Get Pepper Potts's look from Iron Man

Her Hollywood CV is packed full of historical dramas, literary classics and the odd comedy making Gwyneth Paltrow the last actress you would expect to star in a superhero adventure. Think again. The Oscar-winner ditches her corsets, clipped English accent and serious image to star as Virginia “Pepper” Potts in Iron Man, an action-packed blockbuster centring on the transformation of wealthy industrialist Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) into titular crime-fighter Iron Man courtesy of a power suit. And while these armoured suits (Stark works through three) are impressive, equipped with repulsor rays, anti-tank missiles and flare launchers, its Pepper’s suits (not to mention dress, shoes and handbag) that are creating a stir in fashion circles.

Potts works as an executive assistant to Stark, always on hand to help tidy up after him whether that means organising his schedule or showing the door to his one-night stands. She is an indispensable aid, one that in the world of the Marvel Iron Man comics is infatuated with Stark and so meekly does as she’s told. Not so in the film, where director Jon Favreau (who also appears briefly onscreen as Happy Hogan) wanted a feistier female – enter Gwyneth. “In the comic, Pepper Potts is Tony’s secretary who fawns over him a bit,” says Favreau. “We wanted to update the role based on Gwyneth, who is sharp, poised and classy.”

This more modern spin on the character sees Gwyneth’s Pepper depart from her 2D roots. Gone is the bright red hair of the comics in preference for a more subtle strawberry blonde shade kept smart in a bun or elegantly casual in loose waves. Unlike other females to cross from page to screen, her make-up is minimal and natural, showing freckled cheeks and her clothes are practical, subtle and believable.

As a focussed career woman constantly juggling unpredictable and inane tasks, she dresses in a polished professional style that oozes elegant chic without flashing too much flesh. There’s no need for a bouncing cleavage or exposed midriff with Paltrow, as Pepper’s sparky sex appeal comes from a clever blend of fresh-faced femininity and smart sophistication.

She favours well tailored, fitted items, such as both skirt and trouser suits in formal, muted colours like grey, black and chocolate brown. At more relaxed moments, we witness Pepper add a dash of flair with capped sleeves or scooped necks that elevate a everyday item into something a little more unusual. Complementing Paltrow’s willowy stature are Pepper’s on-trend pencil skirts, with discreet jewellery, such as her thin gold chain, gold ring, stud earrings and silver wristwatch also added into the mix.

Pepper’s accessories reflect the high fashion, trend-setting status of Paltrow with both her shoulderbag and shoes lusted after by eager style mavens. The bag, most memorably seen as Pepper attempts to extract information from the computer of Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), is a Marc Jacobs design, part of his spring 2007 collection and her shoes, both the strappy black wedges and rounded-toe stilettos are by acclaimed French shoe designer Christian Louboutin. Paltrow has recently become celebrated in style circles for her personal shoe selection, dazzling in super-high heels as she walked the red carpet on Iron Man promotional work and this symmetry between her fabulous footwear both off and onscreen is a fashion coup for the film.

But however gorgeous the shoes, shoulderbag or suits the real winner in Iron Man’s style stakes is the satin dress Pepper wears to a plush function at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Knowing that Stark would forget to buy her a birthday present, she splashes out on the gown on his behalf assuring him that his ‘choice’ is “very nice, very tasteful,” but we think it’s so much more than that. Until this glitzy moment, Pepper has been very restrained and conservative in her wardrobe, but in this backless, midnight blue Pucci creation she transforms into a glamorous goddess. Described by some online fans as having the “wow factor”, the dress opens Stark’s eyes to Pepper’s beauty and soon the sexual chemistry between the pair is electric.

From secretary to siren with the help of one dress.