How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature
How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature: A Guest Post by Courtney Cole
As not only a woman, but as the mother of a young woman, I can certainly relate to how powerful the perfect outfit or piece of jewelry can be, and how it can impact our confidence. My daughter just called me yesterday, excited about finding “THE JEANS.” The one pair that fits just right, feels just right, and didn’t make her cry when trying them on.
There are some outfits that just project “that vibe.” You know the one... the vibe that projects that you are a total girl boss. Or the vibe where you’re sexy and you know it. Once you find that article of clothing, you never want to let it go.
I always find it fun to see impactful articles of clothing in literature or movies... something powerful, something that makes you remember it, something that evokes a feeling that you moves you.
Since it’s fun to think about, I gathered up a few of my faves.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
We’ve got to start with this one. My daughter and I used to watch this movie when she was a teenager, and I loved the magical feeling wrapped around it. How amazing is the thought that a simple pair of jeans can adjust to fit each wearer, keeping them tied together as their escapades continue? It was so fun, so sweet, and really conveyed the importance of friendship. I’ll never look at a pair of pants the same again.
How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature: A Guest Post by Courtney Cole
Cleopatra
Granted, we’re not going out in public wearing the heavy golden collars and headdresses as Elizabeth Taylor did when she portrayed the world’s last pharaoh, but good golly, have you ever (ever!) seen a more boss b$tch than Cleopatra? She has that vibe down pat, and literally makes you want to project that same powerful, alluring energy.
How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature: A Guest Post by Courtney Cole
The Seven Year Itch
Who can forget the famous shot of Marilyn Monroe with her white skirt blowing up in the air from a subway grate? There was something about Marilyn that made you want to BE HER, and this iconic shot is indelibly etched in everyone’s mind when they think about her.
How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature: A Guest Post by Courtney Cole
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This movie is basically the inception of the imperative LBD (little black dress). Audrey Hepburn’s elegance and glamour turned a simple black dress into a must-have piece that every woman needs in their life... and that continues to this very day, sixty years later! Talk about impactful!
How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature: A Guest Post by Courtney Cole
Call the Midwives and Madmen
This is a two-for-one. Both of these series inspired me to bring in elements of sixties fashion into my own wardrobe. There’s just something about the carefully curated ensemble and perfect hair that makes me feel well-put together. When I feel well-put together, I act like it, too! Cue the “I’ve got it all together” vibe! Excuse me while I go hunt for a pair of kitten heels while I carry around a long cigarette holder (even though I don’t smoke) and a dry martini with two onions and an olive.
The Devil Wears Prada
Ok, for my last pick, I’m choosing a movie that isn’t about just one item of clothing, but it’s more about pulling things together to look chic. In this one, Anne Hathaway turned into a beautiful swan, well-put together and glamorous with the perfect accessories. She learned to function in a toxic environment, proving herself valuable, and then at the end, she realized the toxicity and decided to give it up to follow her dreams. It was inspirational all around, but one low-key inspiration was to learn to be glamours JUST LIKE THAT. With the right ensemble, I can look just like Anne Hathaway, right?? That’s the feeling the movie gives you, and that’s the perfect example of the power of literature and movies. They can change your attitude, change your view, and with the right tube of lipstick and black clutch purse, could change your life.
How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature: A Guest Post by Courtney Cole
Attitude and mindset are everything, and movies like this evoke the best #girlboss vibes. Hollywood, are you listening? Make more movies like these!
Meanwhile, in The Christmas Dress, I try to instill a sense of Christmas wonder and magic as a Christmas dress that was worn on the best and worst day of a woman’s life is passed down to someone else, and the magic is creates is passed with it. I hope it changes that way we look at timeless clothing classics, and festive Christmas dresses in particular. (Spoiler alert, I’m a fan of them- the more sequins the better!)
Feel free to post your favorite iconic clothing pieces in the comments! I’d love to hear!
How an Iconic Piece of Clothing can Impact Literature: A Guest Post by Courtney Cole
Meg fears her dreams of being in the fashion industry will never come to pass now that she has to manage her father’s old Chicago apartment building. When Ellie, an elder resident, gifts Meg with a beautiful dress that was once hers and insists she wear it to the building holiday party—the dress not only fits Meg perfectly, it becomes the perfect accessory to a night that will be the most memorable of her life—one that unlocks the door to all her professional and romantic dreams.
