Get Gwyneth Paltrow's smart office look from Iron Man

From secretary to siren with the help of one dress.

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 ditched her corsets, clipped English accent and serious image to star as Virginia “Pepper” Potts in Iron Man back in 2008 and this year she returns for the second instalment. Iron Man 2 sees the return of wealthy industrialist Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) as titular crime-fighter courtesy of a power suit. And while these armoured suits are impressive (equipped with repulsor rays, anti-tank missiles and flare launchers) it’s Pepper’s suits 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 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.

Pepper’s accessories reflect the high fashion, trend-setting status of Paltrow with both her shoulder bag 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.

We’ve put together a simple but chic Pepper inspired outfit, now you’ve just got to find yourself a Tony Stark.