Fictional Style Icon: Margot Tenenbaum

We all know Wes Anderson films have never lacked style, but we all know one character in particular with a wardrobe so iconic, you can hardly walk through an adult Halloween party without seeing her outfit. That’s right, I’m talking about Margot Tenenbaum from The Royal Tenenbaums.

There was a fascinating interview in Elle a few years ago with costume designer Karen Patch and how she went about this complicatedly iconic fictional woman, from her wooden prosthetic finger to her “fell asleep with makeup on” smudged eyeliner. Patch’s directions? “Don’t shop anything—make everything.” And while a lot of Margot’s looks felt so familiar at the time, most of it was made custom for her. Here’s a bit of what made Margot Tenenbaum’s style so iconic.

Preppy With An Edge

The contrast between Margot Tenenbaum’s wardrobe and personality is almost confusing. You’d look at her outfits and think she just stepped out of a fussy country club. The loafers, the striped polo dress, the barrette– it all looks like something your mother forced you in when you were a kid, doesn’t it?

But then there’s her smudged eyeliner. And her constant chain smoking. Her rebellious demeanor. Her messy backstory. A confusing combination, yes, but it also made her that much more interesting.

THAT Slip

Nothing screamed “unhinged and effortlessly cool” than Margot Tenenbaum in a bathroom sink, smoking, in a flesh-colored négligée. From this moment on, I was enamored with this woman. Everything about her look was so moody and retro and sometimes it looked like it came straight from her mother’s closet. She was so damn cool and I wanted to be her.

The Mink Coat

When most people imagine Margot, they think of this coat. And they should because it’s as much of a part of her as her blunt bob is. I don’t condone wearing fur, but I can appreciate the details that went into making this one (custom by Fendi, by the way.) The wrapped look and tie belt make it look like your grandmother’s old mink had a baby with a classic trench coat and I’m into it. Just find me a version in faux fur, please.

Need more fictional fashion in your life? Check out last week’s style icon, Kara Danvers.