In the 2009 film It’s Complicated, Meryl Streep portrays a Santa Barbara bakery owner who engages in a secret affair with her ex-husband, played by Alec Baldwin. The costume department styled Streep in whites, linens, and lightweight button-ups, reflecting an affluent American Riviera aesthetic that has since been labeled as “Coastal Grandma” in 2022. However, this style is more accurately described as Nancy Meyers-core, embodying the filmmaker’s signature aesthetic.
In a recent event at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Streep paid homage to Meyers’s aesthetic by donning a bright white pantsuit with sharp shoulders, high waisted trousers, and tapered pant legs. Underneath her summery blazer, she wore a blue-and-white striped button-up shirt left casually unbuttoned, capturing a sense of effortless elegance reminiscent of her character in It’s Complicated. This look reflects the sophisticated yet relaxed style associated with the French Riviera, where Streep is being honored with an honorary Palme d’Or.
The film It’s Complicated also features actors John Krasinski and Steve Martin, with Martin playing Streep’s new love interest, an architect. Streep’s character exudes a sense of ease and sophistication, mirrored in the outfits she wears throughout the film. The combination of tailored pieces and relaxed silhouettes creates a chic yet comfortable look that epitomizes the Nancy Meyers aesthetic.
Streep’s portrayal of the bakery owner in It’s Complicated showcases her ability to embody a character through her clothing choices. The white, linen, and button-up shirts she wears reflect the character’s lifestyle and personality, emphasizing her role as a successful, affluent woman living in the American Riviera. This attention to detail in costume design helps to enhance the overall storytelling and character development in the film.
The fashion choices in It’s Complicated illustrate how costume design can be used to convey character traits and enhance the narrative of a film. By dressing Streep in clothing that reflects her character’s lifestyle and social status, the costume department effectively communicates important aspects of the story. Streep’s outfits in the film serve as a visual representation of her character’s personality and background, contributing to the overall authenticity and relatability of the film.
Overall, It’s Complicated offers a compelling example of how costume design can play a crucial role in shaping a character’s identity and enhancing the storytelling in a film. Streep’s portrayal of the bakery owner, outfitted in a mix of whites, linens, and button-ups, embodies an affluent American Riviera aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Nancy Meyers filmography. This attention to detail in costume design helps to create a believable and immersive world for the characters to inhabit, contributing to the overall success of the film.
