‘Lawless (2012)’, directed by John Hillcoat and penned by Nick Cave, is a period drama that grips you with its intense narrative and captivating performances. But what sets it apart is its unique aesthetic – a fascinating blend of Depression-era ruggedness and an undeniable raw charm. The film, set in the 1930s Prohibition era, serves a visual treat of timeless fashion that reflects the characters’ grit, rebellion, and their relentless pursuit of freedom.
The movie, with its strong characters and their distinctive styles, is a goldmine for fashion enthusiasts. The characters don their outfits like a second skin, each piece of clothing telling a story, adding a layer to their persona. From Shia LaBeouf’s transition from a boyish charm to a rugged outlaw, Tom Hardy’s formidable and robust style, to Jessica Chastain’s classic elegance, each style represents an aesthetic that can be incorporated into modern fashion.
In this blog post, we will delve deep into the ‘Lawless’ aesthetic, dissecting each character’s style and drawing inspiration for our wardrobe. We aim to achieve a comprehensive ‘Character Analysis and Style Breakdown’ and provide an ‘Overview of ‘Lawless (2012)’ Aesthetic’. Get ready to travel back to the 1930s and revamp your style!
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown: An Overview
- Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant: Jack’s style transformation mirrors his maturation process in the film. His initial naí¯ve, boyish charm is reflected in simple, clean, and earthy-toned shirts, trousers, and suspenders. However, as he evolves into a rugged outlaw, his style becomes more assertive, with double-breasted suits, bold patterns, and hats becoming his signature.
- Tom Hardy as Forrest Bondurant: Forrest’s style is as robust and formidable as his character. His staple includes chunky knit cardigans, high-waisted trousers, and fedora hats. His style exudes an aura of authority and dominance.
- Jason Clarke as Howard Bondurant: Howard, the eldest of the Bondurant brothers, has a style that is rugged yet sophisticated. His love for hats and his choice of earthy and neutral tones give him a unique, mature fashion statement.
- Guy Pearce as Charley Rakes: Charley Rakes, the antagonist, stands out with his dapper, sophisticated style. His slim-fit three-piece suits, slicked-back hair, and leather gloves make him an unforgettable fashion icon.
- Jessica Chastain as Maggie Beaufort: Maggie’s style is a breath of fresh air amid the ruggedness. Her feminine dresses, soft curls, and classic makeup scream elegance and charm.
- Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix: Bertha’s style is fresh, youthful, and modest. Her feminine, pastel dresses and braided hairstyles give her a sweet and innocent appeal.
- Dane DeHaan as Cricket Pate: Cricket’s style is casual, playful, and functional. His overalls, rolled-up sleeves, and newsboy caps reflect his easygoing personality.
Dressing like ‘Lawless’ Characters: Key Elements of Their Outfits
As we delve deeper into the wardrobes of these characters, we find key elements that define their style. To dress like Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant or any other character from ‘Lawless’, these details become crucial. Here’s a quick rundown of the key elements of their outfits:
- Hats: From fedoras, newsboy caps to cloche hats, headgear plays a significant role in defining the characters’ styles. They not only add to the vintage appeal but also depict the character’s personality.
- High-Waisted Trousers: Almost all male characters sport high-waisted trousers. They not only reflect the era’s style but also add a polished, mature look.
- Suspenders: Suspenders are a significant element in the ‘Lawless’ aesthetic. They add a classic touch to the outfits and are a must-have for anyone aiming for this style.
- Double-breasted Suits: Jack Bondurant’s transformation is marked by his shift to double-breasted suits. These suits exude confidence and assertiveness.
- Feminine Dresses: For the female characters, dresses play a significant role. From Maggie’s elegant dresses to Bertha’s modest, pastel ones, each dress reflects the character’s personality and charm.
Like Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant
In ‘Lawless’, Shia LaBeouf portrayed the character of Jack Bondurant, the youngest of the Bondurant brothers. His style was a blend of youthful charm and mature sophistication. He was often seen donning light-colored shirts with suspenders, flat newsboy caps, and vintage trousers. His outfits had a certain easy-going vibe that perfectly complemented his character’s youthful spirit.
To dress like Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant, you’ll need:
- Light-colored shirts: Opt for a mix of solid and striped shirts, preferably in shades of white, beige, and light blue.
- Suspenders: These are a must-have if you’re aiming for Jack’s look. Go for classic black or brown leather suspenders.
- Vintage trousers: Choose high-waisted trousers in earthy tones such as brown, khaki, or grey.
- Flat newsboy caps: A quintessential part of Jack’s look, these caps add a touch of whimsical charm to the overall outfit.
- Leather boots: Complete your outfit with a pair of sturdy, worn-in leather boots.
Tom Hardy as Forrest Bondurant
Tom Hardy’s character, Forrest Bondurant, is the epitome of rugged masculinity. His style was raw, intense, and undeniably charismatic. He was often seen in heavy overcoats, waistcoats, and dark-colored shirts, signaling a powerful presence.
To emulate Forrest Bondurant’s look, consider these elements:
- Heavy overcoats: Forrest’s overcoats were mostly dark-colored, adding to his intense persona. Choose woolen overcoats in shades of brown or black.
- Waistcoats: These added a layer of sophistication to Forrest’s outfits. Opt for waistcoats in dark, earthy tones.
- Dark-colored shirts: Forrest’s choice of shirts was mostly in shades of dark blue, black, or grey.
- Vintage trousers: Just like Jack, Forrest also sported high-waisted trousers but in darker colors.
- Leather boots: Hardy, worn-in leather boots are a must to complete Forrest’s look.
Jason Clarke as Howard Bondurant
Howard Bondurant, played by Jason Clarke, had a unique style that was a mix of formal and casual. His character was often spotted in a mix of checkered shirts, waistcoats, and vintage trousers.
To dress like Howard Bondurant, you’ll need:
- Checkered shirts: Opt for checkered shirts in a mix of colors. Red, blue, and green are excellent choices.
- Waistcoats: Waistcoats add a formal touch to Howard’s outfits. Choose waistcoats in neutral colors like black, grey, or brown.
- Vintage trousers: Similar to his brothers, Howard also wore high-waisted trousers. Opt for trousers in earthy tones.
- Leather boots: Complete your look with sturdy, worn-in leather boots.
Guy Pearce as Charley Rakes
As the antagonist, Guy Pearce’s Charley Rakes had a distinct style that was hard to forget. He was often seen in three-piece suits, bow ties, and fedora hats, signaling his high status and authority.
To emulate Charley Rakes’s look, consider these elements:
- Three-piece suits: Charley’s suits were impeccably tailored and mostly dark-colored. Choose suits in shades of black, grey, or navy blue.
- Bow ties: These added a quirky touch to Charley’s outfits. Opt for bow ties in solid colors or subtle prints.
- Fedora hats: A staple of Charley’s wardrobe, these hats added an extra layer of sophistication.
- Leather shoes: Polished, well-fitted leather shoes are a must to complete Charley’s look.
Jessica Chastain as Maggie Beaufort
The movie’s narrative offers us the delightful presence of Jessica Chastain as Maggie Beaufort. Her character, a city girl turned country woman, provides ample inspiration for those who adore the classic style.
- Maggie’s Look: Sporting elegant, 1930s-inspired outfits, Maggie captures the essence of feminine allure with her choice of clothing. Her wardrobe, filled with satin dresses, tailored blouses, and chic hats, speaks volumes about her sophisticated taste.
- Key Elements of Her Outfit: The key to emulating Maggie’s look lies in the details. Sequin-embellished dresses, delicate lace gloves, and pearl necklaces are all staple accessories that define her style.
- Her Signature Style: Maggie’s style is a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. She’s not afraid to wear bold colors, but she always balances them with neutral tones to create a harmonious look.
Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the character of Bertha Minnix, portrayed by Mia Wasikowska. Bertha’s style is a breath of fresh air, radiating a youthful, carefree vibe that’s hard to resist.
- Bertha’s Look: Bertha’s outfits are simple yet stylish, reflecting her innocent and naive nature. She’s often seen in cotton dresses with floral prints, high-neck blouses, and modest skirts.
- Key Elements of Her Outfit: To dress like Bertha, opt for pieces with soft, pastel colors and floral prints. A straw hat paired with lace-up boots can complete the look, giving you that perfect ‘country girl’ vibe.
- Her Signature Style: Bertha’s style can be best described as modest and sweet. She prefers light, comfortable fabrics, and her outfits are always tastefully coordinated.
Dane DeHaan as Cricket Pate
Dane DeHaan’s character, Cricket Pate, is another style icon from ‘Lawless’. His quirky and unique style is a refreshing departure from the traditional, making him a source of inspiration for those seeking something different.
- Cricket’s Look: Cricket’s style is eclectic and unconventional. He’s often seen in oversized jackets, loose trousers, and worn-out boots. His wardrobe reflects his laid-back personality and rebellious spirit.
- Key Elements of His Outfit: To truly capture Cricket’s look, don’t be afraid to experiment with oversized clothing and mismatched patterns. A tweed jacket, baggy trousers, and a knitted hat can help you channel his distinctive style.
- His Signature Style: Cricket’s style is all about comfort and self-expression. He doesn’t follow trends, but rather, creates his own. His outfits, though seemingly random, are always thoughtfully put together.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired by ‘Lawless’
Now that we’ve broken down the styles of three key characters, let’s delve into some styling tips for different occasions inspired by ‘Lawless’.
- Casual Day Out: Embrace Maggie’s classic style with a simple satin blouse paired with a midi skirt. Add a pair of lace gloves and a pearl necklace for that extra touch of elegance.
- Formal Event: Channel Bertha’s youthful charm with a floral print dress and a pair of lace-up boots. Don’t forget to accessorize with a straw hat to complete the look.
- Relaxed Weekend: Get Cricket’s laid-back vibe by pairing an oversized jacket with loose trousers and worn-out boots. Add a knitted hat for that final touch.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
To make it easier for you, here’s a summary of the outfits inspired by the characters in ‘Lawless’, along with suggestions on where to buy them.
- Maggie’s Outfit: Look for satin dresses and tailored blouses in vintage stores or online retailers like ASOS and ModCloth. Accessories like pearl necklaces and lace gloves can be found in most high street stores.
- Bertha’s Outfit: Floral print dresses and high-neck blouses can be found in stores like Zara and H&M. For straw hats and lace-up boots, check out online retailers like Amazon and eBay.
- Cricket’s Outfit: Stores like Urban Outfitters and ASOS have a good selection of oversized jackets and loose trousers. For worn-out boots and knitted hats, try thrift stores or vintage shops.
How to Include ‘Lawless’ Elements in Daily Outfits
Including ‘Lawless’ elements in your daily outfits is easier than you think. Here are a few tips to help you incorporate the aesthetic into your style.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles. You can pair a classic blouse with a pair of baggy trousers or wear a floral print dress with worn-out boots.
- Accessorize: Accessories play a crucial role in defining a look. Use items like hats, gloves, and necklaces to add a touch of ‘Lawless’ to your outfits.
- Experiment: The ‘Lawless’ aesthetic is all about breaking the rules. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with your style. Try different combinations, and see what works best for you.
Conclusion: Embrace the ‘Lawless’ Aesthetic in Your Style
Embracing the ‘Lawless’ aesthetic is not just about copying the outfits seen in the movie. It’s about understanding the character behind each style and incorporating elements of their persona into your own look. So, whether you’re a fan of Maggie’s classic elegance, Bertha’s youthful charm, or Cricket’s unconventional style, there’s something in ‘Lawless’ for everyone.
Now that you’ve got the character analysis and style breakdown, it’s time to start experimenting with your wardrobe. 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!
