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The Imitation Game may not have won Best Picture at the Oscars, but it was still one of my favorite movies of the year. Moving, smart, with a flawless performance by Benedict Cumberbatch—what’s not to like? Plus, there’s just something so wonderful about 1940s fashion. From fitted sweaters to smart suits, the clothes in this movie are almost as good as all the code-breaking.

Speaking of code breaking, there has been a definite Bletchley Park trend in TV and movies lately. The Imitation Game is mostly set at the iconic British WWII code-breaking headquarters, giving us an inside look at how the secret facility actually ran. But they’re not the only ones—last month I binge watched Bletchley Circle, a British show about four former code breakers who reunite after the war to solve crimes. And on a recent episode of the criminally underrated Agent Carter, we learn that Peggy once worked at Bletchley as a code breaker during the war.

 

With all these code breakers blowing up pop culture, it’s no wonder I have pencil skirts and jaunty hats on the brain. For a little more inspiration, here are four modern looks to capture the inner 1940s code-breaker inside us all:

For those Long Days at the Office:

Bletchley Park 3

 

Just because you’re busy winning a war doesn’t mean you can’t look cute. This embroidered pencil skirt screams sexy-smart, while the short-sleeved sweater is a sweetly demure touch. The bright green shoes pop in the best of ways—as will your bright red lipstick.

For a Company Picnic:

Bletchley Park 1

Ok, fine—I highly doubt Bletchley had company picnics. But if they did, a red blouse and polka-dot shorts would be the perfect look. A boldly patterned scarf keeps the sun out of your face, while liquid liner makes the perfect cat-eye. And sure, the shoes might be a little impractical, but they’re too cute not to flaunt in front of your fellow code breakers.

For Heading into the Field:

Bletchley Park 2

 

Code breakers rarely left Bletchley, but no one could forget there was a war going on right outside their doors. This military look pairs 1940’s elements (those high-waisted jeans!) with modern touches, like a loose olive top and a cross-body bag. The colors might be subdued, but the bright gold jewelry keeps this look fun while still being functional.

 

For that Big Night Out:

Bletchley Park 4

 

As we learned in Imitation Game, code breakers still get to go to the pub every once in a while. For those rare nights out, a bright yellow dress with a sweetheart neckline is just the thing. White gloves and a faux fur stole add a special touch of class.

 

Genre: Potpourri
Rachel Carter

Rachel Carter grew up surrounded by trees and snow and mountains. She graduated from the University of Vermont and Columbia University, where she received her MFA in nonfiction writing. She is the author of the So Close to You series with Harperteen. These days you can find her working on her next novel in the woods of Vermont.

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