If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that movies and fashion go hand in hand. They’re two sides of the same coin, each influencing and being influenced by the other in a never-ending dance of creativity. And that’s precisely why I find myself so drawn to films like ‘The Mountain Between Us (2017)’. An intriguing survival drama based on Charles Martin’s novel, this movie is not just a compelling exploration of human resilience but also a veritable treasure trove of style inspiration.
The film revolves around two strangers, Alex Martin and Ben Bass, who find themselves stranded on a remote, snow-covered mountain after a tragic plane crash. Despite the harsh conditions, the characters’ wardrobes remain as captivating as their journey, making for a riveting style study. Let’s dive headfirst into the aesthetic of ‘The Mountain Between Us (2017)’ and decode the sartorial choices of its characters.
The aesthetic of ‘The Mountain Between Us (2017)’
The aesthetic of ‘The Mountain Between Us (2017)’ is a beautiful blend of rugged practicality and understated elegance. It’s a masterclass in how to dress stylishly for the cold without compromising on comfort or functionality. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that define the movie’s aesthetic:
- Functional Fabrics: The film’s costume designer, Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, has made extensive use of materials like wool, shearling, and down to ensure the characters’ outfits are as warm as they are stylish.
- Neutral Colors: The movie’s color palette is dominated by earthy tones and neutrals, from deep browns and grays to muted greens and blues.
- Layering: Layering is a key element of the film’s aesthetic, with the characters often seen wearing multiple layers to combat the cold.
- Classic Silhouettes: The outfits in the movie often feature classic silhouettes, with an emphasis on timeless pieces like trench coats, parkas, and cable-knit sweaters.
- Minimalist Accessories: The accessories in the film are minimal and functional, with items like gloves, scarves, and hats playing an essential role in the characters’ wardrobes.
Kate Winslet as Alex Martin
Kate Winslet’s character, Alex Martin, is a photojournalist by profession and her wardrobe reflects her practical yet stylish sensibilities. Alex’s outfits are a perfect blend of form and function, mirroring her pragmatic approach to life. Here’s a detailed analysis of her style:
- Practical Outerwear: Alex is often seen in a bulky parka in a muted shade of green. The parka, with its oversized hood and deep pockets, is equal parts stylish and practical, making it a staple in her winter wardrobe.
- Comfortable Bottoms: Alex opts for comfort when it comes to her choice of bottoms. She’s seen wearing cargo pants in a neutral hue, which not only add a touch of ruggedness to her look but also serve as a practical choice for the harsh conditions.
- Warm Knitwear: Alex’s wardrobe features a variety of knitwear, from chunky cable-knit sweaters to lightweight thermals. These pieces add a cozy element to her outfits and help her stay warm in the cold.
- Functional Footwear: Alex’s footwear choice – sturdy, insulated boots – is a testament to her practicality. They are not only weather-appropriate but also perfect for the challenging terrain.
- Minimal Accessories: Alex keeps her accessories to a minimum, sticking to functional items like gloves and scarves. Her signature accessory is her camera, which adds a personal touch to her outfits.
Idris Elba as Ben Bass
Idris Elba’s character, Ben Bass, is a neurosurgeon, and his wardrobe is a reflection of his refined sensibilities. Ben’s outfits are elegant and understated, with a focus on classic silhouettes and high-quality materials. A thorough breakdown of his style reveals:
- Elegant Outerwear: Ben’s outerwear choice – a sleek, navy blue trench coat – is a nod to his polished aesthetic. It’s a classic piece that adds an air of sophistication to his winter looks.
- Tailored Trousers: Ben opts for tailored trousers in a neutral shade, reflecting his preference for well-fitted, quality pieces.
- Classic Knitwear: Ben’s wardrobe includes a selection of classic knitwear, such as crewneck sweaters and cardigans, in a variety of neutral colors. These pieces add a touch of warmth and comfort to his outfits.
- Quality Footwear: Ben’s footwear choice – leather boots – is indicative of his preference for quality and durability. They not only provide the necessary warmth and traction but also add a touch of elegance to his looks.
- Essential Accessories: Ben’s accessories are minimal and classic, including a scarf and gloves in matching hues. His watch, a symbol of his profession, is a key element of his outfits.
Beau Bridges as Walter
Beau Bridges, playing the character of Walter, has a style that’s as rugged and reliable as his character. His wardrobe is a mix of practicality and comfort, reflecting his life as a pilot in the harsh environment of Idaho.
- Jackets: Walter’s collection of thick, padded jackets are a staple. They’re perfect for the cold weather and add an element of ruggedness to his look.
- Denim: A good pair of denim jeans is another must-have for Walter. They’re durable, easy to move in, and give that casual, laid-back vibe.
- Boots: Walter’s style is incomplete without his sturdy boots. They’re practical for his lifestyle and add to his rugged aesthetics.
Dermot Mulroney as Mark
Dermot Mulroney, portraying Mark, presents a contrasting style to Walter. His character is a busy urban professional, and his wardrobe reflects this with a more polished, sophisticated aesthetic.
- Suits: Mark’s style is dominated by sharp, well-fitted suits. The dark hues add an element of professionalism and power to his look.
- Shirts: His crisp white shirts are a classic choice, contributing to his clean and sleek image.
- Shoes: Mark opts for polished dress shoes, which complement his overall sophisticated look.
Linda Sorensen as Pamela
Linda Sorensen’s character, Pamela, showcases a style that’s both chic and comfortable. Her outfit choices perfectly balance fashion and functionality.
- Coats: Pamela’s long, woolen coats are a staple, providing both warmth and a touch of elegance.
- Pants: Her choice of slim-fit pants adds a modern, sleek flair to her look.
- Footwear: Pamela’s footwear ranges from practical flats for daily wear to classy heels for more formal occasions.
Vincent Gale as Airline Customer Service
Vincent Gale’s character in the Airline Customer Service role shows us how to pull off a professional look with a touch of personality.
- Uniform: His uniform, a crisp white shirt and black trousers, is classic and professional.
- Tie: The patterned tie adds a personal touch to his uniform, reflecting his character’s individuality.
- Glasses: His glasses not only serve a practical purpose but also add to his intellectual, professional image.
Marci T. House as Airline Rep
Marci T. House, playing the Airline Rep, demonstrates a professional yet stylish look. Her character’s style is structured and polished, reflecting her role in a corporate environment.
- Blazers: Her blazers, in neutral tones, are a key part of her professional attire.
- Blouses: She pairs her blazers with chic blouses, adding a feminine touch to her look.
- Accessories: Her minimal accessories, including her delicate necklace and earrings, add a hint of sophistication.
Key elements of the characters’ outfits and where to buy them
If you’re looking to recreate the characters’ outfits from ‘The Mountain Between Us (2017)’, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a summary of the key elements of their outfits and where to buy them:
- Outerwear: For Alex’s parka, check out brands like Canada Goose or The North Face. For Ben’s trench coat, consider options from Burberry or Zara.
- Bottoms: For Alex’s cargo pants, check out brands like Carhartt or Levi’s. For Ben’s tailored trousers, consider options from Brooks Brothers or J.Crew.
- Knitwear: For a variety of knitwear options, check out brands like Gap or Uniqlo.
- Footwear: For sturdy, insulated boots like Alex’s, consider brands like Sorel or Timberland. For leather boots like Ben’s, check out options from Dr. Martens or Aldo.
- Accessories: For functional, stylish accessories, consider options from brands like Patagonia or REI.
How to dress like Alex Martin and Ben Bass for different occasions
Dressing like Alex Martin or Ben Bass doesn’t mean you have to be stranded on a mountain. Here are some styling tips for different occasions:
- Casual: For a casual look, opt for Alex’s cargo pants and a cozy knit sweater. Pair it with sturdy boots for a touch of ruggedness. For Ben, go for tailored trousers and a crewneck sweater. Finish the look with leather boots for a touch of elegance.
- Work: For a work-appropriate outfit, take inspiration from Ben’s polished aesthetic. Choose tailored trousers and pair them with a classic trench coat. For Alex, opt for a comfortable pair of pants and a stylish parka.
- Evening: For an evening look, take a cue from Ben’s sophisticated style. Opt for tailored trousers, a classic knit sweater, and a sleek trench coat. For Alex, consider a cozy cable-knit sweater and cargo pants, topped with a stylish parka.
Styling tips to include elements of the movie’s aesthetic in daily outfits
Incorporating elements from the movie’s aesthetic into your daily outfits can be a fun and interesting experiment. Here are a few styling tips to help you get started:
- Layering: Layering is a key element of the movie’s aesthetic. Try layering different pieces in your wardrobe to create a warm and stylish look.
- Functional Fabrics: Opt for functional fabrics like wool, shearling, and down for your winter outfits. These materials not only provide warmth but also add a touch of ruggedness to your look.
- Neutral Colors: Stick to a neutral color palette for a sophisticated and understated look. Opt for earthy tones and neutrals, from deep browns and grays to muted greens and blues.
- Classic Silhouettes: Choose timeless pieces like trench coats, parkas, and cable-knit sweaters for a classic and elegant look.
- Minimalist Accessories: Keep your accessories minimal and functional. Opt for items like gloves, scarves, and hats to add a practical touch to your outfits.
Conclusion: The lasting impact of ‘The Mountain Between Us (2017)’ on fashion
‘The Mountain Between Us (2017)’ is not just a gripping survival drama but also a sartorial gold mine. The film’s aesthetic, defined by rugged practicality and understated elegance, continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts worldwide. From Alex Martin’s pragmatic style to Ben Bass’s refined sensibilities, every character in the film offers valuable style inspiration.
As a fashion enthusiast and movie buff, I find the film’s approach to costume design particularly fascinating. It’s a testament to the power of fashion in storytelling, proving that clothes are not just about looking good but also about expressing character and narrative.
So, why not take a leaf out of Alex and Ben’s style book? Incorporate elements from the movie’s aesthetic into your daily outfits and see how it transforms your style. And 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!
