Never have I wanted to go to Africa so badly after watching The English Patient. And never have I wanted to throw out all of my clothes and only wear khakis, crisp, white and blue cotton shirts, sturdy tan jackets and brown leather ankle boots. Sometimes it's hard to remember that this film is set around WWII because these clothes are oh so classic. Only when we "come back to reality" to Juliette Binoche's character are we reminded with her floral, lacey dress.
This film was on my list for a while; mainly because I know it's one of those Oscar nominated films that everyone has seen and whatever. It was also there because I know it's an extremely romantic drama (probably up there with P.S., Atonement, and any other film you can think of that is gut-wrenchingly romantic). What I didn't know, however, was how insanely perfect these costumes are. Complete and perfect summer uniforms. Those white shirts that Kristen Scott Thomas' character Katharine wears are so feminine despite the other masculine qualities. There's nothing sexier than a beautiful woman, tanned and wearing the whitest, crisp button down she owns. She wears the same khaki trousers and jacket throughout majority of the film (she probably had to pack light, you know?). But I love how she accessorizes with a hat or a chiffon scarf that she later uses as a head wrap to shield herself from a sand storm (and then cozies up with Ralph Fiennes' character - yes). And, of course, her formal wear: again with the crisp white and classicism. It was nice to see her in a slinky dress at dinner and out of the otherwise masculine uniform from the desert.
Speaking of Ralph Fiennes, how are screencaps of his incredible looks not floating around Tumblr more often!? He looks incredible, so model-esque, which fits given his character's stature. But really, I knew the man was handsome just not....wow. Anyway, I've never seen anyone rock a pair of billowing 1930s style shorts like Ralph in this. Also, that perfect blue shirt. Just so perfect. What's really great though, is how well the two character's wardrobe mesh. He looks classic, manly and sophisticated and she looks masculine, but elegant, feminine and womanly.