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Writer's pictureginaelisebradbury
May 9, 20232 min read

Classic Style Inspiration: the Monochrome Dress

Updated: May 15, 2023

Why you should opt for monochrome if you want to stand out from the crowd


Simplicity can be incredibly striking. Whilst both white and black dresses stand out in their own right, monochrome dramatically combines the two. Examples of this glamorous, dramatic look are demonstrated in the images of Hollywood starlets below:


Lauren Bacall looking chic in a striped monochrome dress (in what appears to be her home) in a 1940's image by Ralph Crane.
Lauren Bacall looking chic in a striped monochrome dress (in what appears to be her home) in a 1940's image by Ralph Crane. (newyorker.com)

Grace Kelly posing in the elegant v-back monochrome dress that she wore in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' (1954).
Grace Kelly posing in the elegant v-back monochrome dress that she wears in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' (1954). (rebelangel.co.uk)

Grace Kelly wearing a monochrome beach outfit, that was designed by Edith Head, in the Hitchcock movie 'To Catch a Thief' (1955).
Grace Kelly wearing a monochrome beach outfit, designed by Edith Head, in the Hitchcock movie 'To Catch a Thief' (1955). (costumeloverz71.tumblr.com)

Grace Kelly wearing a costume consisting of a white skirt that opens to reveal black pedal pushers. Designed by Edith Head for the 1955 Hitchcock movie 'To Catch a Thief'.
In Edith Head's unique design, the white skirt opens to show black pedal pushers beneath (1955). (costumeloverz71.tumblr.com)

Marilyn Monroe wearing a monochrome striped dress with a high turtle neck for a photo shoot in 1954.
Marilyn Monroe was pictured wearing a number of monochrome dresses. Here she is wearing a black and white striped dress with a high turtle neck for a photo shoot in 1954. (elle.com)

Marilyn Monroe wearing a tight fitting white dress with black polka dots in 'The Seven Year Itch' (1955).
Marilyn Monroe wearing a tight fitting white dress with black polka dots in 'The Seven Year Itch' (1955). (elle.com)

Marilyn Monroe wearing a printed monochrome dress during a costume test for 'Something's Gotta Give' (1962).
Marilyn Monroe wearing a printed monochrome dress during a costume test for 'Something's Gotta Give' (1962).

Beautiful footage of Marilyn wearing her printed monochrome dress for 'Something's Gotta Give' (1962) can be seen in the video below:




Audrey Hepburn in her famous monochrome dress from 1954's 'Sabrina'. It is believed to have been designed by Hubert de Givenchy and/or Edith Head.
Audrey Hepburn in her famous monochrome dress from 1954's 'Sabrina'. It is believed to have been designed by Hubert de Givenchy and/or Edith Head. (hollywoodreporter.com)

Audrey Hepburn wearing a cute and elegant monochrome flower print gown, designed by Givenchy, which she wore in 1957's 'Funny Face'.
Audrey Hepburn wearing a cute and elegant monochrome flower print gown, designed by Givenchy, which she wore in 1957's 'Funny Face'. (instyle.com)

Leslie Caron wearing a magnificent white gown with black details for the the 1958 movie 'Gigi'.
Leslie Caron wearing a magnificent white gown with black details for the the 1958 movie 'Gigi'. (fromthebygone.wordpress.com)

An appreciation of the elegance of monochrome can be seen in early designs of the first high fashion houses. Lanvin was founded in 1889 and is the oldest French fashion house to still be in operation (lanvin.com). The Lanvin dress in the 1924 photograph below features a predominantly monochrome dress with black appliques and a rust velvet bow.


A 1924 photograph of actress Carlotta Monterey wearing a Lanvin gown. The predominantly monochrome dress features black appliques and a rust velvet bow.
A 1924 photograph of actress Carlotta Monterey wearing a predominantly monochrome Lanvin gown. (vogue.com)

Chanel, which was founded in 1910 (chanel.com), often include monochrome creations in their collections to this day. The 2023 Met Gala, named 'Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty', has highlighted how many people associate monochrome with Chanel; many stars chose to reference Karl Lagerfeld's work for the fashion house by wearing black and white Chanel/Chanel inspired dresses. Also, Coco Chanel herself often wore a combination of black and white.


A beautiful 1930's monochrome Chanel gown. (seamracer.wordpress.com)
A beautiful 1930's monochrome Chanel gown. (seamracer.wordpress.com)

A number of early Dior designs, a house which was founded in 1946 (instyle.com, 2022), demonstrate the elegance of monochrome and are likely to have elevated the popularity of the look during the mid-century.


A model posing during the 1950s in a 1947 monochrome Dior design. The shape of this 1947 look signalled the silhouette of the next decade.
A model posing during the 1950s in a 1947 monochrome Dior design. The shape of this 1947 look signalled the silhouette of the next decade. (marieclaire.co.uk)

An autumn 1950 monochrome masterpiece designed by Dior.
An autumn 1950 monochrome masterpiece designed by Dior. (anabelmagazine.com)

During the 1960s, a time when no look was too eye-catching, monochrome featured predominantly in mod fashion. Monochrome mini shift dresses were popular at the time and are an iconic look of the era (see image below). The popularity of block colours during the decade may have been influenced by Andy Warhol's block colour silk screen images. He began this artistic process in 1962 when he created grid-like paintings of dollar bills. (sothebys.com) Mary Quant, who has been referred to as the inventor of the mini dress (vam.ac.uk), designed many monochrome mini shift dresses in the '60s. These mod-style black and white dresses are a fun and retro look that can be dressed up or down.


Models during the 1960s wearing mod-style monochrome mini shift dresses.
Models during the 1960s wearing mod-style monochrome mini shift dresses. (rokit.co.uk)

Finally, let's look at some of the stand out monochrome dresses that have recently featured on the runway and red carpet.


A monochrome maxi dress at the Chanel S/S 2023 show.
Monochrome looks featured heavily in the Chanel S/S 2023 collection including this maxi dress. (chanel.com)

One of many monochrome looks at the Chanel Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear show. I love the 60's mod style of this look.
One of many monochrome looks at the Chanel Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear show. I love the 1960's mod style of this dress and the gridded print is very Warholesque. (vogue.com)

Vanessa Hudgens wearing vintage Chanel sleeveless monochrome dress at the 2023 Oscars in March.
Vanessa Hudgens wearing a vintage Chanel sleeveless monochrome dress at the 2023 Oscars in March. (dailymail.co.uk)

The recent F/W 2023 Nina Ricci show featured unusual and creative designs including this monochrome stripe look.
The recent F/W 2023 Nina Ricci show featured unusual and creative designs including this monochrome stripe look. (ninaricci.com)

Olivia Rodrigo wearing a custom monochrome Thom Browne gown at the 2023 Met Gala.
Monochrome featured heavily at this years Met Gala. The 2023 theme was 'Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty' and many of the looks paid homage to his time at Chanel. Olivia Rodrigo wearing a custom Thom Browne gown. (byrdie.com)

Blackpink's Jennie Kim wore a vintage 1990 monochrome Chanel dress with black accessories to 2023's Met Gala.
Blackpink's Jennie Kim wore a vintage 1990 monochrome Chanel dress with black accessories to 2023's Met Gala. (vogue.co.uk)

Dua Lipa wore a white and black tweed gown from Chanel's A/W 1992 collection to the 2023 Met Gala. She accessorised it with Tiffany's new white Legendary Diamond which is over 100 carats.
Dua Lipa wore an off white and black tweed gown from Chanel's A/W 1992 collection to the 2023 Met Gala. She accessorised it with Tiffany's new white Legendary Diamond which is over 100 carats. (vogue.co.uk)


Let me know in the comments what you think of monochrome dresses. Also, which of the shared dresses do you like the most? Click the Pinterest logo below to see more monochrome inspiration and my picks of current black and white buys:


Pinterest logo link to my board.


Writing Sources


Non-Linked Image Sources


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Writer's pictureginaelisebradbury
May 5, 20233 min read

Leopard Print is Timeless

Updated: Jul 13, 2023

The history of leopard print as a fashion statement & its ongoing charm



As a child in the '90s I loved watching MTV. I was mesmerized by the creativity: the music, the sets, the choreography, and of course the outfits. An outfit that particularly stood out to me is the leopard print ensemble worn by Shania Twain in the 1998 music video for 'That Don't Impress me Much'. I think it was the first time I ever saw Shania Twain, and I assumed she was a natural redhead. Looking back, leopard print is definitely something that I associated with the Spice Girls but Shania made leopard print look mysterious and glamorous.


Shania Twain in her iconic leopard print outfit in the 1998 'That Don't Impress Me Much' music video. The hood, the gloves, the choker-like collar and the matching hat box style luggage make this so much more glamorous.
Shania Twain in her iconic leopard print outfit in the 1998 'That Don't Impress Me Much' music video. The hood, gloves, choker-like collar and matching hat box make this so much more glamorous. (goodmorningamerica.com)

The Spice Girls performing at the 1997 Brit Awards. I liked the Spice Girls, and Mel B looked amazing, but for me Shania Twain elevated leopard print.
The Spice Girls performing at the 1997 Brit Awards. I liked the Spice Girls, and Mel B looked amazing, but for me Shania Twain elevated leopard print. (costumerocket.com)

Shania Twain has repeatedly worn leopard print throughout the years. Here she is pictured wearing a leopard print coat at the 1999 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Shania Twain has repeatedly worn leopard print throughout the years. Here she is pictured wearing a leopard print coat at the 1999 Academy of Country Music Awards. (fashionista.com)

Shania Twain in leopard print at the 2022 People's Choice Awards.
Shania Twain in leopard print at the 2022 People's Choice Awards. (goodmorningamerica.com)


Another early leopard print memory for me is when I was given some hand-me-downs from an older girl who lived nearby. This would also have been in the late 1990s. The bag of treasures included a pair of leopard print ankle boots with a heel. They seemed daring and grown-up and I was thrilled about them.


A pair of vintage (UK size 2.5) 1990's leopard print boots. In unworn condition and reduced from £60 to £30. Click image for link. These are very similar to the ones I had.
A pair of vintage (UK size 2.5) 1990's leopard print boots. In unworn condition and reduced from £60 to £30. Click image for link. These are very similar to the ones I had.

Christian Dior referred to the daring nature of leopard print in his 1954 manual, 'The Little Dictionary of Fashion', when he stated, “to wear leopard you must have a kind of femininity which is a little bit sophisticated. If you are fair and sweet, don't wear it.” (stylist.co.uk, 2018) There is indeed a strength to leopard print as, in my opinion, it can look incredibly striking.


In 2018, it was referred to as "the new neutral" due to a high prevalence of leopard print designs on runways. (stylist.co.uk, 2018) However, regardless of whether or not leopard print has become mainstream, I believe it is the beauty of the natural pattern and the way in which it is styled that gives it its potency. Leopard print is more than just a print, the wearing of the material symbolises the strength and beauty of the animal whose natural spots have made it famous. Also, it is worth noting that leopard print first became mainstream, far before the 2010s, in the 20th century with the development of mass produced fabrics. Regardless of mass production, with its continuing associations and stereotypes, the print still carries its spark. Poppy Corry-Wright (writer for Culture Whisper) accurately described the complexities of its reputation, "From royalty to punk-rockers, realms of kitsch to sophistication, trash to high fashion, there are many different faces of leopard print." (culturewhisper.com, 2018)

Depending upon styling and opinion, views of leopard print lean to the extremes of 'tacky' or elegant. Leopard print's past as a status symbol juxtaposes with societal views of female strength and sexuality (female qualities that have often been wrongly condemned throughout history). Perhaps due to its association with the commercial music scene, there is also a strong association between leopard print and fun/rebellion. Ultimately, the wearing of leopard print requires a certain level of confidence, and this only adds to its allure.


Leopard print may have a strong 1990s association, but it was viewed as a striking fashion statement millennia before.


The Egyptian goddess of wisdom, Seshat is often pictured wearing a leopard or cheetah hide. Perhaps inspired by the goddess, the above image of an Egyptian stele shows the ancient Egyptian princess Nefertiabet wearing a leopard gown.
The Egyptian goddess of wisdom, Seshat is often pictured wearing a leopard or cheetah hide. Perhaps inspired by the goddess, the above image of an Egyptian stele shows the ancient Egyptian princess Nefertiabet wearing a leopard gown. (edition.cnn.com)

Whilst now a no-go zone for many buyers for ethical reasons, from the 18th century to well into the 20th, real fur fashion items were seen as a luxury and associated with wealth and status. As early as the late 1800s, materials were made which mimicked the pattern of leopard fur (for both women and menswear). (darthkendraresearch.wordpress.com, 2015)



A painting of Marie Aurore de Saxe from 1777. She is wearing an animal print dress trimmed with pink ribbon.
A painting of Marie Aurore de Saxe from 1777. She is wearing an animal print dress trimmed with pink ribbon. (darthkendraresearch.wordpress.com)


Leopard print's associations with status and wealth are mirrored in early Hollywood snapshots of stars wearing the material. Leopard print allowed the female stars of vintage Hollywood to deepen their reputation as exotic, successful and alluring women.


Joan Crawford in 1928 in her flapper era wearing a dress trimmed with leopard print.
Joan Crawford in 1928 in her flapper era wearing a dress trimmed with leopard print. (harpersbazaar.com)

Purely posing in leopard print wasn't enough for many vintage starlets. A vintage Hollywood trend was to pose with an actual leopard while wearing the matching print. Stars who featured in such photoshoots include Josephine Baker, Joan Blondell, Acquanetta, Gene Tierney, Betty Page and Eartha Kitt.


Actress Acquanetta posing during a photoshoot for the 1946 movie 'Tarzan and the Leopard Woman'.
Actress Acquanetta posing during a photoshoot for the 1946 movie 'Tarzan and the Leopard Woman'. (thelastdrivein.com)

For style inspiration, I've shared more images below of women who have worn leopard print with style over the decades:


An image of a studio negative taken of Marilyn Monroe in a leopard print and black outfit for the 1954 movie 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.
An image of a studio negative taken of Marilyn Monroe in a leopard print and black outfit for the 1954 movie 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'. (entertainment.ha.com)

Elizabeth Taylor in 1962 wearing a leopard print coat and coordinating ballet pumps.
Elizabeth Taylor in 1962 wearing a leopard print coat and coordinating ballet pumps. (harpersbazaar.com)

The queen of classy dressing, Jackie Kennedy, photographed in the 1960's wearing a leopard print coat with a matching hat and black leather gloves.
The queen of classy dressing, Jackie Kennedy, photographed in the 1960s wearing a leopard print coat with a matching hat and black leather gloves. (glamourmagazine.co.uk)

Anne Bancroft wore leopard print when playing the part of Mrs Robinson in 1967's 'The Graduate'.
Anne Bancroft wore leopard print when playing the part of Mrs Robinson in 1967's 'The Graduate'. (glamour.com)

Debbie Harry wearing a leopard print dress in the late 1970's.
Debbie Harry wearing a leopard print dress in the late 1970s. (blameitonthebrioche.wordpress.com) A photograph from this session was used for the cover art of the 1978 UK release of 'Denis'.

Alexa Chung, another loyal wearer of leopard print, photographed wearing a leopard print coat in 2017.
Alexa Chung, a repeat wearer of leopard print, photographed wearing a leopard print coat in 2017. (china.com.cn)

Kate Moss, another loyal wearer of leopard print, photographed in Paris wearing a beautiful vintage metallic leopard print dress in 2019.
Kate Moss, another loyal wearer of leopard print, photographed in Paris wearing a beautiful vintage metallic leopard print dress in 2019. (vogue.co.uk)


Let me know what you think of leopard print in the comments: is it something you wear/would wear? and who do you think wears leopard print the best? Thank you for reading, Gina.




Writing Sources

Article by Anita Bhagwandas, Stylist, 2018.

Article by Marianna Cerini. CNN. 2018.

Article by Poppy Cory-Wright. Culture Whisper. 2018.


Non-Linked Image Sources




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Writer's pictureginaelisebradbury
May 2, 20231 min read

My Picks of the Best PLT Spring Summer 2023 Fashion

Updated: Jul 13, 2023

I've been searching through PLT's current offerings for the stand out s/s pieces




Let's take a look at the best PLT spring summer 2023 fashion items. Stand out features of Pretty Little Thing's current clothing include bright, bold colours, #mermaidcore style ruffles and frills, bright #barbiecore pink, flower corsage details, puffed sleeves and skirts, #festivalwear, #doubledenim and 00's inspired style. The 00's influenced items include cargo trousers, skirts with asymmetric hemlines, belly chains, halter neck tops, pleated skirts and more. The items that stand out the most to me, and include options for women of different heights and sizes, are shared below:


PLT Pretty Little Thing Gold cowl neck frill hem maxi dress. £38.
Gold cowl neck frill hem maxi dress. Also available in emerald green. £38. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Plus red ruffle detail wrap dress. Also available in black. £20.
Plus red ruffle detail wrap dress. Also available in black. £20. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Pink rose chiffon frill drape detail shift dress. £25.
Pink rose chiffon frill drape detail shift dress. £25. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Hot pink puff sleeve puffball hem shift dress. £35.
Hot pink puff sleeve puffball hem shift dress. Also available in white, black, pistachio and terracotta. It is available in Plus in black, rust, dusty blue, khaki, olive and orange. £35. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Plus hot pink slinky ruffle detail midi dress. Also available in black. £20.
Plus hot pink slinky ruffle detail midi dress. Also available in black. £20. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Red cold shoulder ruffle detail maxi dress. £40.
Red cold shoulder ruffle detail maxi dress. £40. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Tall lilac satin maxi dress. Also available in champagne. £38.
Tall lilac satin maxi dress. Also available in champagne. £38. Click image for link. PLT have a wide range of silk maxi dresses available for a range of different heights and sizes.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Purple structured contour sleeveless high neck crop top. Also available in charcoal, camel, brown, white and hazel. £15.
I love the colour and high neck of this crop top. Purple structured contour sleeveless high neck crop top. Also available in charcoal, camel, brown, white and hazel. £15. Click image for link.

Khaki stretch woven cut out corset top. Also available in stone. £14.
Khaki stretch woven cut out corset top. Also available in stone. £14. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Satin bias cut midi skirt in dusty pink. Also available in black and chocolate brown. £18.
Satin bias cut midi skirt in dusty pink. Also available in black and chocolate brown. £18. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Plus pink pleated mini skirt. £28.
Plus pink pleated mini skirt. £28. Click image for link. There is also a midi dress available in sizes 4 to 16 made of the same material.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Petite sage green satin mini skirt. Also available in off white. £18.
Petite sage green satin mini skirt. Also available in off white. £18. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing blue worldwide slogan faux leather bomber jacket. £55.
Pretty Little Thing blue worldwide slogan faux leather bomber jacket. £55. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Petite stone pocket detail cropped blazer. Also available in cream. £25.
Petite stone pocket detail cropped blazer. Also available in cream. £25. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Petite stone pocket detail tailored shorts. Also available in cream. £18.
Petite stone pocket detail tailored shorts. Also available in cream. £18. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Camel pocket detail cargo shorts. Also available in mocha and black. £18.
Camel pocket detail cargo shorts. Also available in mocha and black. £18. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Pink flower corsage mule heels. Also available in black. £32.
Pink flower corsage mule heels. Also available in black. £32. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Lilac rubber buckle sliders. Also available in black. £24.
Lilac rubber buckle sliders. Also available in black. £24. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Taupe shiny croc stud shoulder bag.
I really like the way the light catches on this bag. Taupe shiny croc stud shoulder bag. £18.

This early 00's style fluffy bag is perfect for pairing with a blue outfit. Baby blue fluffy feather shoulder bag. £22.
This early 00's style fluffy bag is perfect for pairing with a blue outfit. Baby blue fluffy feather shoulder bag. £22. Click image for link.

PLT Pretty Little Thing Silver double row diamante choker. £8.
Silver double row diamante choker. £8. Click image for link.

Let me know what you think of my picks in the comments; which items do you like the most? I particularly love the red cold shoulder ruffle detail maxi dress and the pink flower corsage heels. Thank you for viewing, Gina.




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