Save for the perfect hemline, there are few things designers love more than blasting to the past for sartorial inspiration. As four of this season's high-profile star vehicles prove, glam garb of the '30s, '40s, and '50s continues to resonate. Below, our handy guide to achieving a retro-licious look.
HOLLYWOODLAND
The plot follows the rumored 1959 murder of onetime Superman George
Reeves, but it's Diane Lane's wardrobe that has us intrigued. In the
Sept. 8 film, she dons era-specific cocktail hats ($450 at Lola,
212-279-9093) and (fur shrugs ($4,500, jmendel.com for retailers).
Still, animal coats aren't exactly retro: They're in Marc Jacobs' and
Alexander McQueen's fall lines.
THE BLACK DAHLIA
Brian De Palma's adaptation of James Ellroy's novel (out Sept. 15) is
classic 1940s noir, and so are the clothes. ''I would say 90 percent of
what we used was original,'' says costume designer Jenny Beavan, who
outfitted Scarlett Johansson in slim pencil skirts ($198,
neimanmarcus.com for retailers) and fitted peplum jackets ($495,
diane vonfurstenberg.com).
IDLEWILD
Big Boi and André 3000 don't skimp on the dandy duds in their
Prohibition-era musical movie (out Aug. 25). Fans who want to ape their
style can snap up these Brooks Brothers braces, add a jaunty paisley pocket square ($59.50,
faconnable.com for retailers), and top it all off with a modern take
on the trilby hat ($685 at Rod Keenan New York, 212-678-9275).
BACK TO BASICS
From 'Dirrty' to demure, the once X-rated Christina Aguilera goes
midcentury pinup for her latest album and video. If hair snoods and
support garments as outerwear are too costumey for your everyday wear,
try a flirty Louboutin peep-toe pump ($710, christianlouboutin.fr
for retailers) or, for ladies on a budget, a bold matte lip color — the
redder the better.
