Style on Screen: 3 Jane Fonda-Inspired Power Outfits
Style on Screen: A series where I gush about my favorite looks, outfits, and costumery as seen on film and & tv shows.
Jane Fonda is no stranger to making power moves. After being arrested for the 4th week in a row after being part of climate change protests, she continues to be one of my favorite people. “Why be a celebrity if you can’t leverage it for something that is this important?” — she proudly said about the protests. And she’s certainly been continuing walking the walk and not just talking the talk when it comes to standing up for what she believes in. Nearly very publication and outlet has had a photo of Fonda in her red coat, brightly smiling while being handcuffed.
“The team and I decided at the very beginning that we should all try to wear something red,” said Fonda in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
From older films like Cat Ballou and Barbarella, to her more recent smash-hit role as Grace in Grace & Frankie, her acting and personality never disappoints. Her characters are always strong, confident and don’t give a damn about what you think. Overall, I think there’s a lot to take inspiration from when it comes to the Fonda’s work, both on-screen and off.
I’ve poured my heart out in previous Instagram captions how much the movie Cat Ballou meant to me and even recreated an outfit and scene from said movie, so needless to say, I love talking about Fonda and her roles.
So I figured, what better way to kick off my Style on Screen series than by doing a round up of some outfit inspiration from one of my favorite actresses of all time.
** DISCLAIMER: Whenever I add photos/links of pieces I found online, I’m usually just putting them there for inspiration. I tried my best to find sustainable options for each, but as always, I highly recommend taking inspiration from the photos and going on the hunt for similar pieces at your local thrift store or vintage shop! Or just go shopping in your own closet :)
Barbarella | 1968
Behind the outfit: This science fiction meets romance film definitely caught people’s attention back in the day where Fonda plays an intergalactic space traveler from the 41st century. The larger than life costumes that match this larger than life film was designed by French designer, Jacques Fonteray. The vision for it was to have a mix of medieval-style mixed with futuristic details as well. Not going to lie, not a lot of the outfits were realistically the most practical for space travel…but hey, it is set in the future, so maybe one day we’ll invent a pair of heels that look good and are comfortable to kick ass in.
Style takeaway: Wait, you don’t think it’s just chill to wear a tiny one-piece bodysuit with thigh-high boots? Gah, well. There’s still an inspiration to be taken from this glitter, otherworldly costume we were blessed with. This is definitely making me want to wear more shiny material, get a pair of white boots and embrace the puffer coat trend.
Klute | 1971
Behind the look: In this 1970’s neo-noir film, Jane Fonda stars as a sex-worker named Bre who helps a detective solve a missing person case. The film gained critical acclaim after its release both for the screenplay writing and for Fonda’s performance.
Style takeaway: The ’70s are alive and well in this one, with everything from the thick belt to the thigh-high boots, perfect for running down the street and fighting crime. But specifically, Bree’s costuming reflects a more minimalistic side of 70’s fashion, with earth tones, simple ribbed turtlenecks and shades of beige and brown.
Cat Ballou | 1965
Behind the outfit: Fonda’s character, Cat wears this fabulous, ruby red, boa-collared saloon dress during the climax scene of the film. And it’s not just to look pretty either. And ah, red. That color is such a strong symbol for so many things in films: death, lust, passion and of course, revenge. I won’t’ give it all away but I highly suggest watching this corny but amazing movie.
Style Takeaway: A red dress is just as essential as a black dress in your wardrobe. Also, a modern addition of glitter can be achieved through a chunky beret. I threw in a red western boot because she was a cowgirl in the film, and I’d like to think that in this scene she still wore her boots under the dress for her escape.
