“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.”-Oscar Wilde
Seven Reasons to Love Anita Loos’ Look:
#1: She rocked one of the best hairstyles of the Roaring Twenties. The tousled bob with bangs was her thing, and she wore it with few variations for decades. With that hair, she could walk into any 2014 shindig and look more modern than anyone else.
Anita Loos rocking her enviable locks.
#2: She knew how to wear a scarf without looking like an idiot or an octogenarian. We all know how hard that is, right? For some reason, the thought of wearing a scarf as an accessory intimidates a lot of American women, myself included. Here’s Anita, proving that a scarf worn tied around the neck can be chic and fun:
Anita Loos and her fabulously patterned scarf.
Here it is again, tied differently:
Anita Loos and her scarf, kicking ass and taking names.
#3: She understood what pieces worked for her, and dressed accordingly. You know your own body better than prevailing fashion wisdom, and if you don’t you should. You can train yourself by trying on all sorts of items, even ones you are convinced are all wrong for your height/shape/hangups. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, I promise! Check out the extra petite Anita wearing a long, double-breasted, fitted coat:
My height-mate Anita Loos with Jean Harlow. I own several belted, long, double-breasted coats despite being petite.
#4: She wasn’t afraid of a little whimsy. Fashion doesn’t have to be serious or boring. Make a statement when you feel like it!
Anita Loos and her gaze knew how to work a large bow.
#5: Yet she employed understatement to timeless effect.
Anita Loos by Nickolas Muray, 1926. Did she ever look more modern?
#6: She was skilled at playing dress-up. Who doesn’t love a little stylish drama on occasion?
A glittery Anita Loos.
#7: She was spectacularly of her time: smart, bold, detailed, decadent, properly tailored, and perfectly accessorized. Bonus points for her era-appropriate love of hats.
Really, isn’t this dazzling yet wearable?
