Babe Paley Fashion Manual: Timeless Styling Strategies from the Ultimate Style Icon of America

Learn how to achieve the simplicity of elegance with styling tricks from the woman who was the definition of mid-century American chic and whose fashion choices resonated throughout history. Modern-day socialites would be lost in the shadow of their forbear, Babe Paley. Paley was the epitome of sophistication – an elegant and inspirational figure who turned very basic styling tricks into cultural moments. Her fashion stylist was influential then, and continues to wield magical influence today, establishing the fact that true style does not fade.

The Legendary Scarf-to-Handbag Trick

A photo of Paley with a scarf draped over her purse caused such a furor that millions of women would duplicate the style several times a day. That simple styling option became one of Paley’s “look” that was reproduced exponentially, and continues to be a look today.

How to do the Babe Paley Scarf Styling:

• Pick a silk scarf of a color that is complementary to your handbag.
• Tie it to one handle loosely, in a nonchalant-style of swag.
• Allow the scarf to drape freely…the scarf should never look forced to look like styling.
• Mix pattern and texture to create stylings that are visually interesting but do not overwhelm the look.

Mixing High-Low Fashion

Babe Paley established the high/low way of dressing women in the 1950s. By skillfully wearing an assortment of designer pieces, her high-low method introduced a fantasy to women. She provided proof that expensive pieces adorning your body doesn’t equate to better aesthetics when done with the right fashion decisions.

The High-Low Formula

Invest in one statement-type designer piece in each Fit, elaborate jewels, like those by Fulco di Verdura and Jean Schlumberger, inherited jewellery, or a piece that is sufficiently ornate, then mix with costume and high-street pieces, by luxury handbags, i.e., Chanel’s and Prada’s, tea leaves, and reliable brands, and Focus on quality basics, and if you take care to wear expensive accessories, you will look chic and expensive even in basic or high street / cheaper brands.

Appreciating True Beauty and Aging

She highlighted her natural aging by letting her hair go gray instead of coloring it, a definitive statement on natural beauty, in a time when hair color mattered. Her revolutionary way of wearing it to further develop her signature style was bold.

True Beauty Tips from Babe Paley

The fashion decision to wear a black pantsuit, and bare her gray hair were copied by women across America, concentrate on being impeccably groomed and showing natural changes in beauty and life, investing in colours and cuts that flatter all of your natural features your best accessory is always going to be confidence.

The Effectiveness of Customized Neutrals

Tailored suits in beige and off-white, along with detailed winter jackets, were the basis of Babe Paley’s wardrobe. Neutral colors provided an elegant backdrop for stylish accessories.

Creating Your Neutral Wardrobe Like Babe:

• Choose dharma fitted suits in off-white, beige, and soft grey
• Fabrics; wool, silk, and cashmere
• Must be perfectly fitted, not too fitted and not too loose
• Faux fur, decorative buttons, and textured fabrics provide interest

Mastery of Effortless Style

Her enjoyment in her style using her hair, makeup, and fresh and crispy looks is almost legendary. Babe’s secret was to make it all look like it was easy to do.

Babe Paley Grooming Standards:

• Styled hair for every occasion, even if it is casual
• Makeup technique that allows for your beautiful features to shine through
• Pay attention to details: nails, ironed outfit, and nicely polished shoes
• She would even make the front pages of fashion magazines just by stepping out her front door
• Present-Days Uses of Babe’s Style Guidelines Her fashion impact is still felt in much of the way we dress now. We can keep the foundations of her timeless principles for a modern life, while keeping the sophisticated feeling.

Modernising Babe’s Style Ideas:

• Use her muted color palette on modern shapes
• Use her accessory thoughts with contemporary pieces
• Bring her grooming standards up to modern beauty routines
• Tap into her confidence and authenticity through your personal style selections

Babe Paley’s influence still exists because true style is not about following fashion ‘trends’, but rather learning to distill your own unique personal style, while being confident that your attire and appearance reflect quality and detail.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What was Babe Paley’s go-to styling trick?

A: Her best-known styling trick was tying a silk scarf to the handle of her handbag, an iconic “trick” that was copied by millions of ladies.

Q: How did Babe Paley mix expensive and inexpensive clothing?

A: She created the high-low combination by mixing upscale jewels from a designer with costume jewelry, and investing in non-designer quality basics (ie. simple pants, shirts, dresses) elevated with the luxe accessories.

Q: What colors did Babe Paley wear?

A: She wore a combination of neutrals including beige, off-white, cream, and light gray that set the stage for her accessories to be the stars.

Q: How do I achieve Babe Paley style today?

A: Pay attention to grooming (hair, makeup), invest in basics that are tailored to you in neutral colors, remember the accessories (rings, etc.), and know your comfort level with your choices.

Q: What was revolutionary about Babe Paley’s view on aging?

A: She accepted that her hair go gray, as opposed to dying it, and made a statement about true beauty that had an impact on women all over the country.

Disclaimer

This guide to styling is based on the documented history of fashion and input from an expert on Babe Paley’s impact on style. Specific style tips are based on general principles and suggestions modeled off of her unique approach to dress and you may need to modify them for your own preferences, body types, and modern circumstances. Always keep in mind to dress in a way that feels authentic and confident to you.