Silver Screen Style
Author | Christiane Nickel | Fashion Editor
With this rather grey-seeped spring the idea of channeling some of S/S 2014’s latest trends can seem a bit uninspiring and irrelevant these days. In desperate need of some fashion inspiration, film and TV provide two great outlets for my creative queries. When it comes to my personal viewing choices in regards to television, I’m an unabashed fan of reality shows and keep the bar as low as possible, citing Long Island Medium, The Real Housewives of Bravo, Southern Charm and Shahs of Sunset as some of my favs. Although I wouldn’t necessarily dress like Lisa Vanderpump or Theresa Caputo, the thought has definitely crossed my mind once or thrice. To really channel my inner most power femme, I’ve been lately gaining inspiration from movies and shows like Divergent, 300: Rise of an Empire, and Game of Thrones. As part of a new installation in our fashion section “Silver Screen Style: cool, sexy & queer” I’ll be reviewing noteworthy films and shows, looking at how you too can channel your inner most dystopian doyenne or a little Neanderthal-chic into your corporate-to-cocktail attire.
This past Sunday I went to see Divergent – hailed as a bible thumping disaster – but given my soft spot for dystopian post apocalyptic film, I was down to see it regardless of what critics had said. Starring Shailene Woodley and Theos James, this Chicago based film tells the story of sixteen year old Tris who, like everyone else her age, is required to choose her destiny within a multi factioned dystopian society. These societal clans include Abnegation (where Beatrice is originally from, these are the self sacrificial, peaceful group), Erudite (the intelligent technocrats that attempt to take over society), Dauntless (bold, brave army protecting their society), Candor (known for their honesty, commitment to principles of justice and truth), and Amity (in constant need to seek peace and neutrality).
Inspired by these clans please see below for a few of my favorite fashion conscious factions prime for changing up your weekend wardrobe! ….
How to dress like a Dauntless
Clad in tribal tattoos and quilted leather biker bombers this faction has military-chic written all over it. Paneled leather trousers, structured vests, ribbed black sweaters are just some of the additional all-season essentials you’ll need if you are looking to channel a little Dauntless into your look. This is definitely the faction that wins the prize for being the most andro-queer of them all, especially when looking at the hair and the extras from the movie.
Now let’s get to the basics…
The Pant
From scaling bridges to zip lining your way through Chi-town’s tallest sky scrapers, you’ll need a good pair of leather, paneled leather, or coated black trousers like these Varnished Effect Trousers from Zara $59.00. And don’t forget, combat boots or sleek Budapest shoes are a must. Sneakers work, but dark colors please. A dauntless would never wear gleaming white La Lights.
The Pullover
Chicago is cold and so is the tense and brooding atmosphere of a potential coup d’état that may arise so you’ll need a sweater that’s edgy yet understated, like this one from CK for a whopping $47.99. Featuring ribbed paneling along the sides and a zipper at the sleeves, this is a great wear with everything alternative to your everyday monochrome staples. Personally, I find the neckline to be a bit drab, in which case I would cut and lengthen it to create boat neck, a sexy way to show off tribal neck tattoos.
Tribal Tattoos
This is the most essential accessory you’ll need- a tribal tattoo, permanent or semi-perm, with simple geometrical shapes, these are a great way to accent the ribbed paneling on the aforementioned sweater and the biker vest mentioned above.
The Vest
Don’t forget this all season essential in this leather motorcycle vest from Bilt featuring adjustable Velcro straps for a bit of crime fighting comfort. For warmer weather this is an excellent piece to wear with a simple black, grey, brown or olive green tank and to show off any tattoos, especially when accented with a with leather armband or straps.
How to Dress like an Erudite
As the evil intellect (remember this movie does have a bible thumping pretense to it), you’ll need show off your calculative, evil doing ways and the best way to do this is with a smartly tailored suit. Firstly, all 50 shades of blue (except for pastels) are quintessential to attaining this look from ink blue to midnight to navy these hues are not only timeless and sophisticated but codify you as an all-knowing Erudite.
The Blazer
For starters a razor sharp tailored blazer is essential. This black leather blazer from Club Monaco may not be the recommended color but when paired with other shades of blue this could make for one savvy option.
Clearly a white button down is always best for this faction, but if you want to add a bit of allure to your authoritarian ways, I would opt for this Mesh Inset Body-Con Dress by Charlotte Russe. I would gather it at the sides and bunch it up a bit to go with whatever separate, whether it be a skirt or pants. If this is way too femme for you, this sleekly tailored light blue button down with white top stitching from Veea will do just the trick.
The Skirt
If you love wearing skirts and with that, mini skirts, I would suggest Zara’s Neoprene version for $25.90.
However if you were looking to transition this look from corporate to cocktails setting than I would recommend this navy version from American Apparel on sale for $26.00. In terms of shoes, if you wear heels, I would go for a platform stiletto, if not, sleek black wingtips. I feel like brogues would be too dapper if you want to fit in with this cut throat crew.
How to dress like an Abnegation
If both of these styles seem a bit too hard edged and structured, opt for Abnegation. Serene, subdued in color and modest, the style profile for Abnegation is most akin to brands like Theory, J.Jill, Free People, but only a select few have the budget for this so let’s look at some more affordable options to attaining this look.
Tank top
Nudes, neutrals and grays these are the base colors for your wardrobe as an Abnegation. And this tank top is just what you’ll need to get you through the dog days of a dystopian future. Since you probably have a bevy of these in your closet I would the necklines, cut in holes and shapes for more graphic appeal and then layer one atop of the other.
Grey Sweater
Save the world and save your soul from the arrogance of the erudite in cozy lightweight sweaters of wool or mohair on soft shades of could gray or graphite. This cashmere light grey one from Uniqlo features a marled knit, allowing for you to mix/match and layer with all fifty shades of graphite that an Abnegate would have in their wardrobe.
Drop crotch pants
Drop crotch pants are a fun gender-neutral option for a unique twist on urbane comfort. These ones, which I found on Etsy, retail for $37.00 and look great with everything from loafers to combat boots.
