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

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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.


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.



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 🙂


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