You don't have to like chess to fall in love with Beth Harmon's captivating genius, which often shows itself in her slick personal style. The chess prodigy and '60s babe, played by Anya Taylor-Joy [1] on The Queen's Gambit [2], has a mind that's only matched by her fashion sense. Beth's timeless wardrobe, designed by French costumer Gabriele Binder [3], was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Edie Sedgwick, and we're showing you how to dress like the grandmaster herself in 2020.
Beth's wardrobe has a very distinct color palette. She wears black, white, jewel tones, pastels, and check prints, with a pop of a primary color like yellow or red every so often. You'll find Beth wearing A-line silhouettes — tops with Peter Pan collars, boatnecks, and sweetheart necklines, detailed with bows and buttons. The chess champ is more likely to be seen in dresses and high-waisted mini or midi skirts, but she'll occasionally rock a chino trouser with an oversize sweater during the colder months. In the winter, her signature outerwear is a button-front wool overcoat to match her beret and gloves, while a classic black, high-neck fitted sweater is a wardrobe staple.
"As Beth matures, her style changes with new experiences and places she travels to. Her early style is influenced by Jean Seberg, Audrey Hepburn, and Natalie Wood, among others," Gabriele told POPSUGAR. "Beth's looks grow more elegant in Paris and Moscow, where we took influence from the French New Wave. We looked at Romy Schneider and Juliette Gréco and movies like Contempt and Breathless. If you watch them now, they still have something very modern and inspirational about them, style wise."
Gabriele has a great eye for '60s-inspired pieces that are truly timeless. Even Beth's collection of activewear, loungewear, and swimwear would be fresh and inspirational if worn today. For tennis, she wears a classic white look with a collared shirt and navy pleated skirt; for a night swim, she wears a gingham one-piece swimsuit and teddy-textured robe; for staying home, she wears a lace-trimmed slip dress or coordinated set and an oversize pastel cardigan. To complete Beth's looks, try pairing these outfits with kitten heels, loafers, or Mary Jane shoes; cat-eye sunglasses; and scarf hair accessories.
Ahead, shop the essential pieces and styling tips for emulating Beth's '60s-inspired wardrobe.
Outerwear: Matching Wool Overcoat, Beret Hat, and Gloves
Monki Wool Blend Coat
Monki Wool Blend Coat [4] ($80)
Lauren Manoogian Woven Beret
Lauren Manoogian Woven Beret [5] ($140)
Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Gloves
Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Gloves [6] ($70)
Outerwear: Button-Down Wool Overcoat in White, Check Print, or Pastel Colors
Sézane Aston Coat
Sézane Aston Coat [7] ($410)
Stine Goya Margret Belted Wool-Blend Coat
Stine Goya Margret Belted Wool-Blend Coat [8] ($565)
& Other Stories Belted Button Up Wool Jacket
& Other Stories Belted Button Up Wool Jacket [9] ($179)
Activewear: White Tennis Outfit With Collared Shirt, Headband, and Navy Skort
Lacoste Sport Roland Garros Print Cotton Polo Shirt
Lacoste Sport Roland Garros Print Cotton Polo Shirt [10] ($110)
Lululemon Pace Rival Skirt
Lululemon Pace Rival Skirt [11] ($68)
Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband II Luxtreme
Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband II Luxtreme [12] ($12)
Nike NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor X
Nike NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor X [13] ($150)
Falke Sensitive London Women Socks
Falke Sensitive London Women Socks [14] ($21)
Loungewear: Pastel Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress or Matching Set With Oversize Cardigan
Dora Larsen Jessica High Apex Body
Dora Larsen Jessica High Apex Body [15] ($110)
& Other Stories Alpaca Blend V-Neck Cardigan
& Other Stories Alpaca Blend V-Neck Cardigan [16] ($99)
Swimwear: Gingham One-Piece Swimsuit and Teddy-Textured Matching Robe
Oysho Gingham Triangle Swimsuit
Oysho Gingham Triangle Swimsuit [17] ($60)
Solid & Striped The Ellery Gingham Swimsuit
Solid & Striped The Ellery Gingham Swimsuit [18] ($84, originally $168)
The White Company Hydrocotton Hooded Dressing Gown
The White Company Hydrocotton Hooded Dressing Gown [19] ($76)
Tops: Peter Pan Collars, Boatnecks, and Sweetheart Blouses
Simple Retro Victoria 100% Cotton Peter Pan Collar Shirt
Simple Retro Victoria 100% Cotton Peter Pan Collar Shirt [20] ($50, originally $125)
Sézane Flora Jumper
Sézane Flora Jumper [21] ($145)
Bottoms: A-Line Midi Skirts and Miniskirts
Everlane the Mini Skirt
Everlane the Mini Skirt [22] ($27, originally $38)
Bottoms: A-Line Midi Skirts and Miniskirts
Max Mara Leisure Midi Skirt
Max Mara Leisure Midi Skirt [23] ($240)
& Other Stories Satin Ruffle Midi Skirt in Pink
& Other Stories Satin Ruffle Midi Skirt in Pink [24] ($89)
Knitwear: Classic Black High-Neck Sweater
L'Agence Aja Turtleneck Top
L'Agence Aja Turtleneck Top [25] ($130)
Knitwear: Oversize Roll-Neck Sweaters
Sézane Roy Jumper
Sézane Roy Jumper [26] ($190)
Dresses: A-Line Midi Dress With Shoulder or Neckline Detail
Karen Millen Eyelet Detail Midi Dress
Karen Millen Eyelet Detail Midi Dress [27] ($96, originally $272)
Warehouse Puff Sleeve V-Back Midi Dress
Warehouse Puff Sleeve V-Back Midi Dress [28] ($46)
Dresses: Check-Print Pinafore Dresses
Mango Tweed Pinafore Dress
Mango Tweed Pinafore Dress [29] ($80)
Shoes: Mary Janes, Loafers, and Kitten Heels
Aeyde Penelope Shoes
Aeyde Penelope Shoes [30] ($315)