The Philadelphia Story, Ladies Fashion

Adolph Adrian Greenburg, later simply known as Adrian, was Metro-Goldwyn Mayer’s chief costume designer from 1928. During his time at MGM he created costumes for the female studio stars such as Joan Crawford, Greata Garbo and most importantly Katherine Hepburn. He was considered to be the only designer powerful enough to impose his taste on a film’s director and therefore influence the style and look of the film. For The Philadelphia Story he created goddess gowns that magnified Katherine’s character, as well as structured suits and a few more delicate outfits that showed her vulnerable side. 

A 1940s film based on a 1939 play, all the outfits are heavily influenced by 1930s glamour. There are three key looks, smart suits, Grecian goddess and feminine chiffon. 

The most talked about gown in the movie is the Greek goddess white chiffon gown with stepped gold sequin belting and bodice decoration, emphasizing Katharine’s lean figure.To emulate this look go for cool coloured maxi dresses and add plenty of bling.

A full length pleated maxi dress with a high neck, if your not lucky enough to find something similar pair a cool coloured pleated maxi skirt with a similar top or sash. The brave can do like the greek goddeses do and throw it together like a toga.

A less Grecian version of the last dress, full length, high necked, long sleeved and pulled in at the waist with a white belt. 

The Softest look of the film is the dress that Katherine wears on her wedding day. Orchid white and full of flowing chiffon topped with a big silly hat. 

Katherine's smarter attire was kept fun with big pussy bows and pencil skirts ,simple shirts with big full skirts or jackets with big buttons. 

In complete contrast to Katherine, Ruth Hussey's outfits were always smart pencil skirts and suits sometimes made a little bit more daring with a sharp hat.