Let The Sound of Music (1965) Be Your Style Guide
When you get dressed you begin with...
I’m a Sound of Music superfan. Do we have a name? The Marias? Label aside, I’m one of the millions of people on this planet who find the film to be a comforting salve, a perfect picture, and recently—a style inspiration?!
It could be the psychosis of playing the soundtrack on repeat for my daughter, but recently, I’m quite taken by the costuming in the film. If you’re looking for something extremely practical, this might be for you. If you’re hoping to luxuriate in the harmonies of Julie Andrews sartorially, then settle in.
Bonus: I ADORED this deep dive from JoAnn if you’re also a costuming head.
Try a Sailor-ish Dress
One of my favorite search terms on eBay over the years has been “sailor top.” If I was getting married, nothing would delight me more than dressing Beatrice in a version of the outfit below in white satin.
Lots of designers have put their stamp on the sailor style, but there are also loads of it secondhand from the 80s. Tall socks aren’t pictured, but highly encouraged.
This $36 blouse is giving modern sailor vibes and ideal with jeans.
A streamlined linen option I’d throw in any suitcase I was packing.
Here’s a preloved Jason Wu option in a similar navy/piping style.
If you love Doen, make sure to browse Lisa Says Gah, too! This dress is $148.
Channel The Baroness
It’s hard to think of a (bear with me despite its popularity) chicer woman in cinema than THE Baroness. I aspired to her even more than Maria. Cool, untouchable, and perfectly dressed.
Now the hair I can’t speak on, but I can extol the power of a tailored outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks.
It is WILD what $400 can get you in vintage gown versus new…
Or even $130!!!
We’ll talk more about this color later, but I love it in a gown context.
This skirt look partially inspired my rehearsal dinner look! Tiny jackets and skirts will always be a match made in Heaven.
This iconic Bernadette skirt is available secondhand on TRR for $126! And in green for $157. Here’s a shiny pair of shorts if that’s more your speed.
Adore this RIXO bolero jacket. Here’s a secondhand option!
Trying to pull off this hat without being Eleanor Parker…ya I can’t recommend it. But that pop of pale blue is just divine.
Let Your Liesl Freak Flag Fly!
Did you know that Charmian Carr (the actress who plays Liesl) was only 7 years younger than Julie Andrews at the time of filming?
She’s petulant. Prone to a pinecone prank! And in love with THE wrong guy. But she certainly knows how to showcase her tiny waist.
This dress (So Long, Farewell scene) has long been a favorite. A yellow sash! With a flower! It really makes me want to spend three hours on eBay finding something similar for you all…
A stunning vintage number for under $200!
Romance in spades with this POSSE dress. I’d wear with these!
Vintage wedding dress under $250!
Curtain Dressing
Sure, you could outsource your curtain dressing to a seller on Etsy. Or maybe it’s your call to arms to break out the old sewing machine.
Kids in matching outfits—what’s cuter? And I love the idea of picking up a huge amount of vintage fabric and working with a local tailor to create something custom.
If you’re a mom like me who’s like “Custom? She’s growing like a weed!” here are some other options.
I get the sense Nell Diamond might be a Sound of Music fan too. This girls’ dress is so damn cute.
What a cutie vintage Brooks Brothers dress for $45!
A $15 Old Navy dress for your consideration.
“Something Good” Sleeves
One of the best scenes in the movie, by far, in my opinion, is when “Something Good” is sung. I used to skip it as a kid: BORING! But as someone who loves love stories, I get it now.
Julie Andrews is in flutter sleeves for this formal occasion. And I’m inspired! If you’re a bit insecure about your arms, this is a great way to keep things light without opting for a cap sleeve in the summer.
I also think teal/turquoise is one of the more universally flattering colors for formal wear. Do with that what you will!
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Channel just a touch with these layered flutter sleeves. Or a puffy mini dress version for $60!
Also love this Doen on eBay option!
This Victoria Beckham gown is more of a mood board item for me (over $1k) but the color is spot on. I’d wear with this vintage clutch.
Honorable Mentions
Just read Famous Men and it was incredible.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can order my romance novel, Exit Lane, on Amazon and Bookshop. Follow along on Instagram + Tiktok. Shop all my favs here. Get matched at EV Salon. If you’re interested in partnering, email evan@erikaveurink.com x
love!!!!! but i have to say this is ‘i have confidence’ “ugly” grey dress erasure
I played "Maria" in my high school production so I spent most of my senior year looking up outfits for the entire cast. I'm still looking for that gazebo dress that Liesl wears which somehow does not get see-thru despite being drenched. Also, the extra thick comforter in Maria's room when she peels it back to look for snakes.