Horror Wardrobes: The Fall/Winter Edition
Hello all. Mark here.
I recently watched Deliver Us from Evil and was perplexed by the barrage of form-fitting leather jackets and slim fitting shirts. The film went out of its way to make everyone look slick and it was distracting.
I’ve already written about Tank Top Horror films (The summer edition) and was inspired to do something new. The trendy outfits of Deliver got me thinking about better usages of wardrobe in horror. Since fall is upon us and winter is coming (Sorry Ned) I put together a list of costumes that could get you by in the colder months. Some of these costumes weren’t meant for cold weather (Freddy chills in a boiler room whilst wearing a sweater) but depending on your geographical location they will be needed. If anything this is a list of costumes that further the story and build characters instead of showing off their muscles. Thought was put into the outfits and more often than not they’ve become characters all their own. For instance, Three Amigos isn’t a horror films but everybody remembers El Guapo’s sweater.
This list may be odd but it was fun to write.
The Shining Jackets and Sweaters
All sweaters and no coat make Jack a dull dressed boy. Shelly Duvall and Jack Nicholson rock some iconic gear in The Shining. The cold weather and drafty house made it necessary to bundle up . I wonder how many iterations of costumes Kubrick ran through before he decided on these get ups.
Drag Me to Hell Coat
Woman buys beautiful coat. Woman gets dragged to hell. A great-coat is wasted.
The Wolfman During a Full Moon
Full moon + Furry coat = A whole lot of warmth. Thanks for the idea @aaronsagers.
Rosemary’s Quilt Chic
Are you pregnant with something evil? Is it kinda cold outside? Is the house drafty? No worries. This night quilt will solve all your problems!
Patrick Wilson/Ethan Hawke Rocking the Cardigans in Insidious 2 and Sinister
These cardigans say “we’re literate but still laid back.” These costumes brought in a new era of good actors elevating low-budget horror material.
Freddy’s Sweater in The Nightmare on Elm Street Series.
This sweater is so synonymous with Freddy it has made it impossible for people to wear it without drawing comparisons. Wes Craven chose the colors because red/green are the two most clashing colors to the human retina.
Sam’s One Piece Fleece/Burlap Sack Thing in Trick ‘r Treat
Comfortable, relaxed and warm enough to get you through October-November. Also, he might be trying to start a ski cap that covers the whole head craze.
Tippi Hedren Looking Great While Being Attacked By The Birds
You gotta look good when getting attacked by birds. Hitchcock chose the green suit because he felt it had a cool quality that set Melanie apart from the residents of Bodega Bay.
Norman Bates and the Nerdy Chic
Warm yet relaxed. The outfits scream “mamas boy” and we all know how that goes.
Kurt Russell’s Hat and Jacket in The Thing
I wish I could consider the beard an article of clothing. The hat really ties the outfit together and Carpenter had the hat ready and waiting for Russell’s arrival.
Candyman’s Massive Coat.
You gotta look fabulous when patrolling the netherworld. Imagine the surprise of unwitting victims when that jacket comes through the mirror.
Kathy Bates and the Flannel/Sweatshirt Combo of Misery
Just because she looks like a run of the mill country woman doesn’t mean she won’t smoosh your legs with a sledgehammer.
Jack’s Jacket in An American Werewolf in London.
The coat compliments the beautiful makeup work. There are rumors that Griffin Dunne wore the jacket long after filming wrapped.
Nosferatu and His Warm Looking Hybrid Jacket of Doom.
Probably the greatest horror jacket ever. I read through some comment boards and the debate is still looming over what exactly to call the jacket. The mystery of the jacket continues.
Near Dark and fancy leather jackets
I would hate to be a bouncer at this bar. The leather jacket screams late October motorcycle ride and perfectly fits the hillbilly vampire.
Blair Witch and the tuque
There has never been a more iconic ski cap.
They Live Flannel and sweatshirt
If your movie is gonna feature the greatest fight you need the greatest/toughest flannel and sweatshirt. Mission accomplished.
There you have it! Did I miss any sweet fall/winter horror gear? Let me know!
Kurt Russell’s beard? LMAO.
And I love the fun fact about the reason behind Freddy’s red and green striped sweater.
Ahh. Tippi Hedren. Best dressed victim award.