I am fully in my Marge Sherwood era and honestly….that’s AOK with me. Gwyneth Paltrow’s character in The Talented Mr. Ripley has been on my mind lately since we recently watched the movie.
Her effortless and elegant Italian glamour is EVERYTHING. That perfect mix of grace, mystery, and “oh this old thing?” charm feels more relevant now than ever. Somehow, a movie set in the 1950s nails what so many of us are craving in 2025: a beauty that doesn’t scream for attention, style that lasts longer than a TikTok trend, and that grounded, radiant confidence that only comes from knowing who the heck you are.
The Magic of Marge’s Understated Elegance
Here’s the thing: Marge isn’t just pretty—she’s a perfect example of timeless elegance and everyday chic without trying too hard.
It’s the tousled hair that looks like she just rolled out of a linen-sheeted nap in Capri. It’s her fresh skin, her youthful freckles, and a the sunlit glow that says “I spend my afternoons on boats and my evenings sipping wine barefoot.” Her confidence shows through with easy breezy looks that are TIMELESS. Grace Kelly or Jackie-O would’ve 100% raided her closet.
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There’s a softness to her style that’s also incredibly sexy. No tight minis or stiletto drama – HELL no! Just cool confidence and “catch me if you can” energy. I put on a knotted top and midi skirt and suddenly I’m mentally twirling down a cobblestone street with a glass of wine in my hand and the perfect sun-kissed tan.
By the way, in case you didn’t know…..that 1950s look is very “of the moment” right now in 2025!
Recreating Marge’s Early Italian Looks
Knotted Tops & Breezy Midi Skirts
Marge ties her linen shirts at the waist and pairs them with calf-grazing skirts that casually move in the wind. The result: super chic without even trying.
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Floral Prints and Feminine Details
Marge’s wardrobe is chock full of floral midi dresses and delicate white tops. She keeps it simple: soft florals, classic shapes, and accessories that go from day to night. A pink woven bag here, a classic sandal there—she’s giving romantic, easy breezy vibes.
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I found this skirt and it reminded me SO much of a 1950’s skirt. I love the design on the bottom. It looks so chic and coast and just like something you could even be wearing with bare feet.
I tried my HARDEST to get my hair like GP’s in this photo. BUT, I later realized that I needed hot rollers and a bottle of really strong hairspray 🙂
Espadrilles: Then & Now
Her espadrille wedges anchored the 1950s Riviera style and still look current TODAY with anything from a cropped jean to a midi dress.
High-Waisted Bikinis for Modern Beaches
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HELLO???? High-waisted, full-coverage bikinis can be hard to get used to. These retro bikinis are everywhere right now and for good reason. High-waisted bottoms + a structured top = casual chic without looking like you are stuffed in a teenie bikini. You get coverage and confidence, all while channeling the look of an old world movie star.
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Marge’s Evolution: From Boho to Buttoned-Up
Later in the film (spoiler alert!), Marge pivots. She’s wearing more crisp, tailored outfits. She’s been through something—and you can tell. So instead of her ocean-breeze, carefree look, she chooses strong yet soft elegance. (Honestly? I don’t know which look is better!)
It’s those tailored dresses…a square-neck eyelet top…that leopard coat with the pillbox hat….Jackie-O was right there with her. It’s fashion worn with confidence — not trendy, cheap junk that gives off cheeseball vibes 🙂
The White Eyelet Dress
There’s something about a good white eyelet dress that feels like summer and looks so classic. These two options nail it: square or V neckline, puffed sleeves, slim bodice – nothing too poofy!. It’s equal parts romantic and everyday chic. If you just add cork wedges and gold hoops – you’re ready for anything from an outdoor brunch to a cocktail party or a boat cruise.
I don’t know if Marge had a white eyelet midi dress in her wardrobe, but it is entirely possible given how classic it is. She would have been wearing this with a cute pony tail, sunnies and a great bag.
The Leopard-Print Pivot
When Marge shows up in that leopard coat and matching pillbox hat— (she was channeling her inner Jackie O meets Riviera class), I nearly DIED. The one I found has that same elegant silhouette—not too long, not too wide. Marge pairs hers with black accessories and those blonde curls. It’s sophistication with a side of “leopard doesn’t scare me” – right?
How to Channel Marge’s Energy in 2025
It’s not just the clothes Marge is wearing, it’s her whole vibe. She moves like she has all the time in the world with no place to go. She’s playing with the style of the times while adding her own personal twist that suits her figure and screams “European Vacation”!
When you put on that skirt or slip into an eyelet dress, try this:
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Minimal makeup – mascara is your friend here – no more.
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Understated Beauty Staples: Marge’s face is bare, lightly bronzed, and dotted with freckles. Swap any foundation for a tinted SPF moisturizer and dab of lip balm. Elta MD. Tinted Sunscreen
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Invest in fewer, better things (aka, a knockout leopard coat > 10 mediocre jackets)
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The Soft-Curl Secret: Marge never over-styles. Loose, brushed-out curls feel feminine without screaming “I just got ablow-out.” Get the look with the Dyson Air Wrap (love mine!) or a quality curling iron or even a great set of hot rollers. Tip: Skip heavy hairspray; let a few strands fall for that “windswept on a Vespa” vibe. Does anything sound better than that?
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Tortoise Headband = Built-In classic style. The earthy tortoise pattern looks amazing against any hair and skin color. It provides the tame yet flowy carefree style we’re all trying to achieve. Tortoise Headband
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Classic accessories with a twist (woven bags, gold charms, vintage sunglasses)
Shop the Marge Aesthetic
I pulled together a little love letter to Marge—pieces that channel her dreamy Italian summer energy. Maybe when you “dress like Marge”, you’ll be swept away to the perfect Italian vacation without any twists in the storyline (sorry! Spoiler alert!)
Essential Pieces:
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White cotton shirt (for knotting, always)
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Fruit or floral print midi skirt (lemon! cherry! tomato-core!)
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Sophisticated leopard print coat (matching hat because you have the courage!)
The feeling you’re going for??
…Like you just ran into Cary Grant in Positano and didn’t even have to do a costume change. You’re effortless, feminine, and styled with CONFIDENCE without ever feeling overdone.
Why This Works For Women over 40
Marge isn’t chasing youth (even though she is young) —she’s embracing her natural beauty and inner glow. That’s exactly why her style works so well for you and me even as we get older! The more confidence we have in our personal style, the more we will shine with grace and elegance – like we just walked off a movie set.
Remember, it’s not about chasing trends or hiding flaws. It’s about knowing what flatters you, what makes you feel gorgeous, and then GOING for it with all the confidence you can find. Marge’s silhouettes honor her curves…..her palette flatters her skin tones and her vibe says “I’m not here to impress anyone….only myself.”
This is understated elegance that doesn’t expire! It’s in you and it only gets better with time.
What’s your favorite Marge moment from the film? Drop it in the comments—I want to know which look you’re most excited to steal. We’re bringing Italian glam back, one knotted blouse at a time.
xoxo
Shop the rest of the looks – Click the Pic!
