You don’t have to like chess to fall in love with Beth Harmon’s captivating genius, that often shows itself in her slick personal style. The chess prodigy and ’60s babe, played by Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen’s Gambit, has a mind that’s only matched by her fashion sense. Beth’s timeless wardrobe, designed by French costumer Gabriele Binder, was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Edie Sedgwick – and we’re showing you how to dress like the grandmaster herself in 2020.
Beth Harmon’s wardrobe has a very distinct colour palette. She wears black, white, jewel-tones, pastels, and check prints, with a pop of a primary colour like yellow or red every so often. You’ll find Beth wearing a-line silhouettes – tops with Peter Pan collars, boatnecks, and sweetheart necklines, detailed with bows and buttons. The chess champ is more likely to be seen in dresses and high-waisted mini or midi skirts, but she’ll occasionally rock a chino trouser with an oversized jumper in the colder months. In the winter, her signature outerwear is a button-front wool overcoat to match her beret and gloves, while a classic black high-neck fitted jumper is a wardrobe staple.
“As Beth matures, her style changes with new experiences and places she travels to. Her early style is influenced by Jean Seberg, Audrey Hepburn, and Natalie Wood, among others,” says costume designer Gabriele Binder to POPSUGAR. “Beth’s looks grow more elegant in Paris and Moscow, where we took influence from the French New Wave. We looked at Romy Schneider and Juliette Gréco, and movies like Contempt and Breathless. If you watch them now, they still have something very modern and inspirational about them, style wise.”
Binder has a great eye for ’60s-inspired pieces that are truly timeless. Even Beth’s collection of activewear, loungewear, and swimwear would be fresh and inspirational if worn today. For tennis, she wears a classic white look with a collared shirt and navy pleated skirt; For a night swim, she wears a gingham one-piece swimsuit and teddy-textured robe; For staying home, she wears a lace-trimmed slip dress or co-ordinated set, and an oversized pastel cardigan. To complete Beth’s looks, try pairing these outfits with kitten heels, loafers, or Mary Jane shoes, cat-eye sunglasses, and scarf hair accessories.
Ahead, shop the essential pieces and styling tips for emulating Beth Harmon’s ’60s-inspired wardrobe.
