Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette portrays the rich life of one of France’s most famous queens. If you haven’t seen this movie, do so immediately! You’ll be captivated by the lavishness of Marie Antoinette’s royal lifestyle, including everything from eloquent banquets to breathtaking gowns with tiers and tiers of pastel fabrics.
There are many fashion motifs in Marie Antoinette, all of which trigger inspiration and awe. Below, we’ll review some of the most prominent elements of fashion within the movie, along with our modern interpretations.
Table of Contents
The Marie Antoinette Color Palette
The color palette of this movie is definitely in the pastel range. For neutrals, ivory is the most prominent, whereas other popular colors include baby blue, light pink, and mint green.
Our Interpretation
Pastels are usually spring colors; however, for our interpretation, we incorporated a pastel piece with fall/winter staples, like boots, a scarf, and a beret, for a look you could wear right now. (Just add your favorite coat!)
Products: Dress – Free People, Hat – Nordstrom Rack, Scarf- H&M, Shoes- Forever 21
Volume and Proportion
The garments in this movie have a lot of volume. From men’s puffy sleeves to hoop-style skirts, bigger was definitely better during that era. Even their hair styles were full!
Our Interpretation
We think the best way to pull off this look is to have one piece that has a lot of volume, like this ruffled midi skirt. Other options could include a blouse or jacket with voluminous sleeves or a fuller hairstyle for a change!
The rest of this outfit plays with proportion too. The bodysuit, kitten heel mules, and smaller handbag (which can be worn either as a crossbody or belt bag) help balance out the skirt.
Products: Skirt – Bloomingdale’s, Bodysuit – Free People, Shoes – Shopbop, Bag – Saks Off 5th
Embellishments and Details
Every outfit in the movie has such fine detail – the artistry and craftsmanship are very inspiring. One of the most noticeable elements in the movie is the use of embellishments, including lace and beading. It’s all very over-the-top and fabulous!
Our Interpretation
Just like the last look, keep the embellishment focused to one garment; in this case, a showstopping lace dress that was made for a night out. Accompany it with more understated pieces, like sleek heels, tassel earrings and a smokey eye.
Products: Dress – ModCloth, Shoes – Jessica Simpson, Earrings – Baublebar, Eyeshadow – L’Oreal
Floral Motifs
Florals are used everywhere in the movie and are reminiscent of the famous French royal gardens.
Our Interpretation
For our version of the Marie Antoinette floral look, we juxtaposed the print with something more edgy for a contemporary twist.
We chose to pair a floral dress with booties and a white moto jacket. To keep the outfit fresh and modern, go with floral prints that have a larger, more abstract look. Smaller floral prints can sometimes look too much like something from a baby nursery.
Products: Dress – Nordstrom, Jacket – Old Navy, Shoes – Nordstrom Rack, Necklace – TJMaxx
Your Thoughts?
Are you inspired by Marie Antoinette? Which of these elements do you like best? How would you interpret a traditional style like this one into a contemporary version for your everyday life? Tell us by leaving a comment!
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.
I heard the rumors that the movie was bad, too, and I thought it would be true. But I wanted to see it for the visual. And finally, I LOVED the entire movie. The costumes, the design, the story, the music, everything. I even cried at one part !
So for those who are hesitating because of what they’ve heard, please don’t care about the rumors and just watch it. It’s wonderful !
I LOVE this! <3 I love Marie Antoinette, and I'd love if you'd make more articles about people like her. 😀 I love your inspiration articles, and I really, really loved this one more than any of the others.
Wow, I love the skirt in the 2nd outfit, and the dress in the last outfit! Very cute!
Best. Post. Ever.
I love this movie, this style, and this post! Its very feminine and so totally my thing. Thank you for the inspiration!
Marie Antoinette is one of my favorite movies and favorite historical figures of all time, but I think the fashion is this article is almost too modernized. If I saw someone in any of these outfits, I wouldn’t think of Marie A. unless they mentioned the connection. I have been very inspired by the movie again lately myself, and have designed and begun to make several articles of clothing that a more literal yet still modern take, based more on shapes and patterns of the 18th century gowns that colors.
Wonderful movie, though; every fashionista needs to see it if only just for the excellent “Shoes and Candy” scene…where the special shoes are all designed by Manolo Blahnik, I might add, all you hesitant girls!
love the last outfilt. i watched the movie just to see the clothes.LOL. anyway watchin that movie felt like there is no life in any of those people.all of them pastel dresses and all of them have pale complexion .They all would look in twilight.it need some color.maybe it just me but i always associate warm color with life and health & happiness .
These are so cute! Looks like some great inspiration for spring.
You always pick awesome movies, but I think you’ve been missing the mark since Annie Hall. A dress and boots seems kinda dull, no offense!
I heard the movie was bad, but I’m totally intrigued by the outfits. Maybe I’ll see it just for that 😉
Wonderful! I love the aesthetic of this movie, so much so that a wrote my own article about it a while back! Check it out:
http://www.charadestyle.com/2008/08/girls-on-film.html
Megan x