Style, class and wit: Joan Bennett

I’ve recently come across this photograph of Joan Bennett from 1938 and I was struck by its timelessness. I’ve seen many of Joan’s films and I loved her in all of them, her roles ranging from blonde ingenue in silent movies, to Fritz Lang’s favourite noir heroine and to warm-hearted wife/mother figure. She had style, class, grace and wit. I would like to read her book, especially after I’ve read her introduction:

“I do not believe that physical beauty is the end and all of being. But I do believe that a woman who has about her an aura of having made the most of her looks and of consistently maintaining her attractiveness—as much for her own self-respect as to win admiration from others—is a woman who is apt to tackle all the bigger problems of life with the same clear-headed thoughtfulness she has shown about herself.

Remember this: The woman who achieves day after day—whatever the other demands on her time and thought—an appearance that is pleasing to the eye need apologize to no one. Having learned how to make the most of herself in the realm of personal appearance, she will have learned the elements of bringing order and beauty into her entire life, and into the lives she touches.”

photo: source unknown, 1938

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7 Responses to Style, class and wit: Joan Bennett

LatteLisa wrote on
--> 2 October 2013 at 2:10 pm

Great style and photo.
Awful book title, haha
- classiq wrote on
  --> 2 October 2013 at 2:24 pm
  
  I know, I raised an eyebrow when I saw that title too, but after reading a few quotes from the introduction, I am willing to give it a try. I am sure there is much more to it than it seems. 🙂
Priscilla Joy wrote on
--> 2 October 2013 at 5:32 pm

Beautiful.
christine | The Plumed Nest wrote on
--> 2 October 2013 at 11:08 pm

hmm, the feminist in me is getting a little fidgety with the idea that the way you look sets the tone for your life/abilities. i think maybe the language is just “old fashioned” and not exactly how we’d say it now. but i think i know the sentiment underneath that which i do agree with: to care for others you must care for yourself and also have confidence. gorgeous image! those pants <3
Justine wrote on
--> 3 October 2013 at 4:23 am

What a great quotation, and such a positive outlook on life! I really do think personal style is actually more about dressing for yourself than for others. It’s a method for discovering yourself, and respecting yourself.

Also I love this look – the round glasses, the pearls, the belted trousers with a tucked in t-shirt! Timeless, yes – and also so comfortable.
-Justine
Mary Jo wrote on
--> 3 October 2013 at 7:26 am

Those pants are just stunning. I spent quite a few seconds taking them all in. And the quotes are good too 🙂 Hope your week is a good one Ada!

xo Mary Jo
Caterina - Not Just A Pretty Dress wrote on
--> 7 October 2013 at 10:38 pm

Her outfit is pure perfection and she was indeed an interesting character!