PUT YOUR LIPS TOGETHER
You know you don’t have to act with me, Steve. You don’t have to say anything, and you don’t have to do anything. Not a thing. Oh, maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and … blow.”
Lauren Bacall cooed these lines to Humphrey Bogart in “To Have and Have Not” and a screen siren was born.
You know her type: sassy woman in a man’s world who doesn’t take nonsense. And she had a wardrobe to match that attitude. Never over-the-top, always on point, she wore the perfect suit that accentuated her sharp curves, the elegant evening gown that could be at home at a Morroccan bar or the cocktail dress that could make a man turn from his martini from across the room.
Have a look at these staple items necessary for any siren and inspired by the likes of Rita Hayworth, Veronica Lake, Katharine Hepburn and Barbara Stanwyck. You’ll have the guys saying, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”
THE CLUTCH
Tiny, discreet, bejeweled and meant to be thrown aside for any adventure. The idea here is to look sophisticated and low maintenance. All the screen siren needed was a tube of red lipstick to ply her trade.
THE SHOE
Idols turned to the peep-toe and slingback shoes when they needed to convey sexy without being overt. These work best when the skirt has a slit up the front.
THE JEWELRY
Sirens never bedecked themselves in oodles of jewels. Keep it simple by picking one iconic piece, such as a cuff or bracelet.
THE WORKING GIRL OUTFIT
Preferably tight, enhancing your curves and ready to pounce. The sweaterdress with a pencil skirt provides the perfect ammunition.
THE COCKTAIL ATTIRE
Sheer but prim, sexy but not over the top. Just imagine a cigarette holder as the perfect accessory while you’re shopping and you have the right look.
THE GOWN
The key here? Work the décolletage. Pair this gown with a peek-a-boo hairdo that lets one eye peep out from finger curls.
THE COAT
Again, body conforming with a hint of innocence. Make him want to learn to whistle.
Contact Image Editor Susan Stapleton at sstapleton@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2909.
