Inspired by Steel Magnolias – Match Made in Seven

Welcome to the latest Match Made in Seven! We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet once a month. One of us chooses a theme which can be anything – a book, music, a color, a movie – and then we style an outfit based on that theme. This month it was Debbie’s turn to choose the theme and she really threw us a curve ball with this one. Creating an outfit inspired by Steel Magnolias was no easy feat, especially as I haven’t seen the film!

…rather than attempting to recreate one character’s look I’ve opted for a more vague interpretation

Obviously the first thing I did was Google Steel Magnolias and look on Pinterest for some ideas, but even that didn’t help much. I probably overthought it way too much and confused myself. To be honest, I didn’t find the characters’ outfits very interesting or inspiring. So, rather than attempting to recreate one character’s look I’ve opted for a more vague interpretation.

After much deliberation, I decided on a very “ladylike” floral print dress with a straw bag and hat, in the hope that this captures the spirit of the film. Steel Magnolias is about a close-knit group of women in a small town in Louisiana, and how they cope with the death of one of their own. A tearjerker by all accounts.

I’ve had this dress for years but have never worn it before. It’s a bit tight on the bust, although thankfully the fabric is a little bit stretchy. As usual with belted dresses, the waistline is too high for me. Maybe a wider belt would look better than the navy one it came with. Annoyingly I couldn’t find the white mules I planned on wearing, so I chose these pink ones instead. (I really need a better system of storing my shoes!)

The bag is actually an old beach bag but it lends a certain rustic touch to the outfit, along with the straw hat. I finished off the look with a simple handmade bracelet, pearl earrings and a really old necklace that I found in my jewellery box.

How would you style an outfit inspired by Steel Magnolias? Have you seen the film?

SHOP THE LOOK

Jolie Moi dress (old, similar) | Nine West shoes (old, similar) | Mango hat (old, similar) | Moschino sunglasses | Debenhams bag (old, similar)

This is where I link up!

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Do visit the other ladies in the group to see their Steel Magnolias outfits…including our new member Eva!

Debbie of Debbie Styles Life

Darlene of Aqua Marina Style

Bettye of Fashion Schlub

Anna of Mutton Style

Emma of Style Spash

Eva of  Eva of Costume Take Out

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style