all i know about fashion started with sue charlton in crocodile dundee

I mean, look at the woman. She's gorgeous, classy, talented, curious, smart, witty, sexy, and classic. After recently re-watching this film, I realized how much of an impact the character of Sue Charlton has had on my appreciation for, and knowledge of, fashion.  For instance...

[think about the time when she first arrives to the bush, khaki's and head scarf, red lipped and ready]

Reason #1: No Fear
...When she arrives in Walkabout and meets Wally, she's dressed for an adventure, ready for anything that might arise, and has all that she needs to break a killer news story, including her notebook, her camera, and her extreme curiosity. Sue exhibits no hint of fear at spending a few days in the bush with a strange man. Also note the incredible head scarf, and the loose, breathable, and yet stylish, clothing. She doesn't show up in a t-shirt and jean shorts.

Reason #2: Head Wear
Yes, being in the elements requires protection, from sun, from wind, and from the possibility of snakes dropping on your head at any moment.  Sue is prepared with this lovely hat that frames her face and adds to her mystique. Traveling is no excuse for sloppy head accessories. How can you not fall in love with this woman?

Reason #3: Showing the Right Amount of Skin
Now, I know what you're thinking. What about that bathing suit?  You know, the bathing suit that was my first exposure to women utilizing every asset (ahem) to their advantage when trying to seduce a man in nature. This is not a cry for attention, since she covers the suit for most of the day with a beautiful blue long wrap skirt.

It is only in the moment when she (thinks she) is alone, and resting from the long day's walk, that the skirt comes off and hello hot mama comes out; recall the black, sexy high rise, one piece thong bathing suit that had Dundee smacking his head on the tree.

The crocodile that tries to eat her and her canteen is a little side note. The wooing in this moment, however, spot on. If the film had been rated slightly more naughty than PG-13, I think there might have been a hot in-the-wild sex scene right after the croc lost the fight and Crocodile Mick stepped in with his knife to save her.  This bathing suit is a perfect example of the power of suggestion.

Reason #4: Lipstick
She's smart and sassy, she won't let a man tell her that she's just a "Sheila," she's brave and takes off into the bush by herself (while carrying a gun that she knows how to use), and still, she wears lipstick.  Not a little nude, not a clear gloss, but RED lipstick. She's powerful, womanly, sexy, and she's not to be trifled with. You know what you're getting into when you see this woman; she's so much more than the girl next door. Behold, the power of red lipstick.

Reason #5: Choose "Wow" Pieces that Highlight Your Body & Make you 

Feel and Look Amazing

Not only does Sue accentuate her femininity with red lipstick, she's also not afraid to wear red clothing, and a lot of it. The red dress that seals the deal at the posh New York party, when she's showing Crocodile Mick around town;

[Recall the curvy red dress that had convenient cutouts all down the right side, and I mean ALL the way down.]

Perfect for the time, perfect for her body, and perfect for the City.  This dress is the epitome of beauty, the perfect expression of Sue's exquisite personality and figure. Not just anyone can wear this dress, in fact, I assume it would look horrible on most people. But this is Sue's moment, her classic color, her defining statement. In her mind, I imagine this dialog:  "This is also who I am, in my town, at the height of my beauty." Of course, she is still a great beauty, 20-odd years down the road... 

Reason #6: Wear Color/Have a Signature Color

Sue wears a lot of red  (as well as white, khaki, blue, tan, and black, all classics) and knows that eyes will gravitate toward her when she's in it. Red is extremely bold, fiery and loud, and when used correctly, creates an unforgettable fashion moment.

The ending scene where she learns that Mick has checked out of the hotel and is headed on walkabout... if she doesn't want to lose him forever, she has to ditch her shoes and make a serious run for the subway.  Which she does, without question. Of course, in this climax moment, Sue has to be recognizable through a suffocating, pulsating subway crowd... in yet another gorgeous, unforgettable dress and head scarf.

For all of these reasons, and I'm sure for a few others that I've forgotten, I am forever grateful to Sue Charlton's courage and tenacity, both in the wild, and in fashion. That Crocodile Mick sure got lucky!