The Talented Mr. Ripley: Style That Holds Up In Court

If you’re unfamiliar with the 1999 psychosexual flick directed by Anthony Mingella, ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ is an adaption of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel and tells the story of a young con man sent to Italy to convince a wealthy playboy to return to New York, ending in a murderous streak when he becomes enticed by the lavish European lifestyle. The thriller examines themes of jealousy, rejection, the complexity of human nature: exploring the all-consuming power of love whilst bathing us in the warmth of the Amalfi coast, providing the juxtaposition of the dark horrors hidden in sunlight.

Style on Trial: The Wardrobe of 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'

Costume designers Anne Roth and Gary Jones received an Oscar nomination for their stylistic works, introducing us to 1950s summer flare and purposeful dressing. The clothes take a huge role in seducing the audience throughout the picture, handling the characters’ introductions with ease.

Characters in Couture: Fashioning the Players

We see the ever-so-slightly barbaric Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) appearing composed in relation to his manufactured, calculated life and we’re reminded of his working-class background due to his subtlety until he steps into Dickie Greenleaf’s shoes. Mr Greenleaf himself (Jude Law) is on the opposite side of the spectrum, strolling around in unbuttoned linen shirts that suit his playboy lifestyle.

The Elegance of Marge Sherwood

Dickie’s (somewhat unrequited) love interest Marge Sherwood, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, is bathed in an elegance that can only be plagiarized. The effortless summer style embraces femininity, featuring carefree beachwear in the style of high-waisted bathing suits, mid-length skirts and flirty prints. Both Dickie and Marge’s wardrobes capture the freedoms that come from generational wealth and a leisurely lifestyle. Sherwood’s funds have allowed her to embrace the sophisticated conformity of Italian dressing — although not a native, she appears at home in Mongibello.

Fabricating a Summer Dream

Natural fabrics are a perfect representation of summer days, creating a relaxed elegance through simplicity, Sherwood is styled in timeless pieces that are reintroduced every summer. A light color palette helps to represent her purity and kindness. In fact, the few times we see Marge without her signature pastel coloration is during scenes in which she is growing suspicious of Tom: as the plot darkens, so do her clothes.

Embrace the Vintage Vibes

If you’re looking for a leisurely look to imitate across the span of your Euro summer, then try out Marge Sherwood’s 1950s Italian fantasy of two-piece sets paired perfectly with a martini.