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Did you miss me? I’m back, but this time let’s talk...The Queen’s Gambit. If you haven’t tuned into Netflix’s record breaking show, please stop what you’re doing and binge ASAP. This coming-of-age drama had me on the edge of my seat for the duration of its 7 episodes. From the childhood trauma, abandonment, and neglect that Beth went through beginning at a young age, this show pulls at your heartstrings in every way possible. Truth be told, I’m not a TV critic, so I’ll spare you my episode recaps. Let’s focus instead on Beth’s timeless fashion sense. I think we can all agree that these looks deserve some recognition.
The evolution of Beth’s maturity and confidence is showcased through the progression of her style. A young orphan forced into wearing the same collared shirt and mid-length dress later turns into a style icon and sports some of the most timeless looks I have ever seen. Give the show’s costume designer all the Emmys.
Without further ado, I present to you my Queen’s Gambit Style Guide.
Brilliant Benny
Benny Watts. The first person who gave Beth a run for her money. I’m almost positive that he only had one outfit change throughout the entire show (you can fact check me on that), but it definitely is worth some recognition. Whether Bennie intends to make a fashion statement or not, his long leather blazer stands out. I turned to ALLSAINTS when searching for my dream coat, although I should mention that with some digging at your favorite vintage shop, the perfect leather blazer could be waiting for you.
Bennie’s necklaces deserve some recognition also, and thank goodness Mejuri recently launched with a men’s line. These chains are simple, timeless and perfect for layering. Rock this leather blazer with one of these chains and you’ll have yourself feeling like Benny himself.
Old Habits Never Die
Some things never change, and one of those things is Beth’s attachment to collared shirts. I couldn’t help but notice that collars are absolutely making a comeback this winter, perhaps a tribute to the Queen herself, RBG? Whether it be peeking out over a crewneck, or making a statement on a tennis dress, collars are an essential part of the wardrobe when it comes to dressing up a casual fit. Rag & Bone provides the PERFECT dupe for the dress that Beth rocked during her first magazine shoot. While she appeared to be uncomfortable during the shoot, that little navy collared dress, made up for any awkwardness.
“Just One Drink”
Not that I spent time reading fan theories or anything, but I can’t help but think that Cleo was plotting to get Beth tipsy so that she would be distraught for her chess match the next morning...hmm.. Anyways, that gold turtleneck tank? We need it. Intermix believes in the importance of amplifying female voices, and curates their own platform to give women the opportunity to free their minds in a safe space. To Intermix, thank you for not only being dope, but also providing us with the best Cleo dupe on the internet.
You Are What You Wear?
Was it just me, or was Beth spotted more than once in large gingham print? One of my standout favorites was the pink and white, calf-length overcoat. I searched near and far, and a close second was designed by the French fashion house, Sezane, an affordable brand focussed on rediscovering vintage styles, and they absolutely killed it with this coat. Sezane, J’taime!
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, JOOOlene
If there is one thing I could change about the show it would be more Jolene. I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear or two when she and Beth attended Mr. Shaibel’s funeral. It was a perfect full circle moment, and I definitely think Beth benefited from seeing her old friend. I was absolutely LIVING when the two of them were rocking their white Squash fits, and I already have a dupe in mind from...you guessed it...Everlane. Everlane’s mission to provide lasting, sustainable fashion just makes shopping on their website better. Here is the most perfect, sustainable, white collared tee of our dreams.
If you’ve been on the hunt for classic, sustainable white sneakers, look no further. To top off this tennis look, pair the it with some Veja Sneakers. Fun fact, Veja sneakers are made of 100% recycled materials, including plastic bottles.
Complimentary Colors, Check
This style guide would not be complete without mentioning perhaps my favorite ‘fit on the show. Red and Green are complementary colors, which explains why Beth (and her perfectly styled red hair) absolutely own the green velvet dress as she descends down the stairs in Russia. And lucky for us all...I found the perfect, modern dupe. Lulu’s carries a wide range of dresses for all occasions, including the perfect velvet mini dress just in time for holidays. Do yourself a favor and outwear your entire instafeed by posing in this green velvet number this Winter. You simply cannot go wrong.
The Man, The Myth, The Grey Cardigan
It felt wrong not to mention Mr. Shaibel. Let’s face it, without him, Beth would not have become a world-famous chess prodigy. So to pay my respects, it's only fair I give him a special shout out. That cardigan did not go unnoticed, and Industry of all Nations absolutely kills it in the sweater department. This cardigan comes from Bolivia and is made from 100% Alpaca Wool. The manufacturing cooperative in Bolivia employes about 1,200 families in terms of processing the materials and knitting the products in the comfort of their own homes. This company is AMAZING, and I highly recommend checking them out if you have not already.
Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m not sure if I loved the show or the outfits more. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Beth’s transformation from a shy, lonely orphan into a world famous chess player. I don’t know about you, but if anybody asks what inspired my winter wardrobe, I’ll simply say three words: The Queen’s Gambit.
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