Sure, the female lead of Netflix’ latest screen sensation may be a fictional character, but we’re utterly obsessed! Of course, we’re talking about The Queen’s Gambit’s chess-slaying protagonist Beth Harmon. With her unmatched craft and gamine looks, we’re head over heels for the doe-eyed, beer swigging prodigy.
Intelligent yet self-critical, sophisticated yet rebellious, Harmon’s a walking paradox, a perfectionist with imperfections and addictions, and we’re hooked too. It’s not just Beth’s persona that has captivated audiences worldwide, but her extraordinary style- we don’t think we’ve been this excited about a show’s mid-century wardrobe department since Mad Men, and that’s saying something!
For this month’s Vintage Style Icon Series, Indulge focuses in on Beth Harmon’s look- our first fictional character reviewed to date. We love just about every item our heroine wears throughout the series, from the silky printed shirts to the Peter Pan collars and pussy-bow necklines, to every pleated skirt and cardigan in between (oh, the cardigans!). Here are a five ways to channel an on-screen muse of our times.
Turtlenecks
Polo necks, or turtlenecks – as our style icon would call them – are both functional and fashionable, and long-sleeved roll necks alway look chic. When it comes to colour, The Queen’s Gambit’s costume designers go for the dark side- forest green, brown, black and charcoal, mixed in with brighter hues like mint, pistachio and mustard. Pair your long-sleeved polo neck with a short pleated skirt and demure t-bar heels for that subtle sixties feel. We love this cosy (and sexy) cream number with a pair of opaque black tights for nights in… an easy and effective look to recreate.
Proper Pyjamas
When it comes to Beth’s sleepwear style, we’ve got two looks. It’s either skimpy lingerie and a soft, off the shoulder blush cardigan, (who could forget the ‘Venus’ fridge scene!) or silky good-girl pyjamas. There’s nothing like cosying up in bed with a good book and matching PJs after a full body moisturising. It definitely beats mismatched baggy t-shirts and shorts! Try old-skool favourites like M&S for a similar pair, or you could put them on your Christmas list if you’ve been awfully good this year.
Beanies & Berets
Ah, the beret, there’s nothing that completes a wintery look quite like it! Accessories maketh the outfit, and Beth Harmon’s collection of gloves and hats is one to be admired. A white coat and matching beret makes a huge impact, and a wise woman once told me that wearing white in winter always gets a few compliments. Beth’s knit beanie is very 60s beatnik, and paired with that feline eye liner, we think this makeup look is perfect for these new, face-masked times…
Wool-blend dresses
Synthetic fabrics like viscose and polyester came into mainstream textile production in the 1960s, which is when The Queen’s Gambit is set. Beth absolutely nails winter dresses with her wool-blend shift dresses like these two pictured, and let’s not forget THAT show-stopping viscose number she wore for her final tournament in Moscow! We can see replicas selling out already… Wool and synthetic-blend dresses don’t need ironing, they’re weighted so they hang and travel well and they’re warm. Perfect for a chess prodigy jetting off to colder climes.
Statement Coats
Most of Beth Harmon’s clothes include some sort of checked pattern, a not so subtle nod to the show’s main event- chess! But far from being stuffy, once Beth grows out of her gawky teenage years, she’s as sophisticated as can be, chanelling sixties spy-chic in brown tailoring, or in softer, candy tones like this macaroon pink stunner in Paris. When it comes to nailing Beth’s winter wardrobe down to a tee, look out for pea-coats and A-Line styles for a polished yet swingin’ look. Extra retro points for oversized buttons!
Tag a TQG lover in the comments on Facebook! Xx
Hi, do you know where can I get this green, knit beanie?
We found a pattern to crochet one for you https://ribblr.com/pattern/queens-crochet-hat-crochet/