Happy 40th, Dita Von Teese (Celebrating Her Style)

Dita Von Teese - Happy 40th
Source


When I first did my research into who my celebrity “ageing yardsticks” were – those celebs born the same year as me – I think I was the most pleased to discover Dita Von Teese was one of them; in my eyes she is a walking style icon. She’s just about the only current celebrity who truly conjures up old Hollywood: never seen without a glamorous hair out of place, even when she’s “slumming it” at Coachella. And on top of that, I can’t believe she’s 40…!

So, like my Happy 40th Cameron Diaz post of last month, I thought I’d delve a bit further into the style of Ms. Von Teese and see what inspiration I can glean from the queen of retro elegance. I hope you like my choices…!



Off-Duty Style


I’ve started with some examples of her off-duty style – and she really never disappoints! I am so in awe of her attention to detail, retro accessorising and her hair and make-up. Although I am generally not a massive fan of black hair with very pale skin (because I had that look in the early 90s, not good on me) – I am fascinated by anyone who carries it off with aplomb. And her dress-down days are more glamorous than my dress up days: I’ve tended to always picture her on the red carpet in those gorgeous 30s and 40s style gowns, but I was surprised to discover that she really loves crazy prints and soft fabrics in her down time.


Happy 40th - Dita Von Teese (Casual)

Source: all zimbio.com


And you know what? There is a never ending supply of Dita-inspired pieces out there – in fact I was quite excited about how many I’ve found (scroll through – there’s a lot)! Another great place to search for vintage clothes – especially dresses – is eBay. I think about 80% of my dresses are from eBay, mostly vintage; in fact I have a very, very similar style dress to the one Dita is wearing on the top left picture. It may be next summer by the time that one is seen on the blog, however, after the summer we had here in the UK…!

Airport Chic and Press Events


The other Dita styles that I love are the neutral (mostly black) airport and non-red carpet event outfits, where she again flexes those retro muscles and shows us how Hollywood elegance is really done. As those of you who are familiar with my style know, I’m not personally a fan of black – but when it looks this good I’m all over it like a rash… she looks stunning. All the time.

When I was a kid I was fascinated by actresses’ style in black and white and early colour movies – anything typically Hollywood, in fact – so I love how she’s keeping that old school glamour alive with her porcelain skin, red lips and raven hair. And have you noticed that for someone whose job entails her baring nearly every inch of her body, she dresses very modestly (skirts and dresses are always below the knee)? She is living proof that we don’t need to show off tons of flesh to look alluring, sexy and uber-feminine. Her waist is always defined, the fit of every outfit is perfect (that’s tailoring for you), and she flashes just the right amount of leg or décolletage.


Happy 40th - Dita Von Teese (Dressy)
Source: all zimbio.com


It’s just as easy to find pieces inspired by her airport chic looks as well, in fact. Black, white/ivory and grey; tailored dresses or raincoats, and simple cowl necks that are just so beautiful and ooze class.


Unlike Dita, very, very few celebrities look glamorous 100% of the time they’re seen in public. Victoria Beckham is another… er, I can’t think of any more off the top of my head. Dita Von Teese is style on a stick; can you imagine her wearing skinny jeans and Ugg boots on her day off whilst out shopping? No, I thought not.

So Happy Birthday, fellow 40 year old! Oh and I couldn’t leave out this stunning photo, taken the other week at LFW. She looks amazing 🙂


Dita Von Teese

Source
CATHERINE Signature - SMALL
Next up? Thandie Newton in November… now there’s yet another celeb I can’t believe will be 40!

21 Comments

  1. 2 October 2012 / 8:29 pm

    I so agree with you. Dita is amazing. She was not really born with such a waist, but she did what she could do to make this picture so perfect. And as far as I am concerned, she succeeded. I saw her champaign glass act on YouTube years ago. She is perfect naked. The best breasts and tiniest waist you have ever seen. (Does this sound weird coming from a hetro female? It is just like appreciating a piece of art.)

  2. 1 October 2012 / 3:51 pm

    She is one of a kind and is a style example… she knows what works for her and totally indulges in it always managing to look perfect-

  3. 1 October 2012 / 1:30 pm

    A most exotic creature. I have been fascinated with her since I discovered her.

  4. 1 October 2012 / 8:30 am

    Dita looks incredible & she has such an amazing sense of style.

  5. 1 October 2012 / 4:27 am

    She is certainly consistent. Dita is a fascinating self-made creature. While I enjoy the precision that goes into her look, I think too much of it is forced to really be very appealing to me. Like in that last big shot, you can see her roots grown out. Would her look really suffer if her hair wasn't flat black? You can also see her natural lipline, which is far smaller than the one she draws on. When someone is routinely going about altering their appearance, I worry that they don't feel very good about themselves. However, in interviews she seems like a lovely and fairly confident woman and I certainly don't mean this as a character judgment. She's a mystery in an enigma in a riddle!

  6. 30 September 2012 / 7:14 pm

    Oh she is beautiful, isn't she? What a great idea for a post: to check out the style of famous women our age. I think I might try it, too! Thanks for the great post!

  7. 29 September 2012 / 6:47 pm

    Stunning. She is a natural blonde and uses the black hair against her pale skin for the intense contrast. It gives her drama, but her sense of style is flawless. Lovely post.

  8. Anonymous
    29 September 2012 / 5:53 pm

    Happy belated birthday! And I love Dita. But surely you don't mean you can't believe she's only 40?? Surely you mean you can't believe she's that old?? Love your style btw x

  9. 29 September 2012 / 11:02 am

    Wow. She is truly from another time. You would NEVER see a photo of her looking sloppy in a Juicy Couture sweatsuit in an airport. Off Duty Style for her is still a pair of five inch heels and a knee-length dress, instead of a gown. She really knows how to promote her brand, and I think she is one smart cookie for it. Good for her, and happy 40th!

  10. 29 September 2012 / 10:55 am

    Thank you for sharing, dear Catherine. Loving the first yellow dress so much
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  11. 28 September 2012 / 5:17 pm

    She would exude more vintage allure and style if she would ditch the furs and all the horror that goes with the fur industry.

    And Catherine, you always look stellar! I have always had a fondness for mixing graphics and patterns. I love the wee bit of humour in your stylish outfits and always look forward to your posts.

    x

  12. 28 September 2012 / 2:58 pm

    She is amazing – beautiful , because she exudes style – proves that it has nothing to do with the numbers after your name. Xx

  13. 28 September 2012 / 2:48 pm

    She is just uber fabulous. All these great photos are such great inspiration, thanks Catherine.Have a great weekend!xx

  14. 28 September 2012 / 12:31 pm

    Love, love, love this post! She is my vintage inspiration and just so amazing. I hope I look half as good as her when I'm her age!

  15. 28 September 2012 / 12:26 pm

    She is a goddess! Wonderful photo collection here, and great commentary.

  16. 28 September 2012 / 12:02 pm

    wonderful post, i love her style so much she always just looks so elegant and ladylike, and she defies aging! xxx

  17. 28 September 2012 / 11:35 am

    The first thing I noticed about her is that she has a style. A way of dressing that flows from one outfit to the next. And it's a feminine style that works perfectly with her body. Then of course, there is the fact that she is beautiful.

DISCLOSURE: Items marked* are PR products (I never accept anything I wouldn’t choose for myself) and my opinions are 100% honest. I also use affiliate links where I may earn commission if you click through and buy, at no cost to you.