Fashion Inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Talented Mr. Ripley is one of our favorite movies of all times for so many reasons… one of them being its overwhelming visual appeal. Everything in this movie is beautiful – from the actors, to the background, to the outfits.

Gwyneth Paltrow portrayed Marge, whose look in this movie is very feminine and beachy, with a touch of old school prepster mixed in. She throws basic pieces together with vintage-inspired ones to create a look that is laid-back and completely pulled together at the same time.

We’ve put together four looks so that you can try this vibe for yourself. Scroll down to learn more!

A Day on the Beach

Products: Red Bow Bikini- Boohoo, Mint Gingham Bikini- Matches Fashion, Blue Print Bikini- Eloquii, Yellow Dot Bikini- Unique Vintage

Vintage-inspired bikinis are a great way to channel The Talented Mr. Ripley. Prints like gingham and polka dots and colors like mint and yellow give these vintage-look high-waisted bikinis a bit of Gwyneth’s classically preppy aesthetic.

A Morning at the Market

Products: Top- Madewell, Shorts- H&M, Shoes- Topshop, Necklace- Revolve, Bag- Urban Outfitters 

This look is totally effortless, yet still preppy and polished. A timeless white button-down shirt works well with khaki green paper-bag waist shorts and comfortable woven sandals. 

Keep your jewelry chic and sea-inspired with a golden lariat necklace that has little seashell charms. Don’t forget a white cotton net tote bag; it’s perfect for holding all the essentials and ties everything together.

Afternoon Coffee

Products: Top- H&M, Skirt- ModCloth, Shoes- Keds, Bag- Revolve, Sunglasses- Tommy Hilfiger

Gwyneth’s look in the movie was very nautical and preppy – plenty of sea-inspired details, plus white, pastel colors, and timeless classics. This ensemble perfectly sums up that vibe. 

Start with an effortlessly classic sleeveless white blouse, paired with a pleated midi skirt featuring a subtle shell print for that nautical feel. Classic white Keds seamlessly transition from the tennis court to the yacht, while tortoiseshell wayfarer sunglasses are quintessentially preppy-chic.

For the finishing touch, try a round woven straw bag. It has a retro feel, yet is still very trendy and of-the-moment.

Dinner on the Terrace

Products: Dress- Mango, Shoes- J. Crew Factory, Clutch- Anthropologie, Bracelet- Alex and Ani, Earrings- Kate Spade

For the final look, which is ideal for an evening out, pair a vintage-inspired dress with a few fun pieces for an outfit that channels the movie without being costume-y. The nautical color palette is still at play here – a blue striped dress paired with cute neutral espadrilles and a woven foldover clutch. 

For an even stronger nautical vibe, accessorize with marine-inspired accessories. We went with an anchor bracelet and “sailor’s knot” pearl drop earrings.

What do you think?

Are you inspired by the fashion in The Talented Mr. Ripley? Would you channel Gwyneth’s look in the film with your own outfits? Do you have any other outfit ideas? Leave a comment and tell us!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2009; it was completely updated and revamped in 2018 with new photos, outfit sets, and information.