Footnotes 005

The RealReal and eBay finds for dressing like Cate Blanchett in Tár, a problematic menswear icon.

I recently watched Tár. Yes, it was an excellent and captivating film (you should watch it), but I spent most of the 2 hours and 37 minutes waiting to see what the title character would wear next. Each scene was a glut of wealth, from Lydia’s custom suit fitting to the cashmere sweaters casually tied around her shoulders while drinking wine in her Architectural Digest-worthy kitchen. The styling was understated but superb, the layering was first-rate, and I couldn’t get enough. Turns out I’m late to the Lydia Tár fashion discourse, as The Cut dubbed the character’s style as the impetus for frigid-bitch winter last October:

Lydia communicates power and success through her meticulously curated wardrobe that includes luxe cashmere, tweed, wool, and silk fabrics. The wardrobe is also characterized by sleek, tailored silhouettes that say, “Don’t fuck with me. I am very powerful and very busy.”

This layering is, in a word, perfection.

While I am currently lamenting the closing window of frigid-bitch winter and my lack of participation, the good news is every single outfit the eponymous character wears in Tár is timeless. The combinations of pieces, color palettes, and silhouettes are all so perfectly classic that I’m now playing the long game and turning my attention to how I can slowly collect pieces worthy of Tár’s wardrobe, as it is precisely how I aspire to dress every winter for the rest of my life. So, if you, too, want to dress like menswear icon Lydia Tár, I’ve assembled links to items that make for a good start.

Step 1, turtleneck supremacy

Cashmere and Layering Turtlenecks

Cashmere was clearly the cornerstone of Lydia’s closet. Here are some classic knits to consider:

• Prada Sleeveless Turtleneck (US 6, grey)

• Prada Sleeveless Turtleneck (US 10, camel)

• Tory Sport Sleeveless Turtleneck (M, navy blue)

• Ralph Lauren Collection Sleeveless Turtleneck (S, dark brown)

• Bruno Cucinelli Turtleneck (M, grey)

• Akris x Bergdorf Goodman Cashmere V-Neck (US6, burgundy)

• Loro Piana Cashmere V-Neck (M, burgundy)

• Vintage Cashmere Sleeveless Turtleneck (size not listed, taupe)

• Vintage Polo by Ralph Lauren Wool-Cashmere Sweater Vest (L, grey)

• Vintage V-Neck Cashmere Vest (men’s M, cream)

• Extreme Cashmere Cashmere Vest (XS, blue)

Straight Leg Trousers

I didn’t see our problematic fashion queen in a skirt once. A few straight leg and wide leg trousers to consider:

• Michael Kors Wide Leg Pants (US 6, black)

• Jil Sander Wool Straight Leg Pants (US 2, grey)

• Tibi Straight Leg Pants (US 8, grey)

• Akris Straight Leg Pants (US 10, grey)

• Prada Sport Straight Leg Pants (US 6, black)

• Vintage 90s Celine Wide Leg Pants (US 10, black)

Crisp Button Ups

Worn with the collar popped over a leather jacket or underneath an oversized cashmere sweater vest, crisp button ups are an essential part of the Tár dressing equation.

• Eskandar Button Up (XL, navy blue)

• Ann Demeulemeester Button Up (XS, white)

• Dries Van Noten Button Up (XL, white)

• Boy. By Band of Outsiders Button Up (S, blue)

• The Frankie Shop Button Up (S, blue)

A can’t-fail layering technique: turtleneck + open button up + leather blazer (be sure to pop the button up’s collar out)

The Extras: Leather Blazers, Baseball Caps, Cashmere Scarves

This is where Lydia shines, in my opinion. She didn’t wear many accessories beyond a brown leather watch, but made a good case for investing in a timeless baseball cap, leather blazer, and a cashmere scarf. Add a lug-soled shoe, and you’re set.

• Loro Piana Baseball Cap (S, navy blue)

• New York Rangers Baseball Cap (similar to the hat worn in the film)

• Giorgio Armani Leather Blazer (M, deep brown)

• Andrew Marc Leather Blazer (M, black)

• Giorgio Armani Collarless Leather Blazer (US 6, black)

• Vintage 90s Prada Blazer (US 6, black)

• Brown Plaid Wool-Cashmere Scarf

• Burberry Black-Tan House Check Pattern Scarf

• Burberry Red Plaid Scarf

• (another) Burberry Red Plaid Scarf

While I couldn’t find any good contenders for her lug-sole oxfords, I do feel Lydia’s spirit in these Prada Sport Leather Chelsea Boots (US 7, black) and Jil Sander Venus Penny Loafer (US 10, black).

The quest for a frigid-bitch winter wardrobe is a marathon, not a sprint. While I work towards collecting my ideal menswear pieces, I’ll be pulling from my closet all the trousers, button ups, wool overcoats, and lug-soled loafers to wear this season while I still can!

Recommend dressing like Lydia Tár? Yes, I do.