Grace Kelly is the epitome of class.
She was not only an actress, but a princess thanks to husband, Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Plus she was born in Philadelphia, Pa. So how could I, a Philadelphia-native and princess in my own right, not compliment Kelly’s style?
While Kelly never missed a beat with her personal and acting wardrobes, a particular role that stuck out to me was Lisa Carol Fremont in “Rear Window.”
“Rear Window” is a ‘50s thriller and action film about a magazine photographer who is forced to stay home because of a broken leg. Out of pure boredom, he starts spying on his neighbors from the rear window of his apartment. One day he persuades his girlfriend, played by Kelly, to watch with him and the two witness a murder. And of course, drama ensues.
In classic ‘50s fashion, Kelly stays dressed to the nines in a classic, feminine wardrobe. Her style includes plenty of dresses, skirts and blouses.
One outfit is a midi gown in black and white. The top is short-sleeved and black and the bottom is white with black floral accents at the waist. The skirt is full of tulle, making it puffy and full. Kelly accessorizes with pearls, a bracelet and heels.
This ensemble is incredibly ‘50s style, so it’s a little outdated for running around campus. However, you can adapt this look to be fitting for a black tie event such as a wedding, or formal.
Midi-length dresses and skirts are trending right now, so you could find one in a more modern fabric and pair it with modern accessories and heels. If the midi-length scares you, or you think you’re too short for it, find a similarly styled cocktail length dress.
Another look Kelly sports in the film is a little more fitting for work.
The outfit includes a midi-skirt and jacket set with a white blouse underneath. Kelly adds a white hat, mixed jewelry and black heels to finish the look.
This look can be adapted for today’s internships, presentations, or interviews.
Change the midi-skirt to a pencil skirt length and change the jacket to a more fitted blazer. Also, switch the tweed, green fabric to a polyester black, gray or navy. Ditch the hat, add your own jewelry and keep the heels.
Looks from past eras don’t need to be left in the past as long as you can take the key pieces and adapt them with today’s styles.
A look fitting for a princess is a look that never goes out of style.
