Welcome, dear cinephiles and fashion enthusiasts, to an intriguing exploration of the style aesthetics and character analysis of the classic 1962 film, ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ Directed by Robert Aldrich, this psychological thriller not only boasts groundbreaking performances but also a unique sartorial narrative that speaks volumes about each character. In this comprehensive guide, we dissect the fashion choices of the main characters and offer insights into their looks and the symbolism behind them.
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown
In much the same way as their diverse personalities, the characters of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ exhibit unique fashion styles that mirror their personas. The wardrobe of each character narrates a story, whether it’s the hauntingly childlike style of Bette Davis’s Baby Jane Hudson or the elegant, restrained aesthetic of Joan Crawford’s Blanche Hudson. Let’s embark on a detailed fashion dissection of each character, scrutinizing every outfit that has made a lasting impression on the silver screen.
Overview of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)’ Aesthetic
Before we delve into individual styles, let’s pause to appreciate the overarching aesthetic of the movie. The film strikingly juxtaposes the innocence of childhood attire with the sophistication of adult fashion, creating a blend that is both compelling and distinctive.
- Childhood Innocence: Bette Davis’s character, Baby Jane Hudson, epitomizes the childlike innocence with her frilly dresses, bows, and Mary Jane shoes.
- Elegant Sophistication: Joan Crawford’s Blanche Hudson, on the other hand, encapsulates adult sophistication with her elegant, understated outfits.
- Flamboyant Ostentation: Victor Buono’s Edwin Flagg brings in the theatrical flamboyance with his ostentatious clothing.
- Humble Simplicity: Wesley Addy’s Marty McDonald represents the humble simplicity with his casual, earth-toned outfits.
Bette Davis as Baby Jane Hudson
Bette Davis’s character, Baby Jane Hudson, is a striking example of childlike innocence juxtaposed with a menacing persona. Her attire, predominantly comprising of frilly dresses and bows, is a chilling reminder of her lost childhood.
- Frilly Dresses: Baby Jane’s wardrobe is dominated by frilly, doll-like dresses, often in pastel shades or stark white.
- Mary Jane Shoes: She is often seen in Mary Jane shoes, reinforcing her childlike image.
- Girlish Accessories: Her girlish accessories, such as ribbons, bows, and dolls, add an eerie touch to her character.
Joan Crawford as Blanche Hudson
Joan Crawford’s character, Blanche Hudson, exudes a sense of refined elegance. Her attire is understated and classy, reflecting her status as a successful actress.
- Elegant Dresses: Blanche’s wardrobe mostly consists of elegant dresses in soft, muted shades.
- Pearl Jewelry: Her pearl jewelry adds a touch of sophistication to her outfits.
- Stylish Headwear: Her stylish headwear, such as berets and headscarves, reflect her fashion-forward personality.
Victor Buono as Edwin Flagg
Edwin Flagg, portrayed by Victor Buono, brings a sense of theatrical flamboyance to the film. His attire is ostentatious and extravagant, mirroring his personality as a struggling musician.
- Patterned Suits: Edwin’s wardrobe is all about patterned suits and bright colors.
- Bold Accessories: His bow ties, pocket squares, and scarves are always bold and eye-catching.
- Brogues: His brogue shoes add a touch of class to his flamboyant outfits.
Wesley Addy as Marty McDonald
Marty McDonald, played by Wesley Addy, embodies the essence of humble simplicity. His attire is casual and unpretentious, reflecting his down-to-earth personality.
- Casual Shirts: Marty’s style revolves around casual shirts and trousers, often in earthy tones.
- Practical Footwear: His practical, comfortable shoes are a nod to his simplistic lifestyle.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
Fashion not only mirrors our personality but also aligns with the occasion. Here are some styling tips for different occasions, inspired by ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’:
- Casual Outings: For a relaxed, casual look, draw inspiration from Marty McDonald. Opt for earth-toned casual shirts and trousers.
- Formal Events: For formal events, look to Blanche Hudson. Choose elegant dresses in soft colors and accessorize with pearls.
- Themed Parties: For themed parties or Halloween, channel your inner Baby Jane Hudson. Don’t shy away from frilly dresses and girlish accessories.
Get the ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
Want to emulate the ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ aesthetic? Here’s a summary of outfits and tips on where to buy them:
- Baby Jane Hudson: Look for frilly dresses and Mary Jane shoes in vintage stores or online retailers.
- Blanche Hudson: Check out high-end boutiques or online shops for elegant dresses and pearl jewelry.
- Edwin Flagg: Visit thrift stores or online marketplaces for patterned suits and bold accessories.
- Marty McDonald: Look for casual shirts and trousers in stores that specialize in men’s wear.
How to Include ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ Elements in Daily Outfits
Incorporating elements from ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ into your daily outfits can be a fun way to pay tribute to the film and its unique aesthetic. Here are some tips:
- Embrace Frills and Bows: If you’re a fan of Baby Jane’s style, don’t hesitate to incorporate frills and bows in your outfits.
- Opt for Elegance: For a touch of Blanche’s elegance, opt for soft-colored dresses and pearl jewelry.
- Play with Patterns: If you’re drawn to Edwin’s flamboyance, play with patterned clothing and bold accessories.
Conclusion: Embracing the ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ Aesthetic
The ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ aesthetic is a unique blend of childhood innocence, adult sophistication, and theatrical flamboyance. Embracing this style is about being bold, daring, and unapologetically yourself. So, go ahead, experiment with your style, and let your outfits narrate your story.
Remember, fashion is not about adhering to trends, but about expressing your individuality. So, don’t hesitate to mix and match, to experiment, and to break the norms. After all, as the film suggests, it’s not the clothes that define the character, but their spirit and personality.
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