Blue Jasmine: The Wardrobe

Today’s post is the fourth in my wardrobe recap series, and is covers the fashion from one of the most requested movies so far – Blue Jasmine.

I love this movie, and have seen it countless times since it came out. I always choose to watch it on a flights, so I don’t have to bother anyone else when I rewind back to look at my favorite fashions. I love Cate Blanchett’s style in it. I’ve heard criticism that Cate’s wardrobe was deliberately crafted to be quite a bit “showy,” and yes, I’m in agreement! There’s a lot of big names, big jewels, and logos. Cate doesn’t play that understated, old money, Upper East Side woman who wears no jewelry and lots of Zoran. But in my opinion, it’s perfect for the character, and plus she looks great.

Most of the images are from my own screen shots of the movie, but I did manage to find lots of great, high quality promotional stills as well to supplement. Let’s dive in!

The first look, and one of the most iconic from the movie – the classic white Chanel jacket, the Chanel costume pearls, the silk shirt, the Hermes Birkin bag with the Hermes silk scarf tied around it, the Hermes “H” Constance belt.

Wow, that is a lot of recognizable labels, huh? In my opinion, probably one or a few too many for myself perfectly to feel comfortable – but Cate looks great, and of course expensive. I think Chanel white tweed also looks spectacular on blonds.

Thinking about a dinner party in better times, in a custom Oscar de la Renta twinset. Love the mix in her jewelry of yellow and white diamonds – even her earrings mix the two! The sequined knit look is one that I’ve always found it hard to go “cheaper” on. You can find a lovely statement cardigan from Lanvin that runs over $2K (but boy, is it beautiful!).

Hanging out casually in a white shirt (dress)?. I included this photo as it has some nice shots of Cate’s jewelry, including what looks like a Cartier watch. Cate mixes white and yellow gold throughout the movie.

Next, another casual outfit with the ever recognizable Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. My favorite item in this outfit however, is the parka. I love parkas (especially with some fur detailing) and I’ve never felt guilty about splurging over them as I actually wear them, and often!

Burberry makes fantastic versions each year, and for a less expensive option, I’d check out this fur detailed version by Trina Turk.

Back on the streets in a flashback to her “old life”, Cate looking sleek in all black layers, and a Chanel jacket and accessories (bag and pearls). You usually see Cate in lighter colors throughout Blue Jasmine – whites, creams, taupes. It’s nice to see some black here.

In a classic shift dress, perfectly tailored to her body.

Here’s a lovely version by Cynthia Steffe – and under $250!

Helping her sister shop at Fendi – another perfectly fitted shift, and in a beautiful shade of yellow.

For a similar shift, I really love this Dolce & Gabbana version (and can totally see Cate’s character wearing it). The price is dear though! This DVF shift dress is also lovely, and a mere fraction of the price.

Relaxing in past times at their beach home, in a light blue silk blouse and long chain necklace.

This kind of blouse is can be found for less at a variety of mall stores – here’s a great silk version from Ann Taylor.

Another flashback, this one with Cate in a gorgeous floral gown (but the star of the show is really the jewelry).

And now, for another famous look from the movie…

…this beautiful combination of a silk dress, a Missoni (for Target!) gold cardigan, some gold jewelry, and of course the Birkin.

If you’re looking for a similar cardigan with some nice detail, I would recommend this sparkle J.Crew cardigan (and the price is nice too!).

Relaxing in cotton neutrals.

Wearing her favorite white Chanel jacket again, this time with a white cotton shirt, and casual jeans.

Looking flawless in a red Carolina Herrera gown. This color is beautiful on Cate!

For a similar gown, I’d look at this Giambattista Valli for a splurge, or this BCBG version at nearly 1/10th the price.

One of my favorite looks from the movie – this is the scene where she’s so happy that a charming man is able to name all the labels she’s wearing! The beaded cardigan with that gold sheath dress? Wow!

A more disheveled Cate, at home in a cable knit sweater. I’m pretty sure the sweater is via Ralph Lauren (the v-neck version is my personal favorite, I have multiples).

Giving her new man a quick peck. Only that much ocean facing real estate can inspire such a show of passion!

One of my personal favorite looks from the movie – it reminds me a bit of Katherine Hepburn. The same aqua sweater from earlier tossed over the shoulders, cream blouse, perfectly tailored slacks. And of course, the Birkin.

Even while a bit messy and babysitting in a pizza parlour, Cate still has great clothes. A classic trench, done in what looks like a more waterproof nylon, perfect for casual days. Burberry makes a version which is almost spot on.

Cate getting some good news! I love this color pink on her, I think it’s very flattering for her skin tone.

Find a very similar version here from Loft.

Another flashback, again in aqua.

I grabbed a few stills from this scene – so you could all see the spectacular jewels! I love those drop solitaire earrings.

The other hand raised now…look at that wedding set!

And a final outfit from the film, the beaded cardigan Cate was originally wearing when she met her man – reused over this silk blouse tucked into a pencil skirt.

Gorgeous and classic.

If I could list a few lessons from Blue Jasmine, they’d be:

1. Don’t neglect your jewelry. Cate’s jewelry pieces are always a huge part of her outfits, and often reflect the colors in her clothes as well. They’re the perfect compliment and “pull” everything together. Yes, Cate has a lot of really expensive pieces. I don’t think you need nearly as much. Just a few gold/silver toned pieces that you enjoy wearing would be enough.

2. If you’ve got an expensive bag – use it! So many women (myself included), start off with an expensive bag and then we vow to ourselves – “this is all we need”. Yet, over the years, we seem to accumulate more and more. Probably in better times Cate had a whole closet of fabulous bags, but in Blue Jasmine she’s mostly seen schlepping around her gold Birkin. It becomes a signature piece of hers. And why shouldn’t it, at the prices Hermes charges?

3. Know your colors. I’ve repeated this in past wardrobe recaps, and Cate is just another wonderful example of this mantra. She looks so wonderful in creams, golds, and light grays, and does very well with aqua as a contrast. And you see her wearing, and re-wearing, these colors throughout. Imagine how easy it’d be to match everything with a wardrobe like hers!

I hope you enjoyed this wardrobe recap! I’d love to hear your own thoughts on Blue Jasmine, in the comments!