As a devoted cinephile and fashion enthusiast, I am continually fascinated by the convergence of these two arts. One such fascinating fusion is the 2017 biographical drama, ‘My Friend Dahmer.’ Directed by Marc Meyers, it offers a riveting glimpse into the early life of infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, played with eerie precision by Ross Lynch. The film takes us back to the late 70s, both in its setting and its fashion sense, a time of corduroy, flared jeans, and oversized glasses.
The film’s stylistic choices extend far beyond the time period, though. The clothing worn by the characters doesn’t just reflect the era; it informs our understanding of the characters themselves. The wardrobe choices are as deliberate as the dialogue, contributing heavily to the overall storytelling.
Now, let’s dive into the sartorial choices of the film and how they help us understand the characters better. And, who knows, you might even pick up some retro fashion tips along the way!
Overview of ‘My Friend Dahmer (2017)’ Aesthetic and style
‘My Friend Dahmer’ presents an intriguing blend of midwestern Americana and late 70’s vintage school fashion. It’s a stylistic juxtaposition that provides both a nostalgic throwback and a dark undercurrent of discomfort.
- Retro Americana: The film’s aesthetic leans heavily into the retro, drawing from a palette of muted tones and earthy neutrals that echo the era’s typical suburban aesthetic. This is evident in the characters’ wardrobe choices, from the high-waisted jeans to the layered tees and plaid shirts.
- Geek Chic: The film also creatively uses the ‘geek chic’ trend, with characters like Dahmer and his schoolmates sporting oversized glasses, sweater vests, and buttoned-up collared shirts. It’s a nod to the era’s style and a reflection of the characters’ unique personalities.
- Understated Elegance: The adult characters, on the other hand, embody a more mature and understated elegance. This is showcased through their tailored suits, pencil skirts, and chic blouses.
Ross Lynch as Jeff Dahmer
Ross Lynch’s portrayal of Jeff Dahmer is striking, not only in his chilling performance but also in his retro outfit choices. His wardrobe reflects his character’s duality – an awkward teenager and a burgeoning serial killer.
- The Oversized Glasses: The large, wire-framed glasses Dahmer wears are far more than a fashion statement. They serve as a barrier, distancing him from those around him while also hinting at his skewed perspective of the world.
- The Army Jacket: Dahmer’s army jacket is a recurring element in his outfits. It’s a symbol of his fascination with power and control, hinting at his darker tendencies.
- The High-Waisted Jeans: Dahmer’s high-waisted jeans are a staple of his wardrobe, reflecting the era’s fashion and his desire to blend in with his peers.
Detail the Key Elements of Jeff Dahmer’s Outfit
Our first character of interest is the infamous Jeff Dahmer, portrayed by Ross Lynch. What I find fascinating about Dahmer’s style is how it subtly reflects his tormented psyche. His wardrobe is a muted array of earth tones, dominated by moss green and beige, blending him into the background, much like his character’s desire to remain unnoticed. Here are the key elements of his outfit:
- Muted Colors: Earth tones and washed-out hues.
- Glasses: Dahmer’s large, square frames are a significant part of his look.
- Button-down Shirts: Dahmer is often seen in plain or subtly patterned button-down shirts.
- High-waisted Trousers: Another staple in Dahmer’s wardrobe, often in khaki or denim.
Vincent Kartheiser as Dr. Matthews
Moving onto Dr. Matthews, portrayed by Vincent Kartheiser, his style is a stark contrast to Dahmer’s. As a successful psychologist, his wardrobe is befitting of his profession—sharp, sophisticated, and polished.
- Tailored Suits: Dr. Matthews is often seen in well-fitted suits, reflecting his professional demeanor.
- Crisp White Shirts: A classic choice that adds a touch of sophistication.
- Ties: Ties are vital to Dr. Matthews’ look, varying from solid colours to patterned designs.
- Grooming: His neat and well-groomed appearance is a part of his style narrative.
Alex Wolff as John ‘Derf’ Backderf
John ‘Derf’ Backderf, portrayed by Alex Wolff, is an embodiment of 70s teen spirit. His style is casual, carefree, and distinctly teenage.
- Graphic Tees: Derf’s selection of graphic tees is reflective of his rebellious nature.
- Denim: Whether it’s a jacket or jeans, denim is a staple in Derf’s wardrobe.
- Sneakers: Comfortable, practical, and quintessentially youthful.
- Wristbands: Derf’s wrist attire adds a touch of bohemian charm to his look.
Adam Kroloff as Mr. Burlman
Next, we have Mr. Burlman, portrayed by Adam Kroloff. His character represents the archetypal middle-aged man of the era, and his style reflects that.
- Sweater Vests: Burlman is often seen in sweater vests, a staple of the era’s middle-aged fashion.
- Trousers: His trousers are typically high-waisted and belted.
- Ties: Burlman’s ties are often subdued and paired with a plain shirt.
- Glasses: His glasses add to his mature and scholarly look.
Anne Heche as Joyce Dahmer
Now, let’s explore the women’s fashion in the movie, starting with Joyce Dahmer, portrayed by Anne Heche. Her style reflects her character’s complex personality—bright, bold, and a tad chaotic.
- Bold Prints: Joyce Dahmer’s wardrobe is filled with bold prints and patterns.
- High-waisted Skirts: These are a staple of her wardrobe and reflective of the era’s fashion.
- Bright Lipstick: Her bright lipstick is a reflection of her vibrant personality.
- Statement Glasses: Her large, round glasses are an important aspect of her look.
Brady M.K. Dunn as Bossy
Bossy, portrayed by Brady M.K. Dunn, is a character whose style is as loud as his personality. His look is theatrical, flamboyant, and undeniably unique.
- Colorful Outfits: Bossy’s outfits are a riot of colors, reflecting his vibrant personality.
- Bold Prints: His shirts often have bold, loud prints.
- Accessories: From scarves to hats, Bossy’s love for accessories is evident.
- Hair: His wavy hair is often styled in an exaggerated manner, adding to his theatrical look.
Michael Ryan Boehm as Shorty
Shorty, portrayed by Michael Ryan Boehm, is a character with a style that’s understated yet distinctive.
- Plaid Shirts: Shorty’s wardrobe is dominated by plaid shirts.
- Denim Jeans: His jeans are typically worn and faded, reflecting his laid-back attitude.
- Boots: His rugged boots add a touch of toughness to his look.
- Baseball Cap: His cap is a key element of his signature style.
Where to Buy the Outfits from ‘My Friend Dahmer (2017)’
Now that we’ve dissected the characters’ styles, let’s talk about where to buy these outfits. Vintage stores and second-hand shops are gold mines for finding pieces similar to those worn in the movie. Online platforms like ASOS, Etsy, and eBay also offer a wide range of vintage and retro-style clothing. For the glasses, check out online retailers like Warby Parker and Zenni Optical.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired by ‘My Friend Dahmer (2017)’
- Casual Day Out: Take inspiration from Derf’s style. Pair a graphic tee with jeans and sneakers, and you’re good to go!
- Work or Formal Event: Dr. Matthews’ style is perfect for this. A well-fitted suit, crisp white shirt, and a tie will create a polished look.
- Party or Night Out: Let Bossy inspire your party look. Don’t shy away from bold prints, vibrant colors, and unique accessories.
- Relaxed Weekend: Emulate Shorty’s laid-back style with a plaid shirt, worn-out jeans, and rugged boots.
How to Include ‘My Friend Dahmer (2017)’ Aesthetic into Your Wardrobe
Incorporating ‘My Friend Dahmer (2017)’ aesthetic into your wardrobe can be a fun and creative endeavor. Here are some tips:
- Embrace Vintage: Look for vintage or retro-inspired pieces that reflect the era’s fashion.
- Accessorize: Glasses, ties, and wristbands can significantly contribute to achieving the desired look.
- Muted and Bold Colors: Depending on the character you’re drawing inspiration from, incorporate either muted tones or bold colors into your outfits.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements from various characters’ styles to create a look that’s uniquely you.
Conclusion: Summary of Outfits and Style from ‘My Friend Dahmer (2017)’
In summary, ‘My Friend Dahmer (2017)’ offers a diverse palette of styles, each reflecting the characters’ unique personalities and the era’s fashion. From Dahmer’s muted earth tones to Bossy’s vibrant theatricality, there’s inspiration for everyone.
Remember, fashion is all about expressing yourself. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and make these styles your own. And who knows, you might just find your signature style in the process!
Don’t forget to share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
