Look the business: Icons of workwear

Which stars of the silver screen should we go to for professional sartorial inspiration? Simon Chilvers hands out the gongs ...


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  • 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 pendantPhotograph: Allstar/BBC/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar
    Look the Business: 2007, MAD MEN

  • 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
    Look the Business: Look the Business - Icons of Workwear

  • 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
    workwear: I Am Love, (Aka Io Sono 'Amore) - 2009

  • Lifetime achievement in menswear: Cary Grant.

    Or rather his classic grey suit in North by Northwest. Curveball suit pick: Let's Dance-era David BowiePhotograph: Allstar/Cinetext/MGM/Allstar/Cinetext/MGM
    Look the Business: Look the Business - Icons of Workwear

  • 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
    workwear: 'Damages' TV Series, Season 2 - 2009

  • 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 UniqloPhotograph: 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 shirtPhotograph: Allstar/Cinetext/Universal
    Look the Business: Look the Business - Icons of Workwear
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