Well Suited: Out of Africa

In the last month, I have planted myself on my couch and watched Out of Africa three times. Too much? Never. You absolutely cannot beat Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Streep has always been said to be a stickler for dialects and accents, and her Danish accent is no exception in this film. Set in the early 1900s, the Edwardian costumes are given a safari flair as colonization became more prominent during this time period. The European exploration to Africa changed the way the Europeans dressed, as their usual garb was not conducive to their new lifestyle. The story line and historical aspects of this film are great, but the costuming might be even better.

Edwardian safari clothes had a strong menswear influence. Borrowing from the boys is nothing new! Tulip-shape skirts were wildly popular during this time period and so were layers, lace, and massive hats. I kept with the movie’s inspiration by wearing a long tulip wrap skirt, a silk pleated blouse, and a safari-style coat. I added a men’s belt to keep the look from being too delicate and heeled boots for traipsing through the bush after lions…of course.

Adding a brooch was an easy choice, as no outfit in the 1910s would have been caught dead out of the house without one. I traded a rebellious pompadour hairstyle for rainy day frizz. So maybe I was hoping Redford would magically show up and want to wash my hair in a creek, but whatever.

Blouse – BCBG, thrifted
Skirt, jacket, rings, belt – vintage
Boots – Clarks