How to channel Wes Anderson’s best dressed characters

Before Timothee overtakes them in The French Dispatch.

The trailer for Wes Anderson’s latest film The French Dispatch was released this week and already has film fanatics’ tongues wagging.

Described as a “love letter to journalists”, the film is set in a fictional 20th-century French city and goes through a collection of stories published in a New Yorker-inspired magazine called The French Dispatch.

The trailer features a number of familiar faces from the director’s past films including Bill Murray, Anjelica Houston and Saoirse Ronan, as well as some Anderson newbies such as Elizabeth Moss, Jeff Goldblum, and current Hollywood heartthrob Timothee Chalamet.

This is Anderson’s first live-action production since The Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014 and isn’t set to be released until July. So, while we wait (not so) patiently to get our fix, we thought we’d celebrate one of the best parts of the World of Wes: the clothes.

Here are some of our favourite Wes Anderson characters to steal fashion inspiration from, plus some tips to pull off their looks yourself. 

Margot Tenembaum: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) 

Acne Studios Faux Fur and Jute-Blend Bouclé Coat
Price: $948 (on sale)
From: theoutnet.com

First up of course is Margot Tenembaum from The Royal Tenenbaums. Played by Gwenyth Paltrow, Margot rocked the first wave of hair accessories which have made a triumphant return in the 2010s.

Pair a pink hair clip with heavy eyeliner and this faux fur coat from ACNE and you’re a certified Tenenbaum prodigy. 

Steve Zissou: The Life Aquatic (2004)

Asos Design Denim Boilersuit
Price: $110
From: asos.com

Next up is oceanographer Steve Zissou from The Life Aquatic. One of the more famous Wes Anderson sartorial looks, Bill Murray is recognisable in his bright red beanie, ocean blue outfit, and Dad-chic aviator sunnies.

Although this look is more like a bowling shirt with linen trousers, to adapt it to 2020, we’ve chosen this denim ASOS boilersuit. Match it with a red beret to elevate, or the classic red beanie to channel marine scientist vibes.

Monsieur Gustave: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Roksanda Crepe Blazer
Price: $879 (on sale)
From: theoutnet.com

Eccentric concierge Monsieur Gustave embodies the Wes Anderson colour scheme in The Grand Budapest Hotel. The story follows the misadventures of Gustave and the lobby boy, Zero, after the former is falsely accused of murder.

Take inspiration from the androgynous chic of the concierge’s tailored suit/hotel uniform with this Roksanda blazer. Pair it with loafers for a more refined look while lounging in a hotel lobby, or white sneakers if tunnelling out of prison with the help of a pastry chef – you never know, right?

Suzy Bishop: Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Monki Peter Pan Collar Dress
Price: $35
From: monki.com

Finally, we have 12-year-old style icon Suzy Bishop. Set in the mid-’60s, this film about summer love will have you wanting to have your own innocent camp fling.

To channel Suzy’s girlish, ’60s look, head for mini dresses, basket bags and knee-high socks. With news that Monki is finally delivering to Australia, we had to fit in this Peter Pan-collared, baby pink dress. Sweet enough to wear on a date, functional enough to run away from summer camp.