Welcome, fellow fashion enthusiasts and movie buffs! Today, we are going to take a trip back to 1946, specifically to the war-ravaged city of Hamburg as depicted in the 2019 film ‘The Aftermath.’ Directed by James Kent, ‘The Aftermath’ is a dramatic film set in post-war Germany, with a narrative that is as compelling as the costumes are stunning. The film’s fashion is a masterful blend of 1940s elegance and austerity, creating a visual treat that perfectly complements the emotionally charged storyline.
The characters’ wardrobes are more than just costumes; they are a visual narrative that tells us much about each character’s personality, status, and emotional state. The movie’s costume designer, Bojana Nikitovic, has done an exceptional job of creating outfits that not only look beautiful but also help to tell the story.
In this article, we will decode the fashion code of the characters from ‘The Aftermath,’ providing a character analysis and style breakdown. Whether you’re a movie lover, a fashion enthusiast, or both, you’re sure to find something to love in this deep dive into the aesthetic of ‘The Aftermath (2019).’
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown: An Overview
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s begin with an overview of the main characters and their fashion styles:
- Keira Knightley as Rachael Morgan: Rachael’s style is defined by elegance, grace, and a hint of melancholy. Her outfits reflect the period’s upper-class fashion while also speaking to her character’s emotional journey.
- Ned Wills as Boy on Train: The boy on the train, albeit a minor character, is dressed in a way that reflects the hardship and impoverishment of post-war Germany.
- Pandora Colin as Mother on Train: Like her son, the mother’s outfits are simple and worn, a clear reflection of their struggle to survive.
- Jason Clarke as Lewis Morgan: Lewis’s style is military and formal, reflecting his status as a British colonel and his role as the city’s governor.
- Anna Schimrigk as Heike: Heike’s style is a mix of traditional German clothing and the more modern, western influences of the time.
- Jack Laskey as Wilkins: Wilkins, as Lewis’s subordinate, has a somewhat similar style to Lewis, but it is more relaxed and casual.
- Fionn O’Shea as Barker: Barker’s style is youthful, reflecting his age and status as a young soldier.
Now that we’ve given a general overview let’s dive a little deeper into each character’s style and how you can incorporate elements of their look into your own wardrobe.
Keira Knightley as Rachael Morgan
Keira Knightley’s character, Rachael Morgan, epitomizes elegance and grace amid the ruins of a war-torn city. Here, we break down the key elements of Rachael’s style:
- Delicate fabrics: Rachael’s outfits are often made of delicate fabrics like silk or lace, which adds a touch of femininity to her look.
- Fitted silhouette: Most of Rachael’s dresses are well-fitted, highlighting her slender figure and adding a touch of sensuality.
- Subdued colors: Rachael’s wardrobe mainly consists of earthy tones and subdued colors, reflecting her melancholic state of mind.
- Elegant accessories: From pearl earrings to classy hats, Rachael’s accessories always complement her outfits and enhance her overall look.
- Classic shoes: Rachael often wears classic, mid-heeled shoes, which add to the period feel of her outfits.
Ned Wills as Boy on Train
The boy on the train, portrayed by Ned Wills, has a simple yet impactful wardrobe. Here are some key elements of his outfit:
- Rugged clothing: The boy’s clothes are rugged and worn, reflecting the hardship of the post-war period.
- Neutral colors: The boy’s outfits are primarily in neutral, earthy colors, which further emphasizes the somber mood of the film.
- Practical footwear: His shoes are practical and sturdy, suitable for a life on the move.
Pandora Colin as Mother on Train
Pandora Colin’s character, the mother on the train, has a style that mirrors her son’s. Here are the key elements of her look:
- Simple clothing: The mother’s outfits are simple and functional, reflecting her focus on survival.
- Subdued colors: Like her son, the mother’s wardrobe consists of subdued, earthy tones.
- Practical accessories: The mother’s accessories, such as her headscarf and bag, are practical and utilitarian.
Jason Clarke as Lewis Morgan
Jason Clarke’s character, Lewis Morgan, exudes authority and formality. Here are the key elements of his style:
- Military uniform: Lewis’s military uniform is a key part of his wardrobe, reflecting his status as a British colonel.
- Formal attire: When not in uniform, Lewis dresses in formal attire, further emphasizing his status.
- Classic accessories: Lewis’s accessories, such as his wristwatch and tie, are classic and timeless.
Anna Schimrigk as Heike
Anna Schimrigk’s character, Heike, has a style that combines traditional German clothing with more modern elements. Here’s a breakdown of her style:
- Traditional clothing: Heike often wears traditional German clothing, reflecting her cultural background.
- Modern influences: Despite her traditional attire, Heike also incorporates more modern elements into her outfits, such as tailored skirts and blouses.
- Bright colors: Unlike many of the other characters, Heike’s wardrobe includes brighter colors, reflecting her more optimistic outlook.
Jack Laskey as Wilkins
Jack Laskey’s character, Wilkins, has a relaxed yet professional style. Here are the key elements of his look:
- Casual attire: Wilkins’s outfits are more casual than Lewis’s, reflecting his subordinate status.
- Neutral colors: Like many of the other characters, Wilkins’s wardrobe primarily consists of neutral colors.
- Practical footwear: Wilkins often wears sturdy, practical shoes, suitable for his active lifestyle.
Fionn O’Shea as Barker
Fionn O’Shea’s character, Barker, has a youthful, energetic style. Here’s a breakdown of his look:
- Military attire: Like Lewis, Barker often wears a military uniform, reflecting his role as a young soldier.
- Casual clothing: When not in uniform, Barker dresses in casual, comfortable clothing.
- Bright colors: Barker’s wardrobe includes brighter colors, reflecting his youthful energy.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions: Inspired by ‘The Aftermath (2019)’
Now that we’ve analyzed the styles of the main characters, here are some tips on how to incorporate elements of their looks into your wardrobe for different occasions:
- Formal events: For formal events, take inspiration from Rachael Morgan’s elegant, fitted dresses. Pair a well-fitted dress in a subdued color with classic accessories for a look that’s both sophisticated and timeless.
- Casual outings: For casual outings, channel Barker’s youthful, energetic style with bright colors and comfortable clothing.
- Professional settings: In professional settings, emulate Lewis Morgan’s formal, authoritative style with a tailored suit and classic accessories.
- Cultural events: For cultural events, incorporate elements of Heike’s traditional-meets-modern style with a mix of traditional clothing and modern, tailored pieces.
- Travel: If you’re traveling, take inspiration from the boy on the train’s practical, sturdy footwear and rugged clothing.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
If you’re interested in recreating these looks, here are some suggestions on where to buy similar pieces:
- Rachael Morgan: Look for fitted dresses in subdued colors at vintage shops or online retailers like ASOS and Zara.
- Boy on Train: Check out thrift stores or online retailers like H&M for rugged clothing and practical footwear.
- Mother on Train: Look for simple, functional clothing at stores like Uniqlo or Old Navy.
- Lewis Morgan: For military uniforms and formal attire, check out military surplus stores or formalwear retailers like Brooks Brothers.
- Heike: For traditional German clothing, check out specialty stores or online retailers like Amazon. For modern, tailored pieces, try stores like Zara or H&M.
- Wilkins: For casual, professional clothing, check out stores like J.Crew or Banana Republic.
- Barker: Look for youthful, comfortable clothing at stores like American Eagle or Hollister.
How to Include Elements from ‘The Aftermath (2019)’ in Daily Outfits
Incorporating elements from ‘The Aftermath (2019)’ into your daily outfits can be as simple as choosing a color palette inspired by the film, or as complex as recreating entire outfits. Here are a few tips on how to include elements from the film in your daily outfits:
- Color palette: Choose a color palette inspired by the film, such as earthy tones and subdued colors.
- Accessories: Incorporate accessories similar to those worn by the characters, such as classic watches or practical bags.
- Silhouettes: Choose clothing with silhouettes similar to those seen in the film, such as well-fitted dresses or military-style jackets.
- Fabrics: Choose clothing made from fabrics similar to those used in the film, such as delicate silks or rugged cottons.
- Footwear: Choose footwear that’s similar to what the characters wear, such as classic, mid-heeled shoes or sturdy, practical boots.
Conclusion: Your Personal Take on ‘The Aftermath (2019)’ Fashion Code
We hope this deep dive into the fashion code of ‘The Aftermath (2019)’ has given you some inspiration for your own wardrobe. Whether you’re a fan of the film, a fashion enthusiast, or both, there’s a lot to learn from the way the characters dress. From the elegance of Rachael Morgan’s outfits to the practicality of the boy on the train’s clothing, each character’s style tells a story and offers a unique perspective on fashion in the post-war period.
Remember, fashion is not just about looking good; it’s also about expressing yourself and telling your own story. So why not take some inspiration from ‘The Aftermath (2019)’ and use fashion to tell your own story?
Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
