Categories: Outfits

A Queen’s Gambit-Inspired Monochrome Outfit

Remember that final scene in The Queen’s Gambit where Beth is walking through the Russian park in head-to-toe white like the white queen chess piece?

If you haven’t, I suggest you watch the whole series now. Like, RIGHT NOW. I’ll wait.

[pauses for anyone who hasn’t seen The Queen’s Gambit to binge watch and come back here]

Everyone caught up? Gooooood…

Photography by Giles Caldicott

Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links (at no cost to you). The cruise was provided by Virgin Voyages in exchange for guaranteed Instagram content but blog content was not required. Full disclosure

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Okay, I’ll be honest and say that the all-yellow outfit you see here was just coincidently shot on a giant chess set (meaning the link with Beth’s monochrome Queen chess piece outfit is exceptionally tenuous – but hey, I’m running with it). So no, it’s not a vintage 60s look, but more of a “dressing in one colour to look like a chess piece” kinda thing.

And yes, I am fully aware that many people’s BS-detectors are going haywire right now. Well, my story is that it was inspired by The Queen’s Gambit and I’m sticking to it, mmkay?

Although I’d LOVE to have a giant chess set in my back garden (how glorious would that be?!), this wasn’t shot at home… it was actually onboard the Scarlet Lady as part of my Virgin Voyages cruise trip a few weeks back.

And once again, more utterly divine photos from the lens of Giles Caldicott. I merely wore that outfit on the hot, sunny day we had onboard the ship and he selected the location for shooting. Turns out a giant chess set is the best prop in The History of the World Ever, and shot from above it makes you look like you’re starring in your very own Chanel perfume advert.

It may be the end of summer (she says sat with her heating on for the first time this side of June, ughh), but I won’t be tiring of the sunshine-filled outfits anytime soon.

However, add a crisp white shirt under that top and you’ve got the start of an autumnal outfit right there. That’s the beauty of saturated colours like mustard yellow, pumpkin orange, navy and olive; summer or autumn, they work in both.

This week I’ll be tackling my twice-yearly wardrobe switchover. Tartans, knits, jackets and coats: I’m coming atcha. So Gird. Your. Loins.