Each series of American Horror Story has it’s own distinct style, embodied by each of the larger than life characters. Murder House is probably the season that has the least outrageous and most wearable costumes of all the seasons that have been released so far. I wanted to take some time out to take a look at each of my favourite characters from this season and dissect their personal style for you.
Violet Harmon
Violet’s wardrobe puts me in mind of a teenager who spends all her time rummaging in thrift stores for treasures to take home. It’s a mish-mash of eras: the 70’s wide brimmed hats, the 80’s floral dresses and the 90’s knobbly knits and chunky shoes all worn together. Most of Violet’s clothes are oversized and baggy, all the better to laze on the floor of your room with a book and the neighbour boy. Shades of mustard, khaki and black are plentiful in Violet’s wardrobe, with the odd splash of deep red. Accessories are worn sparingly, but this is a girl who loves her hats and rocks fedoras, beannies and fur caps.
Tate Langdon
Tate’s style is firmly rooted in the 90’s grunge era. Take your inspiration from Kurt Cobain and let rips and tears adorn your gear. Tate prefers his clothes baggy, loose and fraying, preferably in dark shades. Carry all your belongings in a school satchel and don’t forget your sneakers…perfect for running away from your enemies at school or sneaking around with your favourite girl.
Constance
Constance is a total Southern Belle. A lady wrapped in silk sheath dresses and flawless diamonds. A goddess in spiked heels and perfectly-coiffed hair. However, underneath that perfect exterior is a heart as bitter as sour milk. This flawless appearance is merely a trap to draw people close until she can figure out how best to use them to her advantage. As such, every detail must be sublimely shimmering in order to create the illusion that she is a true lady of impeccable morals…although she is anything but.
Nora Montgomery
Nora is a very picture of elegance and glamour, tarnished by the stench of death. Her grief has transformed this once vital woman into a mere shadow of the sophisticated creature she once was. Her outfits are heavily inspired by 1920’s styles, with drop waist dresses, beaded details and cloche hats on perfectly curled hair. Black is the main colour of choice, with of course, some blue accents to match her eyes. Art deco jewels and a mourning brooch are the perfect finishing touch to this sombre ensemble.
Moira
To get Moira’s look, you have to master the art of duality. Moira is a woman of stark contrast and deep secrets. Black and white create a sharp silhouette, and the lines of her outfit look outwardly prim and proper. The crisp collar, the mid-length sleeves and the polished shoes all speak of someone respectable and modest. But her corset belt, skyscraper heels and suspender stockings whisper hints that this tightly-laced woman is not all that she seems, and in the right light might just be a tiger waiting to pounce.
Which Murder House character is your favourite? Which one has the most enviable wardrobe, in your opinion?
I’m half-way through the series at the moment!
I loved Violet’s outfits: floral dresses and cosy cardigans.
Ohhhh, I hope you’re enjoying it. Season 1 was a really great season, and one of the stories I found the scariest.
Love Moira’s look!
I do too. I think hers is the sexiest aesthetic of all the characters in the show.