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Recreating Beth Harmon’s ‘60s Style On ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ Is Easier Than You Think

Reset the chess board and your wardrobe

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, most of the world has tuned in to binge-watch—and obsess over—Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit

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And while the intriguing story of a young orphan’s foray into the male-dominated world of chess has inspired many, the show’s choice in the 1960s-inspired fashion and beauty has viewers looking to replicate the series’ stunning looks.

Based on the novel by Walter Tevis, the story follows Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor Joy, a chess prodigy struggling with drug addiction, who is attempting to prove herself against men in the world of chess.

And while chess and fashion typically don’t go hand-in-hand, the chess genius and her ode to ‘60s fashion is an odd-yet-chic pairing.

Created by French costume designer Gabriele Binder, Beth’s style choices were inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Edie Sedgwick, Jean Seberg, Pierre Cardin, which explains a lot. According to Binder, at least one dozen of her outfits contained geometric patterning that mirrored the structure of a chess board—discreetly, of course.

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From her downtime moments to her nail-biting chess tournaments, perhaps it’s time to inject some of Beth’s ‘60s flare into your style rotation.

Below, we’ve rounded up her best looks and how you can emulate it in 2020.

The Lingerie Set

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(Credit: Netflix)

Both effortless and elegant, Beth’s lingerie set is one of her easiest looks to achieve. Wearing a simple pale blue, lace bodysuit, she pairs the piece with a fluffy pastel pink cardigan to keep her look cosy and chic.

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Shop the look:

Ginia

‘Ice Blue Washable Silk Leila Cami‘, $99.95; ‘Ice Blue Washable Silk Leila Shorts‘, $89.85 both at Ginia.

Queens Gambit

‘Merino wool cardigan’ by GANNI, $434 at Net-A-Porter.

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The Peter Pan Collars

Queens Gambit
(Credit: Netflix)
Queen's Gambit
(Credit: Netflix)
Whether you’re a vintage aficionado or not, a Peter Pan collar is must-have for those after a sophisticated style. A fan favourite in the 1960s, the prairie-like design can worn on a dress or a blouse and can be paired with a solid coloured skirt just like Beth. Bonus points if you manage to find one with a delicate bow. 

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‘Bow collar shift dress’ by Red Valentino, $735 at Farfetch.

Queens Gambit
(Credit: Netflix)

Much like the traditional Peter Pan collar, the straight edge variation still says sophistication but with even more of a ’60s-inspired twist.

Shop the look:

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‘Cadee Polo Dress’ by Rag & Bone, $349 at Shopbop.

The Candy Coloured Coat

Queens Gambit
(Credit: Netflix)

One of Beth’s best fashion moments of the season, her ode to the candy coloured wool coat is like nothing else. Whether you prefer a subtle plaid or would rather stick to a more monochromatic look, adding a pop of pastel into your wardrobe is sure to add the perfect amount of personality.

Shop the look:

Queens Gambit
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‘Oversized Double-Breasted Coat’ by TRF, $219 at ZARA.

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‘Wool-blend coat’ in Mint by VINCE, $600.60 at Net-A-Porter.

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‘Beige Wool Gabriel Blanket Coat’ by Isabel Marant Etoile, $690 at SSENSE.

The ’60s Silk Shirt

Queens Gambit
(Credit: Netflix)

Steering away from her pink-hued and delicate fashion choices, Beth’s iconic silk shirt proves that a little bit of print can never hurt—as long as the pattern is chic, of course.

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‘Boy Abstract Print Silk-Twill Shirt’ by La DoubleJ, $683 at Matches Fashion.

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‘Pleated silk shirt’ by Emilio Pucci, $1619 at Farfetch.

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Queen's Gambit

‘Striped silk shirt’ by Marni, $974 at Farfetch.

The Squash Ensemble

Queens Gambit
(Credit: Netflix)

Exercise may be dedicated to excessive sweating, but even Beth’s atheleisure can’t help but be oh-so-chic. From her white polo shirt to her navy shorts, her country club attire is chic enough to keep us practising our serve.

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Shop the look:

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‘Training Headband’ by Nike, $8.50 at ASOS.

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The Organic Cotton Pique Polo’, $43 at Everlane.

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‘Flex Pure Women’s Tennis Short in Navy’ by Nike, $45 at Tennis Plaza.

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‘Ankle socks in white’, $16 at ASOS; ‘OCA Low Off-White Canvas’, $109 at Cariuma.

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The All-White Moment

Queens Gambit
(Credit: Netflix)

While white-on-white may seem like a magnet for spills, it is also exudes elegance, especially in contrast with Beth’s gorgeous ’60s flick. Whether you enjoy a winter white or prefer an easy ecru, matching your headwear, outerwear and accessories can never lead your style astray.

Shop the look:

Queens Gambit

‘Beret’ in Cream, $69 at Lack of Color.

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‘Cashmere gloves’ by Johnstons of Elgin, $92.10 at Net-A-Porter.

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‘Hunter belted wool and cashmere-blend coat’ by Anine Bing, $990 at Net-A-Porter.

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