Lydia Tár May Be Controversial, But She’s Still My Travel Style Muse

Recently, my travel habits have shifted—not just in pace (now slower and more purposeful) but also in how I pack. I’ve moved away from obsessively checking the weather for my destination and trying to prepare for every possible weather scenario. Over time, I’ve learned the beauty of layering and the versatility of neutral tones. It's no surprise that the Oscar-nominated film Tár captured my attention once I glimpsed the trailer, thanks to Cate Blanchett's fashion choices.

After watching the film, I was not let down by Blanchett’s portrayal of Lydia Tár in terms of style (her other shortcomings are widely acknowledged). Her wardrobe may not be ostentatious, but costume designer Bina Daigeler has outfitted her in luxurious materials like wool, silk, tweed, and cashmere. While I wouldn't splurge $3,450 on the coat from the Row that Blanchett wears—even if it weren’t almost sold out—the film reminded me that sustainable fashion is just as vital as sustainable travel. Considering that petroleum-based plastics can take over a century to break down, and producing one cotton T-shirt requires over 650 gallons of water, investing in quality essentials seems quite reasonable.

In addition to the virgin wool and cashmere coat, the movie features many quality pieces from brands like Lemaire and Dries Van Noten that inspire us to think stylishly yet practically. These garments, which transition seamlessly from airplane to meetings to evening events, include high-waisted, wide-leg trousers; a soft, fitted black turtleneck paired with an oversized blazer; and a herringbone coat (yes, another coat!) that effortlessly elevates a casual look to something more sophisticated.

Although I admire nearly every outfit Blanchett dons in the film, my personal favorite has to be her airplane attire: a stunning blend of high and low fashion (think: gorgeous coat teamed with sneakers and a baseball cap) that’s both chic and comfy. Even if you’re not jetting off on a private plane, you can still recreate Tár’s travel ensemble with quality pieces that won’t break the bank. Here are some tips:

Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat

Despite its eye-watering price, Blanchett’s black overcoat from The Row is currently only available in XS. In contrast, the Leighton Coat from Reformation is approximately $3,000 cheaper and crafted from quality materials, including recycled wool from the Italian mill Manteco. These coats are not only incredibly stylish, but their streamlined design allows you to comfortably wear one without taking up too much space, making them suitable for economy airplane seats.

Surprisingly Casual Baseball Cap

The New York Rangers cap that Blanchett wears while traveling incognito as Tár is likely the only item in the film priced under $50. Although it doesn’t quite fit with her otherwise luxurious wardrobe, it certainly exudes the vibe of a celebrity trying to blend in from Staten Island. It pairs perfectly with oversized round black sunglasses.

Cashmere Turtleneck in Gray

Daigeler shared with the Guardian that many of Tár’s sweaters featured in the film are designed by British designer Margaret Howell. While the specific gray turtleneck Tár wears during several travel scenes is currently out of stock, Gobi offers a similar lightweight gray version that boasts a relaxed fit and layers beautifully—perfect for air travel. The brand ethically sources and produces its 100 percent cashmere in Mongolia.

Hand-Knitted Wool Cardigan

Eliza Brooke from harpersbazaar.com noted that one of the cardigans Tár wears while working alone in her second apartment is a hand-knit piece from the German brand Wolfen. While the exact color isn’t available online, a similar lambswool version in a marled blue/brown blend can be found, which would layer beautifully over the gray turtleneck for added warmth.

All-Black Sneakers

At her workplace, Tár is often spotted in black suede oxfords with lug soles and other polished yet functional footwear. However, during her first flight between New York and Berlin, she opts for a more relaxed style with all-black running shoes that still maintain a sophisticated appearance. While most of her outfits lack visible branding, it’s easy to picture Tár appreciating the Swiss design and engineering of On Running.

Additional reporting contributed by Lyndsey Matthews