Oscar Worthy
Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep has a relaxed approach when it comes to fashion. A Bohemian at heart, this wife and mother avoids trends and wears what feels good. Sometimes her disregard lands her on worst-dressed lists, but such things are of little importance to the 64-year-old acting powerhouse, who has no trouble staying true to herself.
An Appetite for Metallics and Draping
Streep possesses a goddess-like essence. This makes sense, especially in Hollywood, where a lot of actors and actresses hold her in the highest regard. Perhaps this is one of the reasons she prefers draped dresses in metallic fabrics—they match her station in life. "Many of Meryl's gowns are draped to show off her shoulders, neck and décolletage," says Meagan Mitchell, a hairstylist and salon owner based in Ferndale, Mich. "The trains on most of her gowns also elongate her torso and create more waist definition."
The Woman in White
A playful approach to fashion also makes Streep sartorially fearless. She proved that in a stunning white Chris March gown at the 2010 Academy Awards. March, a former Project Runway contestant, still was a relatively unknown costume designer at the time, but Streep gambled on him, and the risk paid off. "That's one of her best Oscar dresses," Mitchell says, "if not her best."
Fun Purses and Accessories
The New Jersey native skillfully completes her ensembles with smart clutches, earrings and even eyewear. And many of the pieces are age-appropriate and flattering. "Motherhood gives women authenticated lives," says Mitchell, who has been in the beauty business for more than two decades. "This gives them the freedom and wisdom to dress and accessorize appropriately."
The Layered Effect
Layering is another one of Streep's fashion signatures. This includes coats, jackets and scarves. Sometimes the end result is succinct and sometimes not so much. But Streep always appears in her element. "She's the epitome of comfort," Mitchell says. "Sometimes when Meryl is too layered up she has a tendency to look older. But for the most part it works."
The Best Color Choices
Most colors look good on Streep, a woman famous for her blond mane, fair skin and dewy complexion. One of her best color choices was the bronzy-caramel colored wrap dress she chose for the Fantastic Mr. Fox premiere in 2009. "The colors of the dress really complemented her skin," Mitchell says. "Her hair and make-up were also on point."
A Splash of Red
Fiery reds also flatter Streep. A great example is the vibrant, tomato-hued number she wore at the Hope Springs premiere in 2012. Streep completed the 1950s-friendly dress with a funky pair of secretary glasses, a big black belt, peep-toe Christian Loboutins and a simple oval clutch. The look earned Streep a number of compliments from fashion mavens on the Web, many of whom applauded the actress for her age-shedding ensemble.
Embracing Womanly Curves and Age
Streep has a real woman's face and body and fans love it. She has the hips and beautiful, sturdy legs of a mother and the smile lines of a woman who has lived a good life. "Meryl embraces who she is and it's lovely," Mitchell says.
Get the Look
Unlike a lot of other actresses who are spokespeople for fashion houses or design their own lines, Streep is about acting and family. She's been married to Don Gummer for 35 years, and they have four children. So fashion is understandably secondary. But there is one thing every woman can glean from Streep—confidence. "When wearing confidence it doesn't matter what's on your back, you're always in style," Mitchell says.
