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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Simon Chilvers

Look the business: Icons of workwear

Look the Business: 2007, MAD MEN
Best ensemble cast: Mad Men. For three series we've been dazzled by their costumes. Men can get the look with a sharp suit, pocket square, narrow tie and slick hair – try Brooks Brothers or Banana Republic for props. Women should go for a pencil skirt, blouse, pearls or a pendant
Photograph: Allstar/BBC/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar
Look the Business: Look the Business - Icons of Workwear
The 'Yes really' award: Sue Ellen from Dallas. She really nailed the blouse and trouser look and always knew how to work a belt and/or wide-brimmed hat
Photograph: Gene Trindl/MPTV/LFI/HA/LFI
workwear: I Am Love, (Aka Io Sono 'Amore) - 2009
Colour in a leading role. Winner: Michelle Obama; runner-up: Tilda Swinton. Obama is unrivalled here, with the ability to make shades like peach, purple or jade look modern and clean, but special mention should go to Swinton in I am Love Photograph: Rex Features
Look the Business: Look the Business - Icons of Workwear
Lifetime achievement in menswear: Cary Grant. Or rather his classic grey suit in North by Northwest. Curveball suit pick: Let's Dance-era David Bowie
Photograph: Allstar/Cinetext/MGM/Allstar/Cinetext/MGM
workwear: 'Damages' TV Series, Season 2 - 2009
The Flawless award: Glenn Close as Patty Hewes. Close's character in Damages has 'modern polish' down to a fine art – she's practically an ambassador for fancy-textured skirt suits. Shop the look at Jaeger and finish with circular sunglasses – ideal for moments when you're plotting to have someone murdered Photograph: Rex Features
Look the Business: Look the Business - Icons of Workwear
The Less-is-more award: Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation. Her wardrobe is the epitome of modern pared-back which almost, but not quite, veers toward grunge. Example look: black duffle, white shirt under a grey striped jumper with a shortish flared black skirt and undone hair. Get the look at Gap and Uniqlo
Photograph: Allstar/Focus Features/Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar
Look the Business: Look the Business - Icons of Workwear
League of their own prize: Tippi Hedren. Alexander McQueen was inspired by the matchy-matchy look she famously nailed in The Birds (pictured), with a boxy jacket and 60s slim-fit pencil skirt. Plaudits also go to trouser icon Katharine Hepburn and Jennifer Aniston for her dedication to the white shirt
Photograph: Allstar/Cinetext/Universal
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