Iconic Fall Fashion in Classic Horror Films
Here are a few of our favorite fall looks through the decades of horror history.
1950s – Plan 9 from Outer Space
Starting off the list is Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 from Outer Space.” This film is a wild abode of flying saucers, resurrected corpses, and grim couture. Richard Chaney’s costume flamboyance presents itself with the character Vampira, played by Maila Nurmi, who is seen in the film with stern arched brows, a pallid complexion, and this show-stopping deep v-neck black slit gown. Vampira’s dress molds her waist, giving her that hourglass shape that was admired in the 50s. The construction of this dress remains a secret, yet we can infer that a corselette was most likely involved in the process.
Photos: Reynolds Pictures
1960s – Rosemary’s Baby
Nothing quite captures the charm of New York like crazy stalker neighbors and devil-worshipping cults. In the beloved body horror "Rosemary’s Baby," Mia Farrow is the embodiment of 60s NYC chic. The costumes reflect her character’s sweet innocence, even throughout the course of her demon baby pregnancy – and that mania-induced pixie cut (we’ve all been there). A summer palette of pastel baby doll dresses transitions to a warmer autumn wardrobe featuring plaid skirts, cozy knit sweaters, and a timeless tan trench coat. While maybe only Mia Farrow could make bearing the spawn of satan look this good, these vintage looks are immortal.
Photos: William Castle Productions
1970s – House
Nobuhiko Obayashi’s wacky cult classic follows a group of schoolgirls as they endure a series of paranormal encounters in the countryside of Japan. With floating heads and a human-eating piano, its disturbingly unhinged plot contrasts with the characters' playful wardrobe. As a case study of eccentric 70s Japanese teen fashion, each outfit is the perfect balance between simplicity and quirky. Bold prints in pastel palettes take the form of overall dresses, flared shorts, and matching two-piece sets. Accessories elevate the looks even further, not limited to bucket hats, rainbow suspenders, colorful tube socks, and a vintage film camera around the neck.
Photos: Toho Co., Ltd
1980s – The Shining
As much as the 80s were remembered for its neon colors and ruffled gowns, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” simplifies its look. Milena Canonero understands the assignment, creating looks that are symmetrical to scenes of being chased in a maze, and charming twin girls saying murder backwards. Wendy Torrance, played by the beautiful Shelley Duvall, catches our eyes with her layers of turtlenecks and overlaying dresses or dungarees with accompanying prints like plaid and gingham.
Photos: Warner Bros. Pictures
1990s – Scream
What’s more 90s than a campy slasher with a killer taking cues from gory VHS tapes? While the iconic Ghostface mask became a modern Halloween staple, Wes Craven’s "Scream" perfectly captured the subtle style of 90s teen suburbia. The boys rock pre-Y2K baggy casual, but the girls’ outfits are where it gets real meta. From Sidney Prescott's youthful innocent style to Rose McGowan's bold mini skirts and bright colors, the wardrobe plays into the classic horror trope of ‘corruption kills’ – the loss of virginal purity equals death. And of course, who could forget that iconic opening scene starring Drew Barrymore’s blonde bob and cream sweater.
Photos: Dimension Films
2000s – Ginger Snaps
In a pre-"Twilight" world, "Ginger Snaps" was the queen of the teen werewolf scene. Centering two sisters exiled over their obsession with death, the film captures the quintessential high school outcast image of the early 2000s. Drawing heavily from the goth style rooted in all things supernatural, dark palettes and oversized layers set the angsty duo apart from their preppy peers. And obviously, the ultimate grunge look wouldn’t be complete without a bird skull necklace and grey streaks in disheveled hair.
Photos: Copperheart Entertainment
2010s – Suspiria (2018)
To close out our list, we have Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspiria” – a gut-wrenching and bone-churning film about a dance company with modern roots in witchery. The costume designer, Giulia Piersanti – known for her work on the films “Call Me By Your Name” and “We Are Who We Are” – had an exceptional idea of the fall and winter fashion in 70s Berlin. The girls are seen wearing the moody colors of burgundy, forest green, and brown to capture the subtle darkness of the dance company but the film as well.
Photos: Mythology Entertainment / Amazon Studios
