The Break-Up: The Wardrobe

Today’s post is part of my wardrobe recap series. The movie featured was a request from several readers, The Break-Up, starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. I had seen this movie when it first came out, and once readers mentioned it, I remembered that I had loved Jennifer’s wardrobe in the film.

I found Jennifer’s style in this movie quite similar to her style in real life – simple, lots of neutrals, impeccably tailored. Let’s start, shall we?

The first time we see Jennifer, in a casual brown polo. I love polo collared shirts – I think they are so flattering and this was a reminder to wear them more.

At work in a perfectly fitted black shirt. I know we hear lots about the classic white shirt, but black in my books is just as good. My favorite version is from Theory.

That evening, in a little black dress. The way Jennifer’s dress is cut and the way its fabric moves, you know this dress is expensive. If you were to splurge for something similar, I’d recommend this simple but stunning number from Calvin Klein. At a better price point I love this Nicole Miller dress and think it looks more expensive than it is (much more Roland/Narciso).

A close up on Jennifer’s accessories. She wears a simple Cartier watch and a yellow gold band throughout.

The next morning – another little black dress, but this one more work appropriate. You can also see her Jennifer Meyer leaf earrings here. The bag is a Chanel Cerf tote.

My favorite look-a-like to this dress is this fantastic and very versatile Vince one.

One of my favorite looks from the movie when I first saw it. I just thought it was the perfect look for the workplace. Here’s Jennifer’s second Chanel Cerf tote by the way – this time in white.

You can find a similar cardigan here (lots of colors, great reviews, under $50), and the best blouse to go under? The classic white silk version from Equipment.

Another office look, a sleeveless black blouse tucked into a gold pencil skirt. For sleeveless blouses, I like this version from Sandra Ingrish (the multi layers add some dimension and the price is nice at around $55).

The next two dresses are my absolute favorite looks from the movie. First up is a stunning Prada dress. I remember loving this so much when I first saw it that I even tried to find it, to no avail.

I included many photos of this dress so you can see the amazing detail. Doesn’t it fit Jennifer perfectly?

If I could find a dress remotely similar to this one I would be purchasing it stat! In the meantime I’ll share another one of my “dream list” cocktail dresses – this lace number from Dolce & Gabbana.

My second favorite look from this movie – this gorgeous dress from Calvin Klein. Of course, the label released a similar version of this dress this year – however it a) isn’t white, but rather gunmetal gray, b) is priced at $3,500, and c) is sold out.

This version from Topshop is pretty good though, and it’s $70!

This dress is so beautiful and fits so well that I even had to include this close up shot which appears to be from the toilet (but she’s just sitting on the top to vent, okay)?

The next morning, a classic work outfit of a simple white blouse and black pencil skirt. But it looks great on Jennifer.

Off duty, in a wrinkled linen blouse (James Perse makes a great version).

And finally, parting ways in a black sheath dress. I like this one from Ann Taylor.

And that about does it for The Break-Up! Wardrobe lessons learned?

1. Simple doesn’t mean boring. With the exception of her Prada dress and the last lightly striped linen shirt, Jennifer doesn’t wear any patterns at all in the movie. All of her clothing is neutral colored, with simple silhouettes – yet she looks amazing. I have at one point or another had most of the so called “classic” items in my closet – the white shirt, black pencil skirt, etc. Yet many times I thought they might be a little too “boring”. Jennifer takes these classic pieces and makes them her own. But of course, to do so…

2. Excellent tailoring is key. I could put on the never worn Anne Fontaine blouse from my closet as well as my black pencil skirt, and I’m pretty sure I would like more dissheveled and dowdy than anything like Jennifer Aniston. Part of that may be, well just myself, but some of that I’m sure is due to Jennifer’s amazing tailoring in this movie. Everything fits her perfect to an absolute t. The fact that her clothes look like they were made for her, means that ordinary pieces seem much more special.

3. You can have a wardrobe full of basics…but you still need some knockout items. Right? Jennifer’s Prada dress – anything but basic, but it makes her wardrobe. We should all have a few of these special pieces that make us feel phenomenal when we wear them. For me these items are usually dresses but they could be anything – an amazing coat, a fantastic skirt, etc. While building a closet of basics, make sure to make some room for a few “awesome” pieces.