The Style of Desk Set

{The reference librarians from Desk Set look at a picture of a coworker's baby}

A long relaxing weekend at home included a viewing of a favorite movie, Desk Set, a 1957 romantic comedy starring Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. I love the classic 50s fashion in this film - the sharp work outfits comprising either of a slimming pencil skirt or full skirt enhanced with a crinoline or ample fabric. Various tweeds, brushed silk, or other textured fabrics appear on the various female characters - reference librarians working in a high-rise in the heart of Manhattan. The head librarian, Hepburn's Bunny Watson dresses sensibly for her role with basic colors, powerful collars, vests, and tailoring to mirror her above-average intellect. The movie is good fun with it's bantering dialogue, quirky supporting characters (played by classic actors of the era), and the introduction of the new "computer" that threatens the jobs of the reference librarians. Think (very) early Wikipedia. Below are some outfits I put together, courtesy of Polyvore, and inspired by the film.

{Hepburn and Tracy deal with the faulty workings of his "computer"}

Desk Set Fashion - Office Attire

Self stripe shirt, $175
Pyramid Belted Woven Vest, $15
Grey dog tooth pencil skirt, 23 GBP
Stella McCartney Lattice pump with gold heel, 455 GBP
Vintage Heirloom Chanel Gold Chain Shoulder Bag, $1,950

{Bunny and Richard get silly at the company holiday party}

Desk Set Fashion - Company Holiday Party

dolce dress, $250
Stella mccartney tops, 290 GBP
Crystal and Blue Topaz Earrings, $495
White Pearlescent Flower Brooch by Susie M, 115 AUD
sophie pearl bracelet, $55

Images found here, here, here.