Drop Dead Gorgeous: Fashion in Horror Movies

Halloween is creeping around the corner, and watching horror movies with your friends or family on this spine-chilling holiday is a must-do. Along with the classic elements of jumpscares and gore, fashion is also a surprisingly important part of horror movies. It not only shapes the visuals and atmosphere of the movie, but also enhances the storytelling as well. From Jennifer’s Body to Black Swan to Midsommar (spoilers of these movies ahead), many aspects of fashion can be found in almost every horror movie, allowing the worlds of horror and fashion to blend together.

Jennifer’s Body, a movie about teenhood, friendship, and sexuality, includes colorful and feminine outfits despite its cruel context. The story presents Jennifer, the high-school beauty possessed by a demon, and her appetite for teenage boys while her introverted friend, Needy, vows to stop her massacre. Jennifer can always be seen wearing outfits with pops of color, contrasting her murderous nature with her teenage innocence. For example, a bright yellow crop top and her iconic pink, heart-printed hoodie. Additionally, her outfits are typically tight and low-cut, such as fitted tanks and low-rise jeans – notable aspects of 2000’s fashion. She wears these pieces in order to easily lure in her male victims, highlighting the hypersexualization and objectification of women.

In Black Swan, the color palette of the characters’ clothes reflect their personalities and mental states throughout the movie. Nina, a passionate ballerina, must compete with a newcomer, Lily, for the role of the White and Black Swan. At the beginning of the movie, Nina wears light colors such as pink tights and a white tank top, reflecting her innocence and “white swan” personality. As her rivalry with Lily intensifies, Nina begins to become disordered and paranoid, incorporating darker colors into her wardrobe. In one scene, she wears black boots and gray long-sleeves with her usual pink sweatpants and scarf. At the end of the movie, Nina experiences violent hallucinations, now wearing all black as she descends into the dark side of a “black swan.” She eventually gets the lead role and performs in the movie’s signature black swan costume, which includes a black tutu and rhinestone crown.

Midsommar uses specific fabrics and textures to heighten the plot’s unsettling twist. This movie tells the story of a couple who travels to Sweden for a midsummer festival, only to be swept into a pagan cult who participate in sinister and violent rituals. All of the cult members wear Swedish folk dresses made of white linen as their daily attire. Floral elements are frequently displayed as well through the floral embroideries on their dresses and headpieces. The pure, simple white of the linen and the vibrant texture of the flowers stitched onto it contrast the cult’s unexpected barbaric traditions, creating an eerie feel and look.

These three horror movies all have disturbing plots, yet never fail to incorporate elements of fashion. The types, colors, and textures of clothing pieces help bring attention to the various themes, characters, and moods within each film. So, if you plan on watching a horror movie on Halloween night, make sure to keep an eye out for any noteworthy fashion choices!