The Fashion of Hollywood: Recreating the Looks from the Netflix Series

The Fashion of Hollywood: Recreating the Looks from the Netflix Series

Netflix’s “Hollywood” isn’t just a revisionist history of the Golden Age; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of exquisite vintage fashion. The series, set in post-World War II Los Angeles, showcases the glamour and elegance of the era, offering a rich source of inspiration for modern wardrobes. From tailored suits and flowing gowns to playful separates and accessories that pop, “Hollywood” provides a masterclass in classic style. This article delves into the key fashion elements of the series, breaking down iconic looks and offering practical advice on how to incorporate them into your own style.

Understanding the Aesthetic: Post-War Optimism and the Rise of Ready-to-Wear

The fashion in “Hollywood” reflects the societal shifts of the late 1940s. After years of wartime austerity, there was a renewed desire for luxury, femininity, and self-expression. The “New Look,” popularized by Christian Dior in 1947, heavily influenced the silhouettes, emphasizing a cinched waist, full skirt, and rounded shoulders. This ushered in an era of optimism and glamour, moving away from the more utilitarian styles of the war years. Simultaneously, the rise of ready-to-wear clothing made fashion more accessible to a wider audience, fostering a sense of individual style and experimentation.

The Leading Ladies: Style Icons and Their Signature Looks

The female characters in “Hollywood” each possess a distinct style, mirroring their personalities and aspirations. Let’s examine some of the key looks and how to emulate them:

• Camille Washington (Laura Harrier): Camille embodies sophisticated elegance with a touch of modern flair. Her wardrobe is characterized by vibrant colors, tailored silhouettes, and attention to detail.

  • Recreating Camille’s Look: Focus on bold colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. Opt for dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts, emphasizing the waist. A-line skirts paired with fitted blouses or sweaters also capture her aesthetic. Look for fabrics like silk, crepe, and wool. Accessories are key: consider statement necklaces, earrings, and gloves. Camille’s signature hairstyle is often a sleek updo or soft waves, perfectly complementing her polished look. A red lip is a must.

  • Key Pieces: A-line skirts in vibrant colors, tailored blouses with interesting details (like ruffles or bows), fitted dresses with full skirts, statement jewelry, and red lipstick.

• Anna May Wong (Michelle Krusiec): Anna May Wong’s style is a blend of classic Hollywood glamour and her own unique heritage. Her outfits often feature intricate details, luxurious fabrics, and a sense of quiet confidence.

  • Recreating Anna May’s Look: Look for dresses and separates in rich, textured fabrics like velvet, brocade, and silk. Consider incorporating elements of Asian-inspired design, such as mandarin collars, silk embroidery, or traditional patterns. Anna May often wears elegant evening gowns with elaborate detailing. Think about incorporating vintage jewelry with an Asian flair, such as jade pendants or pearl earrings. Her makeup is classic Hollywood: defined brows, winged eyeliner, and a subtle lip.

  • Key Pieces: Silk dresses with mandarin collars, embroidered jackets, velvet evening gowns, vintage jewelry with Asian-inspired elements, and winged eyeliner.

• Claire Wood (Samara Weaving): Claire’s style is more playful and youthful, reflecting her ambition and desire for attention. Her wardrobe is filled with bright colors, bold patterns, and figure-hugging silhouettes.

  • Recreating Claire’s Look: Embrace bright colors like pink, yellow, and turquoise. Opt for dresses and skirts that accentuate the figure, such as pencil skirts or fitted dresses with sweetheart necklines. Consider incorporating playful patterns like polka dots or floral prints. Claire often wears her hair in glamorous waves or updos. Accessories are essential: think bold jewelry, statement handbags, and high heels.

  • Key Pieces: Pencil skirts, fitted dresses with sweetheart necklines, bright-colored sweaters, statement jewelry, and high heels.

The Gentlemen of Hollywood: Tailored Elegance and Casual Cool

The male characters in “Hollywood” showcase a range of styles, from classic tailoring to more relaxed casual wear.

• Jack Castello (David Corenswet): Jack’s style evolves throughout the series, reflecting his journey from aspiring actor to confident leading man. His wardrobe includes classic suits, casual separates, and a touch of rugged charm.

  • Recreating Jack’s Look: Start with a well-tailored suit in a classic color like navy, gray, or brown. Pay attention to the fit – the suit should be fitted but not too tight. Pair the suit with a crisp white shirt and a tie. For more casual looks, opt for chinos or dress pants paired with a button-down shirt or a sweater. Jack often wears a leather jacket, adding a touch of ruggedness to his look.

  • Key Pieces: Well-tailored suits, crisp white shirts, ties, chinos, button-down shirts, sweaters, and a leather jacket.

• Archie Coleman (Jeremy Pope): Archie’s style is bold and confident, reflecting his personality and ambition. He often wears bright colors, patterned shirts, and statement accessories.

  • Recreating Archie’s Look: Don’t be afraid to experiment with color and pattern. Look for shirts with bold prints or in vibrant colors like yellow, green, or blue. Pair these shirts with tailored pants or chinos. Archie often wears a fedora or other stylish hat. Accessories are key: consider a pocket square, a tie clip, or a statement watch.

  • Key Pieces: Patterned shirts, tailored pants, chinos, fedora hats, pocket squares, and statement watches.

• Raymond Ainsley (Darren Criss): Raymond’s style is sophisticated and refined, reflecting his position as a successful director. His wardrobe includes classic suits, elegant sweaters, and a touch of intellectual flair.

  • Recreating Raymond’s Look: Focus on quality fabrics and classic silhouettes. Opt for suits in neutral colors like gray, navy, or brown. Pair these suits with crisp white shirts and ties. Raymond often wears sweaters with interesting textures or patterns. Accessories are understated but elegant: consider a pair of cufflinks or a simple watch.

  • Key Pieces: Classic suits, crisp white shirts, ties, elegant sweaters, cufflinks, and a simple watch.

Key Fashion Elements to Incorporate:

• The Cinched Waist: Emphasize the waist with belts, fitted bodices, or high-waisted skirts and pants. This creates an hourglass silhouette that is both flattering and elegant.

• Full Skirts: A-line and circle skirts are hallmarks of the era. They add a touch of femininity and movement to any outfit.

• Tailored Silhouettes: Whether it’s a suit, a dress, or a blouse, tailoring is key. Ensure that your clothes fit well and flatter your figure.

• Bold Colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. Bright hues like red, blue, green, and yellow were popular in the 1940s.

• Statement Accessories: Jewelry, handbags, gloves, and hats can elevate any outfit. Choose accessories that reflect your personality and add a touch of glamour.

• Hats: Hats were an essential accessory in the 1940s. From wide-brimmed hats to fedoras, there are many styles to choose from.

• Gloves: Gloves added a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit.

• Heels: High heels were a must-have for women in the 1940s. They elongated the legs and added a touch of glamour.

Finding Vintage Inspiration:

• Thrift Stores: Thrift stores are a great place to find vintage clothing and accessories.

• Vintage Shops: Vintage shops specialize in selling vintage clothing and accessories. They often have a curated selection of high-quality items.

• Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay are great places to find vintage clothing and accessories.

• Museums: Museums often have exhibits on fashion history, providing inspiration and insight into the styles of the past.

Adapting the Look for Modern Times:

While recreating the fashion of “Hollywood,” it’s important to adapt the looks for modern times. Avoid wearing head-to-toe vintage, which can look costume-y. Instead, incorporate key pieces into your existing wardrobe. For example, pair a vintage A-line skirt with a modern t-shirt and sneakers for a casual look. Or, wear a vintage dress with modern accessories. The key is to find a balance between vintage and modern elements to create a look that is both stylish and unique.

Conclusion:

The fashion in “Hollywood” is a testament to the timeless elegance and glamour of the Golden Age. By understanding the key elements of the era and incorporating them into your own style, you can create a look that is both classic and contemporary. Whether you’re drawn to the sophisticated elegance of Camille Washington, the playful charm of Claire Wood, or the bold confidence of Archie Coleman, there is something for everyone to admire and emulate in the fashion of “Hollywood.” Embrace the optimism, the glamour, and the individuality of the era, and let your style shine.