In the 2009 film It’s Complicated, Meryl Streep plays a Santa Barbara bakery owner who has a secret affair with her ex-husband, played by Alec Baldwin. The costume department dressed Streep in a style that reflected the affluent American Riviera aesthetic, with whites, linens, and lightweight button-ups. This style has been referred to as “Coastal Grandma” in 2022, but it is more accurately described as Nancy Meyers-core, reflecting the director’s signature aesthetic.
In a recent event at the 77th Cannes Film Festival where Streep was honored with an honorary Palme d’Or, she embraced Meyers’s aesthetic once again. Streep appeared in a bright white pantsuit with sharp shoulders, high-waisted trousers, and tapered pant legs. Underneath her blazer, she wore a blue-and-white striped button-up shirt, creating an effortless and chic look that embodies the lifestyle of a woman who bakes chocolate croissants with her new architect lover, played by Steve Martin, in It’s Complicated.
The film showcases Streep’s character transitioning from the American Riviera to the French Riviera, embodying a sophisticated and elegant style that reflects her character’s journey. The outfit chosen for the Cannes event highlights Streep’s ability to embody different aesthetics and capture the essence of the characters she portrays on screen. Her fashion choices in It’s Complicated and at the Cannes event reveal a sense of effortlessness and sophistication, capturing the essence of her characters and the environments they inhabit.
Meryl Streep’s portrayal in It’s Complicated, alongside co-stars Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, explores the complexities of relationships and the dynamics between ex-spouses. The film delves into themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town. Streep’s character’s fashion choices reflect her personality and lifestyle, showcasing an elegant and relaxed style that captures the essence of the Santa Barbara setting.
In It’s Complicated, Streep’s character navigates the challenges of balancing her past relationship with her ex-husband and her budding romance with a new love interest. The film’s costume design plays a crucial role in conveying the character’s emotions and experiences, with Streep’s wardrobe reflecting her character’s journey throughout the story. The blend of coastal chic and sophisticated elegance in the film’s fashion choices enhances the overall visual appeal and storytelling of the film.
Overall, Meryl Streep’s fashion choices in It’s Complicated and at the Cannes event demonstrate her ability to embody different aesthetics and capture the essence of her characters. The film’s costume design reflects the character’s journey and emotions, while Streep’s red carpet looks showcase her effortless style and sophistication. Through her fashion choices, Streep brings depth and authenticity to her characters, creating a lasting impact on audiences and the fashion world alike.
