though. That's why I love the Teese. She has found a style she loves and she is completely committed to it. That's something else one needs to have this style: time. It takes time to prep and make sure your clothes are neat and every hair is in place.

 

[thefrancofille]

Oh I forgot, collect images of women who's style you admire. I have a picture file on my laptop of pics of Audrey, Jackie, CBK, Somers Farkas, etc. Sometimes you need some inspiration!

 

[classic1908]

Oh I forgot, collect images of women who's style you admire. I have a picture file on my laptop of pics of Audrey, Jackie, CBK, Somers Farkas, etc. Sometimes you need some inspiration!

Honestly, Somers Farkas has grown on me for some odd reason. I think it's because she is tall and always appears well-groomed and styled. There was a montage of her on New York Social Diary a few months ago that had her in interesting clothes.

 

[kissmesweet]

The words 'classy' and 'socialite' don't mix

Nowadays, they don't always. But look at someone like: Tinsley Mortimer... She's classy.

 

[thefrancofille]

Honestly, Somers Farkas has grown on me for some odd reason. I think it's because she is tall and always appears well-groomed and styled. There was a montage of her on New York Social Diary a few months ago that had her in interesting clothes.

She is SO tall. And has a unique look. I saw the NYSD montage. Do you know why she wears bandages around her foot sometimes?

 

[classic1908]

She is SO tall. And has a unique look. I saw the NYSD montage. Do you know why she wears bandages around her foot sometimes?

Unfortunately, no. But I've seen pics of her w/o the foot bandage, and you can clearly see the line of demarcation between her actual skintone and the tan. I remember one in particular where she was wearing zebra-print mules.

 

[legaldiva]

No logos!

 

[jeansandtshirt]

This is definitely my style. ... I am a complete retro girl. I ADORE Audrey, Jackie (whose early style was modeled on Audrey by the way), and 50s glamour pusses. I wish women still wore driving gloves and white gloves and little hats just to go out. Yes, I know that might sound weird, but that's just me though.

A lady after my own heart.

Seriously though, I am fascinated with the Audrey/Jackie era. Since I am also interested in men's fashions before the late 60's, I think their look really personified the class of that era. While personally I kind of wish their look was the "norm" of the day, I do like the fact that women have so many options now. However, I think some of the class from that era has been lost, so it is nice to see that is alive and well with some.

 

[LUMANAcom]

Fabulous thread... bumping... and wondering do you think "classy" is dead? Do you think people perfer trendy?

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I think it's far from dead ... but I'm always a bit suspicious when it's mentioned ... to me it's the kind of thing that goes without saying

 

[Melisande]

... but I'm always a bit suspicious when it's mentioned ... to me it's the kind of thing that goes without saying

Couldn't have said it better.
Also, its base word is "class"...the use of which belies itself...
No offense meant.
"Elegance" is much preferable.

 

[gimmethatbag]

If you want to see some REAL socialite fashion, buy British Tatler. Such ah-mazing inspiration.

 

[Sea Of Love]

A classy way of dressing has nothing directly associated with actual 'social class' or socio-economic status. Of course if you have the funds you can afford clothes that are perfectly tailored to you and made from great quality or you don't have the funds and you have to work a bit harder at it.

I know this is an old thread but I don't think you can see a certain style and say, hmmm I want to look like that, you either are that person naturally, or you are not. When you aren't that person and you start dressing in a certain way/style then that is when it starts to look contrived.

Fo example, with me I naturally dress in this way that is discussed in the thread without really wanting to. I would prefer to dress a bit cooler and have a bit more of a laid back style but whenever I try to do that I just end up feeling uncomfortable and looking like a wanker. Embarassing to admit, but a few years ago I was really drawn to the scenester style and tried it out a bit. This REALLY did not work for me because I am not edgy cool in any way at all.
Whereas the polished look and tailored works for me (like the 'east coast socialite look') because I always have my hair 'done' and clothes tailored and feminine. Also, I think it reflects your personality too because I lean more towards being proper than being trendy or boho as much as I would like it to be the reverse. Moral of the story, don't try and be what you aren't, I think you learn this once you get into your 20's.

As far as this 'socialite' style goes. Stereotypically of course because we all know socialites don't really dress in this way:
- stick to block colours
- less is more in reference to bang for your buck. A few more expensive things rather than heaps of crap
- expensive jewellery is noticable. Never wear cheap jewellery
- lots of dresses that finish on or just above the knee. Feminine without looking like you were dressed by Alannah Hill
- if you are young, flats with stockings rather than heels
- neat hair and makeup always.

 

[floodette]

this thread kinda reminds me of the book 'Elegance' by Mme Dariaux