Lauren Bacall Style – Her 1950s fashion in Designing Woman
All of Lauren Bacall’s 1950s fashion in the 1957 film Designing Woman
This post is all about Lauren Bacall’s style in Designing Woman
Designing Woman is a delightful screwball comedy of the 1950s.
In this film, the stunning leading lady, Lauren Bacall, is a fashion designer, who marries a New York sports reporter. The sexy leading man is none other than Gregory Peck.
After a whirlwind romance, and the dust settles, they discover they have very little in common.
If you love 1950s fashion and Lauren Bacall, then you’ll love this lighthearted romantic comedy from the director Vincente Minnelli.
Who designed the clothes for Designing Woman?
The costume designer Helen Rose created all of the stunning 1950s outfits for the film.
She also famously designed Grace Kelly’s outfits in High Society.
And even more famously she created Grace Kelly’s wedding dress for her walk down the aisle to become Princess Grace of Monaco.
What outfits does Lauren Bacall wear in Designing Woman?
Lauren Bacall’s style in the film highlights how different her fashion world is from her husband’s “tough” sports world.
When they first meet, she is wearing chic casual 50s style. Think tucked in blouse and high waisted jeans.
After their quick marriage, while on the plane, she changes into her first high-style outfit.
Her new hubby, Mike, suddenly realizes she’s on a very different level!
Interestingly Lauren Bacall’s fashion in the film actually feels more like 1940s fashion rather than 1950s fashion.
You’ll notice that her outfits are often more slim-fitting and utilitarian, rather than the 1950s ultra-feminine style with full skirts, emphasizing the feminine silhouette.
We’re not sure whether that was Lauren Bacall or the costume designer’s preference, but they look amazing, either way.
Get ready for some fabulous Old Hollywood fashion inspiration, from swimsuits, to jeans, trousers and evening gowns.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Yellow 1950s style Swimsuit
At a Los Angeles’ hotel pool, Lauren Bacall’s character Marilla Brown wears a bright yellow 1950s fashion swimsuit with a matching flowered bathing cap.
She waves at the New York sports writer, Mike (Gregory Peck).
They had met at a party the night before. She had helped him finish writing his story.
He had drunkenly paid her a bunch of money.
He was now so hungover, he doesn’t recognize her. Or remember anything about the night before!
Lauren Bacall removes her swimming cap to show off her still-styled hair.
She then pulls on a matching yellow bathrobe.
Talk about a chic swimming outfit!
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Pink Blouse and Jeans
For her afternoon boating with her new sexy man, Lauren Bacall opts for a favorite 50 casual style.
She pairs a pink short sleeved blouse with high-waisted jeans
She then sketches a dress, and tells Mike that she’s a clothing designer.
He doesn’t really have any idea what that means.
It’s rare to see Lauren Bacall in jeans, since she loved high-waisted trousers.
For more 1950s pants outfits inspiration:
1950s Women’s Pants Outfits – 7 Chic Vintage Styles
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Brown Dress
For their next date they watch a dolphin show.
For this outing, Lauren Bacall’s character wears a 1950’s style tan dress.
She adds a matching belt to accentuate her waist.
She misses her flight back to New York.
Crazy about each other, they get married… even though they’ve only known each other a couple of weeks!
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Dress
On the flight home to New York, Lauren Bacall’s character Marilla wears soft jumpsuit that is cinched in around the waist.
Once they get close to landing, she changes into a more glamorous dress.
Doesn’t her first outfit already look very chic for a plane flight? Haha.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Dark Blue Dress
After landing in New York, they go to Mike’s apartment.
It is small, and has piles of stuff everywhere. It definitely looks like bachelor pad.
Marilla finds a picture of a woman on the floor that he hastily tore up!
Lauren Bacall wears a chic fitted navy dress that she pairs with black heels.
Her simple accessories include a gold broach and a bracelet.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Red Dress
For her dinner with her new hubby, Lauren Bacall’s character opts for a stunning red dress.
What better outfit for a date at an Italian restaurant?
She doesn’t realize that he was just breaking up with the woman who’s picture she had seen in the apartment.
We love how Lauren Bacall pairs a matching red cape with her dress.
Her accessories are classy black gloves and a black hat.
Next they head to her apartment.
It is quite glamorous compared to Mike’s.
She is delighted to receive a table as a wedding gift.
Ironically it is from a smitten coworker who is in love with her.
Slightly awkward!
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Pink Jumpsuit
Marilla’s friends came over for a surprise party. They are designers, actors, and playwrights.
Mike, a “man’s man”, quickly discovers that he has nothing in common with them.
He also realizes that his new wife has a lot more money too. And that doesn’t make him very happy.
Marilla realizes he’s upset and cooks him food.
(You know the saying that the way to a man is through his stomach….)
To lounge on the couch, she then changes into a cute pink jumpsuit, with a belt accenting her waist.
This amazing design sizzles with feminine simplicity.
Again, talk about chic and classy loungewear!
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Skirt and Cardigan
They settle into married life for the next few weeks.
During the day Mike lives in his sports reporter world, while Marilla lives in her high society fashion world.
In a cozy home shot, we get a glimpse at Marilla’s “work from home” outfit.
For this look, she pairs a gray pencil skirt with a blue cardigan, and black high heels.
Wow!
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Green Dress
Back at work, Lauren Bacall’s character Marilla wears a classy green dress accessorized with gold jewelry.
Notice how the fitted waist accentuates her perfect figure.
Her co-workers pressure her to accept a promotion to create designs for a new fashion show.
She reluctantly agrees, after challenged that it would be too much for her.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Glamorous Mink Dress
Back in Mike’s world, he takes her to a boxing match.
Marilla shows up in a glamorous mink dress that is belted at the waist. This is paired with a chic vintage hat.
During the game, a gangster Mike has been writing about, comes over and threatens him.
Marilla gets sick at the sight of blood, and leaves.
Lauren Bacall’s ultra glam evening outfit isn’t quite fitting for the boxing ring.
The further illustrates the differences between her, and her hubby’s world.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Purple and white evening gown
At another fancy party at her flat, Lauren Bacall’s character wears quite the evening gown.
Check out the full waisted purple skirt, and over the top white blouse with the sheer bodice and balloon-style sleeves!
She has her friends over and they are reading a play.
Mike has his friends to play a card game.
It’s obvious how different each social circle is.
And of course the two groups don’t get along, and there is some spicy drama.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Gray Skirt Suit
At the office, Marilla discovers that the woman she’s designing the new show outfits for is… Mike’s ex-girlfriend (played by Dolores Gray).
She is furious.
She looks so chic and sophisticated as she fumes. (Haha.)
Lauren Bacall’s outfit is a impeccably tailored gray skirt suit, paired with a matching hat.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Blue Dress
Mike is in danger from the gangster. So he has to go into hiding.
As he packs, Lauren Bacall’s character is very suspicious.
She thinks that he’s going back to his ex-girlfriend.
Lauren Bacall wears a blue dress, paired with a matching pearl necklace and earrings.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Orange Dress
Back at work, on the set for the fashion show, Lauren Bacall looks like a model.
She wears an orange dress with white bodice and neckline accents.
She pairs this with a matching scarf and gold jewelry.
Lauren Bacall Style Designing Woman – Green robe
Her hubby calls her, while still in hiding.
Lauren Bacall’s lounging outfit is a slinky lime green robe.
She is also packing to travel with the fashion show.
The gangster than tries to kidnap her to get to Mike. And Mike’s friend rescues her.
The danger makes the newlyweds realize how much they love each other.
Yes, even though they are very different people….
Oh, and Mike’s ex-girlfriend falls for the co-worker who’d been in love with Marilla.
So everyone ends up happy.
(Aren’t happy endings the best?!)
This post was all about Lauren Bacall’s style in Designing Woman
What did you think of Lauren Bacall’s style in Designing Woman?
What did you think of the hot leading man? (Aka the nice guy Gregory Peck.)
How does he compare to Lauren Bacall’s most famous romantic interest on and off screen?
(Yes, we’re referring to none other than Humphrey Bogart!)
OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- 15 Greatest Lauren Bacall Movies & Films, Ranked
- Lauren Bacall’s 1940s Fashion in Dark Passage
- Lauren Bacall Pants – How to Wear Pants like an Old Hollywood Glamour Star
- Lauren Bacall Style – 15 Spectacular Looks to Inspire Your Wardrobe
- Lauren Bacall Style – Her 1950s Fashion in Designing Woman
- Lauren Bacall Style in Blood Alley – Her Fabulous 1950s Fashion
- Lauren Bacall Style in The Big Sleep – Her Stunning 1940s Fashion
- Lauren Bacall How to Marry a Millionaire – Plot and all her 1950s Fashion
- The Ultimate Guide to 1950s Fashion for Women
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