I don’t watch much TV, but like millions of others, I was captivated by The Queen’s Gambit, The Crown and Bridgerton. Three very different and equally enjoyable series in which I became immersed from the first episode. Each has a compelling storyline and is beautifully filmed but I was just as mesmerised by the costumes, too.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton is set in Regency London between 1813 and 1827. Sartorially, it’s all tight corsets and heaving bosoms. I shan’t be sporting anything along those (empire) lines anytime soon- they’re costumes rather than outfits. But I do love the “properness” of it all. The ladylike dressing, the jewellery and the fact that even everyday dressing was an occasion. It makes me want to don my late grandmother’s pearl and sapphire choker.
The Queens Gambit
I adore Beth Harman’s outfits in The Queen’s Gambit, which begins in the mid-1950s and ends somewhere in the mid-1960s. I’ve always loved the A-line mini dresses that typify the sixties and have a few modern interpretations. However, they were relegated to the back of my wardrobe in favour of my now rather ubiquitous, layered midi dresses. But all of a sudden, they’re back on my radar and so back on the rails (in my dressing room). The clean lines of their silhouette a welcome contrast to the more unstructured midis and as such I can’t help but feel “dressed up.”
(You might remember that I chose a lace scalloped shift dress with a similar silhouette to those Beth wore).
The Crown
The Crown begins in 1947 and ends in the 1990s. There are literally hundreds of incredible and very accurately replicated outfits. As always though, I’m drawn to mid-century styles, especially those worn by The Queen and by Princess Margaret. The brocades and jacquards, the brooches and the pearls. Elegant ladylike dressing at its finest.
The latest season, season four introduced Princess Diana, a woman who wanted to be known for more than just being a clothes horse. And what a perfect clothes horse she was. But I don’t find myself drawn to her outfits, perhaps because I’m old enough to have worn at least some eighties trends in real time.
Ladylike dressing with Maria Zélie (with a discount code)
Although the three series are very different from one another, I have drawn the rather obvious conclusion that ladylike dressing is for me. When Polish brand Marie Zélie asked if I’d like to become an ambassador, I couldn’t help but think that their style ethos is similar to my own: “Whatever the occasion, they (their clothes) are always the quintessence of femininity“. I chose this blue dress for its flattering, timeless silhouette. It is absolutely beautifully made and is lined. It feels lovely next to the skin and I think it’s a combination of the length and the semi-structured shape that makes me feel very ladylike and proper. I love it and I think it’ll be one of those trusty dresses that endures. The sort that will never date, and, because it whispers and doesn’t shout, it’s a dress that will never look out of place.
Marie Zélie uses European sizing but there is a conversion chart. I am a standard UK 12 and I ordered a 38 which is perfect. And for reference I’m tall- 175cm which is 5 ft 9 inches.




Use code Elizabeth10 to get 10% off at Marie Zélie until March 31st.
This style of dress needs footwear with a round toe such as knee-high boots, (very Duchess of Cambridge), ballet flats, (very Princess Diana), or court shoes, (very Princess Margaret). Mine are the latter but in a very modern zebra print with a contrasting cobalt blue heel.
The handbag doesn’t match match, but it’s similar enough to pull the look together.
And the pearl and lapis bracelet is slightly reminiscent of the stunning sapphires that so many of these Netflix idols wore.
Notes
Aerin Tarsia dress: Marie Zélie, (gift), current.
Zebra print shoes: Zapitos, (gift in 2014).
Black and white bag: Ruby Shoo, past season.
Freshwater pearl and lapis lazuli bracelet: Pia Jewellery, past season.
12 comments
That dress looks very elegant on you. And you have given the look a modern twist with those fabulous shoes and bag! Hope to see you on my Fancy Friday link up party.
Thank you Nancy. And thank you for the reminder too! xxx
You wear it so well!
Thank you Julia- that’s so kind of you xxx
I love the outfit and the inspirations. While I haven’t been able to see The Queen’s Gambit or Bridgeton yet, I’ve always had an obsession with fashions from the 20s to 60s. I have found myself dressing up my jeans with ladylike jewelry lately. 😉
Yes, I love those decades too for style. Wearing jewellery makes such a difference to an outfit doesn’t it. I always enjoy wearing it. Take care and have a lovely weekend xxx
You look like a TV star Liz!
I’m also intrigued by costume design, what a great job that would be. Have you seen Mrs America? Incredible wardrobe from across the 1950s/60s /70s my favourite being the 70s for its funky retro vibe.
This is such a fun post, now I’m thinking about other shows I’ve seen recently.
It would be a fab job wouldn’t it. And no, I haven’t seen Mrs America. I’ll add it to the list! 70s styles really suit you MT- you wear them in such a cool way xxx
love this! I thought the Queen’s Gambit had some incredible fashion pieces in it – plus it was a great show!
Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin
I loved the fashion in it. And of course, Beth Harman is a beautiful character. I loved every minute of the show and would happily watch it all over again! x
You look so pretty in this dress! How cute are those heels!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you so much. They’re so cute aren’t they. I’ve had them for years and always enjoy wearing them,
Lizzy xxx