In a quiet town of ghosts and the living dead in Hawkins, Indiana, each flannel, each Denim Jacket, and each vintage sneaker has a story. Beyond a trip back to the 1980s, the costume design of Stranger Things is a study in how to use fashion to bring out character, follow emotional journeys, and also very subtly move the plot along. For cosplayers, vintage fans, and anyone wishing to bring that 80s retro style to their everyday wear, this guide goes through the most iconic outerwear and costumes from the show.
The Art of 80s Authenticity: How clothing tells the story of.
In each season the costumers which included Kimberley Adams-Galligan in Season 1 and Amy Parris in Seasons 2-4 played it safe from what we think of as the 80’s over the top look. Instead they looked at what average folks in a small midwestern town like Hawkins would wear, which was a mix of late 70’s fashion with what was just beginning to pop in the mid 80’s. The result is a very grounded aesthetic which has the clothes looking worn in and which in turn reflect a character’s personality, their family’s wealth, and also their journey through the Upside Down. The jacket is the preeminent piece of outerwear in the world of Stranger Things, it almost always symbols a character’s place, their loyalty or their rebelling.
Dustin’s wardrobe is very much a reflection of his creative and positive personality. He is the king of graphic tees which include D&D, science, and also classic 80’s film characters. As for layering, he goes for the colorful zip up hoodies like the Brontosaurus which is a stand out piece and always tops it off with that mesh trucker hat of his. Also from Season 4 The Hellfire Club T shirt is a must have piece that really brought out the theme of that season. Also he is into simple denim jackets which are very much a 80’s thing and they play a great base for his bright and iconic head wear.
Character Style Guide: Jackets and Signature Attire.
A bold geometric print playsuit which is paired with a bright yellow top. This outfit is a symbol of her self discovery, independence, and love for modern colorful trends.
Jim Hopper’s style is a mix of his work wear persona and his escape artist self. He is defined by his police uniform and a rugged earth toned shearling collar Corduroy Jacket. That jacket which he pairs with a Henley or denim shirt is of no nonsense, Jaws’ Brody inspired style which is at the same time a reliable and textured work wear piece. A big change comes in the summer of 1985 with the introduction of the bright colored Hawaiian shirt. This shirt which he pairs with orange or red tones is a visual of his vacation mode and his try at a “normal” life with Joyce and Eleven which is short lived as the action pulls him back in.
Max’s style is a take on the Cali skate culture which left her for pastures new. She goes for very much a sporty and rebellious look as opposed to the more prep wear of the Hawkins girls. Max is into practical, athletic jackets and tracksuits which she often wears in bold colors like red and blue. Her choice of brands reflect the 80’s beach inspired labels like Ocean Pacific and is all out “active” and “tomboy” which in turn gives her the freedom to skate and go for a run. Also under her jackets are layered in strip tees, ringer tees and comfy high waisted jeans which fully play up her sporty casual look.
Polo shirts, Levi’s, and a clean upper middle class aesthetic. He goes for simple high quality bomber jackets or classic denim pieces as his casual wear. The Season 3 sailor uniform which he also wore as the Scoops Ahoy employee is a cosplayer’s favorite. The white and blue striped top and sailor collar play a role in the comic relief which also0.6.5.6.5.6.5.5.5.5 present his low status at the mall. By Season 4 at the video store we see a more mature look, his work vest over his everyday wear which in turn shows off his personal style often a comfy crewneck or long sleeve tee.
Building Your Own Hawkins-Inspired Wardrobe
Corduroy for jackets and pants, distressed denim, and fleece/synthetic fur collars are a must. In terms of putting together your look layer well: the rural Indiana setting which is the backdrop for most of the action in the show means layering is a priority. A button down under a graphic tee or striped polo, which is then accented with a classic corduroy or denim jacket does the trick for the core look. Also get into the main jacket types which are done very well in the show — a corduroy with a fur collar (Max/Lucas) a simple dark wash denim jacket (Nancy/Robin) or a varsity style bomber. Also into the vintage graphics which are a big thing science themed T-shirts, from retro pop culture, and even D&D are right on trend. The designers behind the show did a great job of using costuming as visual representation. By very research and selection of vintage inspired pieces they put together a style which is very of its time but also very modern and cool which in turn has secured the show’s place not only in pop culture but in modern fashion as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q:1 What jackets and outfits do the Stranger Things characters wear in the series?
Most characters are in retro 80’s pieces like denim jackets, bomber jackets, fleece hoodies, and vintage graphic tees that fit their iconic looks.
Q:2 Where can I buy Stranger Things–inspired jackets and costumes online?
At top fashion sites and in specialized movie-outfit stores you’ll find.
Q:3 How do I recreate the iconic 80s look from Stranger Things on a budget?
Mix in your denim pieces with bold colors, vintage prints, and classic bomber jackets for a very affordable 80s inspired look.
Q:4 Which Stranger Things character has the most popular jacket or costume?
Eleven in her pink dress and Mike in his denim jacket were the looks which caught up the most and were reproduced the best from the series.
Q:5 Where can I shop premium Stranger Things jackets on Movies Leather Jacket?
Movies Leather Jacket has in store for you a wide range of detailed and accurate to screen Stranger Things jackets which we have made from the best materials out there for the fan that wants it all.