Working in wardrobe is a dream come true. Every fashion enthusiast imagines being behind the scenes during filmmaking and helping scripts come to life through design.
Newbies to the art should know some things about working wardrobe before they venture into their first role in the business. Here are some tips for picking the right outfit.
1. Research All Elements
It’s vital to study every detail of the script. Research the period it’s set in, the character interactions and development, and the film’s theme. What unique pieces can you incorporate into the costumes to make them relevant yet exude the character’s personality? Details are everything in film design, from clothing to accessories. Elaborate costumes are fun and exciting, but everyday accessories are just as vital to dressing a character.
Wardrobe staff works under costume designers or the head of wardrobe to fit costumes onto the cast, clean and iron the clothes, store them, and sometimes help performers change between sets or scenes. Roles are competitive, so networking and training are a plus. Make as many connections as possible to start your career in the fashion industry and then work your way up the ladder.
2. Cater to Body Type
You’ll want to know who you’re dressing to choose the right outfit. Research ways to flatter the body types of the cast and crew you’re choosing costumes and outfits for. Actors and actresses should feel confident and comfortable in their clothing — and that’s part of your role on the wardrobe staff.
For example, there are five different body types for men. Knowing how to dress the cast according to their physique can make or break the chosen outfit. An oval-shaped man should be dressed in vertical stripes, monochromatic colors, ties or suspenders, or a single-breasted jacket. A man with a triangle shape will look better in bright colors, patterns and slim belts. Choose what will flatter their body type and make them look and feel the part they’re playing.
3. Lean Into Character Development
Characters’ vibes will likely change as they develop throughout a script, which means their outfits will, too. Costume designers or stylists in films tell a story through clothing. Some directors might have specific details or descriptions of what they want certain characters to wear.
It can be challenging to master matching the vision or concept filmmakers see when writing a character. Imagine if “Euphoria” characters Rue and Kat switched wardrobes. They wouldn’t have the same impact, would they? The right outfit is crucial to a character’s development.
Creating a costume from scratch that matches your creative vision for a character you read about is fun and exciting. However, many writers also have ideas about their appearance. Getting the image right can be much harder than it seems. Lean into characters as they develop throughout the story and match their outfits to their moods, journey and transformations.
4. Understand the Film’s Vision
The film’s vision has to align with the costume designer’s creative ideas for the characters. Everything has to flow cohesively to achieve continuity, from storytelling to production. Working closely with the writers will help bring everything together and give you insight into understanding the characters and what they should wear.
Finding a mentor can help you learn and grow as you create the right looks for characters. Mentors can teach you what they know about bringing inspiration and a vision to life through clothes. Working closely with someone who’s been there can give you a leg up in the industry and help you advance in your career. Since working in wardrobe is so competitive, you should take all the advice and expertise you can get.
5. Rely on Your Team
Costume and design go hand in hand, but an entire team is sometimes needed to achieve the right fit. Collaborating with other departments can bring the film’s vision to life as best as possible. Everyone working together can create unified looks across the board for the film, from directors to production designers to the hair and makeup team. Showcasing characters’ personalities stems from wardrobe, which can apply to the entire team.
The camera crew can use lighting techniques and different frames to showcase wardrobe details and accessories. Costume designers can also oversee the budget and other clothing decisions. They work long hours behind the scenes to establish the tone and style of films through outfits.
It’s a demanding job, but it’s fulfilling if you like the work. Relying on your team makes a significant difference in the film’s outcome. Everyone working together helps generate new ideas and enhance performance.
Picking the Perfect Outfit in Wardrobe
Flexing your creative muscles is an essential part of a costume designer’s career. Other jobs may have shorter days but not allow you such freedom and excitement. The perfect outfit can bring a character to life and showcase the writer and filmmaker’s vision.
Utilize these tips to find the right clothing for the actors in a play or film.
