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While some sweet and wholesome people celebrate pumpkin spice season once the leave start to turn, there’s a second, darker period that others look forward to embracing each year: femme fatale fall. Fall is the perfect time of year to channel the most intriguing and fashionable figures of 1940s film noir. Femme fatale style is about much more than cocktail dresses and peek-a-boo hair though.
When you picture the quintessential femme fatale outfit, you might imagine a curve-hugging black dress, high heels and a hat that conceals the face aside from red lips sipping a martini in dark corner of a smoky cocktail bar. Actually, this film noir character is seen in all different kinds of clothing, from dressing robes to sweaters to suits. Anything the task at hand requires, really.
From beret hats to a “rich widow robe,” here are 11 essential items for femme fatale style, plus my tips for channeling the film noir fashion icon.
What is a femme fatale?
French for “fatal woman,” a femme fatale in literature, art and film is a mysterious, seductive and beautiful woman who lures or charms men into dangerous, often deadly, situations. Her objective could be money, power, revenge or freedom from the control of another person.
In film noir of the 1940s and early 1950s, the femme fatale character typically plays a hand in the destruction of the male protagonist. She doesn’t always look like trouble, but she sure has a way of attracting it. She’s self-assured and goes after what she wants.
Sure, some of these women are downright deceitful and terrible—there are exceptions—but you can also get a major confidence boost from channeling the smart, sultry, dynamic femme fatale. Knowing how to dress like a femme fatale is also about adopting an attitude of fearlessness, even if that’s not a natural personality trait for you. Not yet, anyway.
Tips for dressing like a femme fatale
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when building your femme fatale wardrobe, whether you’re at the thrift shop, a vintage boutique or shopping online:
- Choose a structured fit: Belted jackets, gowns with emphasized shoulders, pointed-collar blouses and well-tailored skirts are staples of the femme fatale wardrobe. A lot of 1980s designs echo this look—think shoulder pads, not frilly lace. On film, this is often shown in contrast to more playful or understated clothing worn by other characters.
- Look for sumptuous fabrics: Choosing sumptuous fabrics like velvet, silk and satin is another way to channel femme fatale energy. Rayon was a popular fabric used in clothing in the 1940s and drapes beautifully over the body.
- Experiment with color: Black adds a sense of sophistication, but you can also play with dark grays, rich purples and navy blues. If bold colors are more your thing, make a statement in bright red, golden yellow or chartreuse.
11 femme fatale style essentials
1. A Killer Cocktail Dress
The one item every femme fatale needs before anything else is a killer cocktail dress. It’s a dress that hugs in all the right places and accentuates your assets to the nth degree. This is the dress that will make a first impression so striking and heart-stopping your target will devote an entire journal entry to it. It should give the effect of equal parts desire and devastation.
Outfit details:
- Hat, gloves, necklace – vintage
- Dress – The Pretty Dress Company “Riley” Pencil Dress
2. A Power Suit
A well-tailored suit will take you on your travels from one town to the next as you make an ill-fated attempt to outrun your past. Skirt suits were more popular for women in the 1940s, but a blazer and matching pair of wide-leg pants also gives the impression you mean business—probably shady business, but business nonetheless.
Outfit details: All items are vintage.
3. A Showstopping Gown
A gorgeous evening gown is another staple of femme fatale style. This is a gown that’s guaranteed to turn heads and drop jaws. This gown will ideally prompt everyone you make eye contact with to blush in nervous excitement and/or rush to your side and satisfy your every whim. Rita Hayworth wears a number of stunning gowns for her role as the glamorous wife of a casino owner in 1946’s Gilda. She pretty much has everyone in the town wrapped around her finger.
Outfit details: Dress – vintage (similar style here)
4. A Glamorous Vintage Robe and Nightgown
You may have heard of a “murder husband robe.” If not, hop on Pinterest and you’ll encounter Pinterest Boards with names like, “26 Robes To Kill Your Rich Husband In.” This is referring to the film noir trope of a rich widow finally indulging in her fantasies without her (probably awful) spouse around to stop her. What does the rich widow wear? A totally impractical and fabulous dressing gown, of course. I’m not advising you to commit any crimes, but to consider the glamorous, luxurious feeling you can get from investing in such a robe.
Outfit details: Robe – Trashy Diva Lingerie “Harlow” Robe
5. A Billowy Blouse
Similar to the rich widow robe, a blouse with billowy sleeves gives the effect of you floating through the house like an enchanting specter. Joan Bennett wear some perfect examples of this blouse in Scarlet Street (1945) and The Woman in the Window (1944).
Outfit details:
- Blouse – La Dame The Label “Vivien” Blouse
- Pants, necklace – vintage
6. Seamed Stockings
Seamed stockings just seem to work some kind of magic. I don’t think I need to explain further. A shade that matches your skin tone will do, but there are plenty of fun colors available today.
Outfit details:
- Stockings – Playful Promises Grape Wine Seamed Stockings
- Shoes – Remix Vintage “Carnival” Heels
7. High Heels
To a femme fatale, there is no other footwear option aside from high heels. They work in heels, they travel in heels, they commit terrible crimes in heels, they run from the law in heels. I suggest a pair with an ankle strap as you’re much less likely to lose them during a night of mischief. Remix Vintage, Lulu Hun, B.A.I.T. Footwear, American Duchess and Golden Age Hollywood all make beautiful 1940s-inspired styles.
Outfit details:
- Skirt – vintage (similar style here)
- Shoes – Remix Vintage “Carnival” Heels
8. Dark Sunglasses
Dark sunglasses let people know you don’t want them to talk to you. You’re simply too occupied with plotting your revenge or your next vacation to be bothered. A dark pair of vintage-inspired sunglasses can not only protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but also from bothersome busybodies.
Outfit details:
- Sunglasses – Parafina Eco-Friendly Eyewear
- Scarf – Bastet Torino Sun Rays Scarf
- Jacket – vintage
9. A Statement Hat
There are some great hats in film noir. From fedoras to wide brim halo hats, a statement hat is a core accessory for 1940s noir fans. As a femme fatale, look for a veiled hat will prompt others to question if you had anything to do with the mysterious disappearance of your husband.
Outfit details: Hat – vintage (similar style here)
10. A Beret Hat
Lizabeth Scott in Too Late for Tears (1949) and Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep (1946) are two prime examples of how to wear a beret. A black wool beret can be the perfect final touch to your femme fatale fall outfits. You can also quickly take a beret from day to night by adding a sparkly brooch to the hat.
Outfit details:
- Hat – vintage (similar style here)
- Blouse – vintage/Goodwill (similar style here)
11. A Cute Pair of Gloves
You may be coldhearted but a cute pair of gloves can at least keep your hands warm. Gloves fit seamlessly into femme fatale style. They also make it easy to not leave fingerprints behind, if that’s something you’re concerned about.
Details:
- Gloves (similar style here)
- Hat – vintage (similar style here)
- Top – Miss Candyfloss “Callani-Lou” Top
- Skirt – Miss Candyfloss “Blanka” Skirt
Shop femme fatale style:
More style tips:
- How to Wear a Beret With Vintage Outfits
- My Top Thrifting Tips for Finding Vintage at Goodwill
- How to Pack for a Long Trip: Tips from 1956
- Vintage Camping and Hiking Outfit Ideas
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