Style Crush: Film Noir

I am in love with 1940s film noir fashion (see my wedding pictures for proof). Classic and cool, this style manages to be sexy and feminine while often incorporating a dark, mysterious edge. Maybe it's the juxtaposition that draws me in. I'm not really sure. All I know is that I'm obsessed.

The women in these movies, like Barbara Stanwyck at left, Lana Turner (in The Postman Always Rings Twice) at right, or Ingrid Bergman (in Notorious) below, manage to be so sultry without showing very much skin. There's also a timeless quality to their looks. Although you can tell from their hairstyles that these photos are old, their outfits would not be out of place today. And glamour? Good lord, look at the glamour! I'm in looooove.

The movies are pretty fab as well. A lot like "hardboiled" 1920s crime novels, film noir stories generally revolve around a crime of some sort. Many times the women in these films are "femme fatales" --beautiful women who charm unsuspecting men into questionable circumstances. And the cinematography is gorgeous! There is a lot of play with lights and shadows in these films and the result is often stunning.

In honor of these gorgeous women and the fashion they rocked so beautifully, I've compiled a few amazing pieces with 40's flair that you can buy today:

Clockwise from top left:
Navy Cropped Ascot Bolero from BeckyDrolen
Olive Oyl highwaisted pencil skirt by smarmyclothes
Vintage Black Leather Red Cross Cuban High Heels from hillbillyfilly
Trust Me Polka Wiggle Dress by Lucky 13