Style by the book: stealing the vintage style of literary characters

In Beineix’s movie, Betty wears several key Eighties looks. In one scene, the heroine looks seriously stylish in a pair of stonewash denim dungarees, accessorised with some oversized white plastic hoop earrings, and in another, she captures the decade’s decadent glam in a show-stopping, off-the-shoulder, scarlet jersey dress.

The ongoing Eighties revival means vintage stores are full of perfect pieces to create a Betty-inspired look, and the Spring/Summer 2009 runways were awash with pale blue denim as designers embraced the versatile fabric in all its forms – skinny jeans, flares and culottes made an appearance, as did playsuits and dungarees. Beyond Retro, which has stores in London and Stockholm – has rails full of denim of all shades and styles, so you’re sure to find something to suit.

Meanwhile, try East London’s Absolute Vintage, voted The Best Vintage Shop in London 2008 by InStyle Magazine, for a colour-pop jersey dress. Go for a scarlet, batwing or off-the-shoulder version for an authentic Eighties look. The store also has a wide selection of strappy stilettos, currently a la mode, and threatening to eclipse the ubiquitous gladiator as the shoe for summer.

 Introduce some va-va-voom to your outfit with some statement earrings just like Betty, go for dangly metallic drops or chunky plastic hoops. Vintage clothing and accessories store Rokit, which has shops throughout London and an online store, stocks a great collection of costume jewellery.

To complete the look, tease your hair into an Eighties quiff, before finishing off with a slick of scarlet lipstick – as Betty might say, ooh la la!

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Category: 1980s, Fashion, Vintage news