“Elegance is elimination.”–Balenciaga
Ngaio Marsh by Henry Herbert Clifford (1935).
This 85-year-old photograph of New Zealand writer Ngaio Marsh proves that elegance, coziness, and individuality can be as stylish as anything out of the pages of a 21st-century fashion magazine.
Embellishments are minimal: an eccentric shoulder, a few buttons, an indifferently tilted hat, a bit of pattern and texture here or there.
Clean lines. Confidence.
She is, more than anything, mysterious.
How appropriate.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”–Clare Booth Luce
English writer Margery Sharp definitely knew that, way back in 1945.
Margery Sharp (1945) by Bill Brandt
Sure, you could classify her look as a bit severe or buttoned-up. Even austere (the photo was taken at the end of WWII, after all). I think she’s…sharp (pun intended and unavoidable). The pointy shoulders on the blouse, simple skirt, and round glasses are timeless and, through some weird alchemy, almost edgy. All the bonus points: Margery Sharp also gave the world that superior fictional mouse, Miss Bianca, who has style for days.
My sweet cousin bought me this book for Christmas. As most of you know, I do an occasional feature about dead writers’ style, so this is up my alley.
Legendary Authors and the Clothes They Wore
“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”–Yves Saint-Laurent
Iconic children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown had style to match her writing: timeless, straightforward yet unique, and unforgettable.
The stripes and strong shoulders, though clearly from the 1940s, are streamlined, edgy, and relevant:
Margaret Wise Brown Writing
Her bouncy, easy-going hairstyle is impeccably modern, and is the perfect accompaniment to her sleek, minimally accessorized dress:
Margaret Wise Brown
Some would say that a favorite doggo is the best “finishing touch” of all:
Margaret Wise Brown by Consuelo Kanaga, circa 1940-1950
It’s no secret that Margaret Wise Brown was very outdoorsy and active, a lifestyle which effortlessly merged with her sophisticated and relaxed dress sense. She’s wonderful inspiration for anyone who values style, practicality, and a dash of whimsy.
Easter Bonnets, 16 April 1911 (The Sun, New York)
Nancy Cunard-poet, publisher, and activist-was famously fashion-forward. In this photo, she looks like she could step out of the current issue of any high fashion magazine.
Nancy Cunard, looking quite editorial.
That sleek belted-jacket is everything, with the statement necklace and her signature piled-on bracelets both coming in a close second.
Perfection.
Georgia O’Keeffe is so intrinsically and eternally elegant that mere fashion doesn’t matter; it’s a blip on an inconsequential radar. Unlike aesthetic conformity, personal style effortlessly squashes large spans of time into nothingness.
Don’t believe me?
This image of the legendary artist is 97 years old.
Georgia O’Keeffe by Alfred Stieglitz, 1918.
There’s so much to love about this look, this vibe, this scene.
Where to start?
Fierce. Every last bit. Fierce.
…hair, makeup, clothes, attitude, and personality.
Portrait of Solita Solano by Berenice Abbott, circa 1920
“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.”-Oscar Wilde
Our dear Djuna, who wasn’t always so dear, encompassed both of Wilde’s dictates.
Why wouldn’t she?
Djuna Barnes was not afraid to overstep the accepted boundaries of writing, art, behaviour, or fashion. She knew that, sometimes, too much wasn’t nearly enough.
Our favourite tetchy lady knew what she was doing. Here’s why.
Lessons in How to Dress, Djuna Barnes-style:
Tip #1-It’s okay to wear too many layers and accessories, as long as it is artfully done:
Djuna, daring you to find her anything short of magnificent.
A lesser woman would be weighed down by all those layers and accessories, but not our Djuna. She looks resplendent. The open collar, delicate jewelry, and commandingly vibrant lipstick pull everything together.
Tip #2-The key to wearing a bold print is to conquer it by the pure force of your personality:
Djuna Barnes taking charge of some giant dots, circa 1921.
Clothes smell fear. If you’re scared to wear something, you probably shouldn’t. Otherwise, don it with the conviction that no one else on earth could ever pull it off like you can.
Surrounding a huge pattern with solids never hurts, either.
Tip #3-Shoes and Hats! Shoes and Hats!
Solita Solano and Djuna Barnes were exceptionally chic in Paris, 1922.
Shoes and hats are all you need to be stylish and memorable. It doesn’t matter if you are wearing a ball gown or a T-shirt dress, as long as you are shod and topped with wit or taste, or even creative vulgarity. Swap those gorgeous 1920s frocks for modern minis and logo shirts, and Solita and Djuna would still look phenomenal.
Think about that.
Now go out there and face the world with confidence and a bit of writerly style!
Reposting in honor of Sylvia’s birthday!
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”-Orson Welles
Sylvia Plath is best remembered for the sharp-edged precision of her poetry: word-vessels that are hard, clear, and passionate examples of literature’s trickiest form. Her style, although of minor importance to both literary historians and laypersons, remains fresh and appealing fifty years after her death. The timeless quality of Sylvia’s wardrobe is easy to emulate, and personalize.
Four Seasons, Five Photographs, Forever Stylish:
Sylvia Plath: Spring
A crisp white tee, corset belt, and floaty high-waisted skirt is the perfect outfit for the windy days of spring. She finishes it off simply with lipstick and a hairpin. Typewriter: optional. [This is my favourite photograph of a writer caught in the act of writing. I’ve always envied the imagined comforts of working in a garden setting. Sun-on-skin; light, earth-tainted breeze; a lounge chair to sink…
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