24 Shopping Picks Inspired By FX’s Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans
The second season of FX’s hit series Feud unveils the lives of Manhattan’s elites the late 1950s and ‘60s. It’s the world of black-tie galas, gossipy lunches, and old-school glamour that Truman Capote wrote about in his novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue. As in the book, the series follows so-called swans Babe Paley, C.Z. Guest, Lee Radziwill, and Slim Keith who were not only wealthy and powerful, but notoriously well-dressed. The women represented the pinnacle of New York’s elite in that era—as did their style.
Throughout the eight-episode series, the swans, played by an all-star cast including Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevingy, and Demi Moore, are dressed to the nines in a style I can only describe as ultra-refined and elegant. Each scene is a feast of for the eyes with styling elements that include impeccably tailored skirt suits, polished lady bags, large costume jewelry, prim pillbox hats, and more. The swans’ wardrobes may be circa the 1960s, but their style has never been more relevant than it is now, with the resurgence of elegant dressing that we’re seeing on the runways of Brandon Maxwell, Altuzarra, and more modern designers in 2024.
If you’ve also been swooning over the opulent style in the series, then continue on to shop a number of pieces that are directly influenced by the costume design in Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans. And if you have yet to tune into the show, consider this your official cue to do so.
ME+EM
Cotton Textured Sculptural Sleeve Swing Coat
Evening coats were a core pillar of swan fashion and they were usually styled with kitten heels and a polished frame bag.
It wasn’t a full look without a personality piece—and in this case, a structured pillbox hat was the finishing touch.
The Row
Claudette Pointed Toe Ballet Flat
Ballet flats were in then, just as they are now.
Helsa
Recycled Twill S Curve Jacket
Suiting was always fitted and waistline-defining.
Brinker & Eliza
Style Necklace
For Chloë Sevingy’s portrayal of C.Z. Guest, it was all about a string of classic pearls.
Alaïa
Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag
The Alaïa bag everyone wants in 2024 looks like it would have been very at home in 1964 too.
ME+EM
Heavy Cotton Sateen Maxi Skirt
A-line silhouettes are key.
Anine Bing
Ianna High-Neck Blouse
This neckline can do no wrong.
Veronica Beard
Ravena Dress
’60s shift dresses have been popping up on the runways in recent seasons.
Prada
Modellerie Satin Mule
Coated in a lustrous satin finish, these are the epitome of polished and opulent.
Zara
Minimalist Fitted Blazer
Blazers were almost always fitted.
Lafayette 148 New York
Acclaimed Stretch Gramercy Pant
Many looks hinged around skirts and dresses, but if pants were involved they most likely looked slim and cropped like this.
Zara’s latest collection is a modern-day swan’s dream.
Agnelle
Stretch-Jersey Gloves
It was most definitely the era of the opera glove.
H&M
Satin Skirt With Eyelet Embroidery
If the swans embraced “naked” dressing, they’d do it like this.
Solace London
Sadie Cape-Effect Crepe Gown
There’s just something about a cape silhouette that feels ultra-refined.
Dolce & Gabbana
Oversized Leopard-Print Faux Fur Coat
I’ve been on the hunt for a leopard print coat ever since I saw the above scene featuring Lee Radziwill wearing one.
Christina Caruso
Tassel Necklace
When it comes to jewelry, the more of it, the better.
Thick bangles are a must.
Mango
Leather Clutch Bag With Metal Chain
Handbags were always structured.
Roger Vivier
Belle Vivier Buckled Pumps
The costume designers for the series put many of the swans in Roger Vivier’s classic pumps.
Sophie Rue
Eloise Tweed Jacket
Do I even need an explanation?
Heaven Mayhem
Mini Knot Earring