Rebecca De Mornay in the 1983 film Risky Business
A weekend viewing of Risky Business starring Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay inspired today’s post. In case you haven’t seen this 1983 film directed by Paul Brickman, it focuses on high school student Joel (Cruise), specifically his shady pursuits after his parents leave town on vacation. Trouble begins with the arrival of a prostitute named Lana, played by De Mornay. A Neon Noir gem of a film, Risky Business earned praise from critics like Roger Ebert, who compared the movie to The Graduate, calling it “one of the smartest, funniest, most perceptive satires in a long time.” We couldn’t help but be drawn to Rebecca De Mornay’s wardrobe and the hypnotic soundtrack from Tangerine Dream…
In fact, Tangerine Dream composed many an ’80s movie soundtrack. We think this is some of the German electronic group’s best work. Dark streets, city buildings, midnight trains and neon signs come alive against synth tracks that are at times frenetic and at other times strangely soothing. Not to mention, the music even makes the suburban Chicago scenes sultry. Before we move on to the film’s fashion, have a listen to this:
So what would the dangerous beauty of a Neon Noir masterpiece wear? If Rebecca De Mornay’s Lana sets the standard, the answer is form-flattering knits, over-sized sweaters and a dose of ’80s glam-wear for those special nights out. In fact, De Mornay sports the kind of wardrobe that women should’ve had in the 1980s if they’d filtered out the bulky blouses and too-tight leggings that boldly under- or over-emphasized features in less-than-flattering ways.
Take the salmon dress shown at the top of this post and the pink striped shirt below. Perfectly fitted while maintaining their comfort, these colorful pieces are timeless while being distinctly ’80s at the same time. Not to mention, suddenly thick gold chains once again seem appealing…
SoA still from Risky Business
Want to go even comfier? Try a not-too-baggy sweater paired with jeans. Bedroom eyes are optional…
Rebecca De Mornay in Risky Business
For a special meal out, Lana wears an elegant blouse. A bit Chanel and a bit Dynasty, the piece below tastefully incorporates another popular ’80s motif–the bow. Anyone else think Rebecca De Mornay’s “widow’s peak” bangs are fab?
Rebecca De Mornay as Lana in Risky Business
The fashion of Risky Business is more “girl next door” than “call girl.” Yet there’s a sexy quality in these pieces, and they remind us to be selective when shopping for vintage ’80s fashion. Have a steamy Monday…
in love c wardrobe…just saw this movie other nite and am searching for jordaches,80s bodysuits and anything else she wore seducing joel
Was that brand of jeans she wore?