So much depends on context. Karen Black and Jack Nicholson look brilliant in 1970's Five Easy Pieces, and it has a lot to do with timing, having been released at the crux of transitional era. There were still some formalistic holdovers from the 1960s that hadn't yet been leisure-suited out of existence by the 1970s, so the movie is a mix of mid-century looks with the post-Hippie vibe. Black looks like a country bumpkin Ronnie Spector, a late-to-the-game take on the girl group coquette. She prances around the house singing along in her Southern accent to achy breaky Tammy Wynette records with teased hair, kohl-black eyeliner, and fake leopard furs. On the guy side, Jack Nicholson is an emblem of the buttoned up but rugged style that's all over menswear these days—he sports work shirts, denim jackets, and fur-collared bombers. Nicholson works on an oil rig in the movie, so his toughness is inherent. If you don't, that doesn't mean you can't give the look a shot, but don't go overboard or you'll look like a member of the Village People. Also, all the looks in the movie you'll find at the cheapest thrift store in your hood. More images after the jump.
