As I sat down to pen this article, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the first time I watched ‘The Goldfinch (2019).’ There was something about the characters that struck me, not just their complexity and depth, but also their impeccable sense of style. I became fascinated by their wardrobe choices, which seemed to reflect their individual personalities so perfectly. This sparked the idea for this blog post, where I could delve deeper into the fashion aesthetics of ‘The Goldfinch (2019),’ and provide a detailed character analysis and style breakdown.
The film, based on Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer-prize winning novel, is a nuanced tale of loss, identity, and art. But beyond that, it’s also a treasure trove of fashion inspiration. From Oakes Fegley’s portrayal of Young Theo Decker to Ansel Elgort’s Adult Theo, each character brings a unique style to the table, which I will be dissecting and interpreting in the following sections.
Brace yourselves, dear fashionistas, for you are about to embark on a stylish journey through the world of ‘The Goldfinch (2019)’!
An Overview of ‘The Goldfinch (2019)’ Aesthetic
- Vintage Charm: What strikes you first about ‘The Goldfinch (2019)’ is the vintage charm that permeates every frame. The costumes, designed by Kasia Walicka-Maimone, play a significant role in creating this aesthetic.
- Eclectic Mix: The film’s fashion is an eclectic mix of chic, preppy, and bohemian styles, each meticulously tailored to the characters’ personalities and their evolving narratives.
- Attention to Detail: The attention to detail is exquisite, from the choice of fabric to the accessories, everything is intentional and adds depth to the characters.
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown
Oakes Fegley as Young Theo Decker
- Preppy and Polished: Young Theo Decker, played by Oakes Fegley, is seen in preppy and polished outfits that seem to reflect his innocent and naive persona. His style consists of crisp white shirts, argyle sweaters, and straight-fit trousers.
- Vintage Accessories: Theo’s style is accentuated by vintage accessories such as old-school backpacks and classic analog watches.
- Subdued Tones: The color palette is subdued, consisting mainly of blues, greys, and whites, which further enhances his boyish charm.
Ansel Elgort as Adult Theo Decker
- Sophisticated and Refined: Ansel Elgort as Adult Theo Decker exudes a sophisticated and refined aura, reflected in his sartorial choices. Think well-tailored suits, crisp shirts, and classic ties.
- Monochromatic Palette: His wardrobe sticks to a monochromatic palette, mainly in blacks, whites, and greys, adding to his enigmatic persona.
- Accessories are Key: Just like his younger version, Adult Theo’s style is defined by his accessories — vintage cufflinks, classic tie pins, and sleek leather shoes.
Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Barbour
- Elegant and Timeless: Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Barbour is the epitome of elegance and timeless fashion. Her character is seen in elegant dresses, chic skirts, and tailored blazers.
- Pastel Palette: Mrs. Barbour’s wardrobe palette is dominated by pastels, with occasional pops of rich colors like burgundy and emerald green.
- Pearls and Heels: Accessories such as pearls, delicate scarves, and high heels complete Mrs. Barbour’s classy look.
Jeffrey Wright as Hobie
- Casual and Comfortable: Jeffrey Wright as Hobie opts for a casual and comfortable style, with simple shirts, loose trousers, and comfy cardigans.
- Earthy Tones: His wardrobe is dominated by earthy tones, reflecting his grounded and pragmatic persona.
- Subtle Accessories: Hobie’s accessories are subtle and functional, like simple spectacles and practical footwear.
Luke Wilson as Larry
- Relaxed and Easygoing: Luke Wilson embodies the character of Larry with a relaxed and easygoing style. His wardrobe consists of casual shirts, denim jeans, and leather jackets.
- Bright and Bold: Unlike the others, Larry’s color palette is bright and bold, reflecting his carefree and unpredictable personality.
- Cool Accessories: Larry’s style is amplified with cool accessories like aviator sunglasses, chunky wristbands, and rugged boots.
Sarah Paulson as Xandra
- Glamorous and Bold: Sarah Paulson as Xandra brings glamour and boldness to the screen with her style. Her wardrobe is filled with body-hugging dresses, flashy tops, and statement jackets.
- Vibrant Colors and Prints: Xandra’s style is all about vibrant colors and bold prints, embodying her flamboyant personality.
- Statement Accessories: Xandra’s look is completed with statement accessories like oversized earrings, chunky bracelets, and high-heeled boots.
Willa Fitzgerald as Adult Kitsey Barbour
- Chic and Sophisticated: Willa Fitzgerald as Adult Kitsey Barbour is all about chic and sophisticated fashion. Her outfits mainly consist of stylish dresses, tailored pants, and elegant blouses.
- Neutral Palette: Kitsey’s wardrobe sticks to a neutral palette, with occasional splashes of pastel shades, reflecting her calm and composed persona.
- Minimalistic Accessories: Kitsey’s style is accentuated with minimalistic accessories like delicate necklaces, simple rings, and classy handbags.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
- Casual Outing: Channel Larry’s style with a relaxed shirt, denim jeans, and cool accessories like aviator sunglasses and wristbands.
- Formal Event: Emulate Adult Theo’s sophisticated style with a well-tailored suit, crisp shirt, and classic accessories.
- Date Night: Draw inspiration from Xandra’s glamorous style with a body-hugging dress, statement accessories, and high-heeled boots.
Get the Look: Summary of outfits and where to buy them
- Young Theo’s Preppy Look: Look for argyle sweaters and straight-fit trousers at stores like Gap or J.Crew. For vintage accessories, check out Etsy or local thrift stores.
- Adult Theo’s Refined Style: You can find well-tailored suits and classic ties at stores like Brooks Brothers or Nordstrom. For vintage accessories, Etsy is a great option.
- Mrs. Barbour’s Elegant Fashion: Brands like Anne Klein or Kate Spade offer elegant dresses and chic skirts. For pearls and delicate scarves, check out Accessorize or Claire’s.
How to include ‘The Goldfinch’ elements in daily outfits
Including elements from ‘The Goldfinch’ in your daily outfits is all about understanding your personal style and making intentional choices. Here are a few tips:
- Understand Your Style: Identify which character’s style resonates with you the most. Is it Theo’s preppy look or Mrs. Barbour’s timeless elegance? Once you have identified this, it will be easier to incorporate elements from their style into your own.
- Invest in Key Pieces: Invest in key pieces that define the character’s style. For example, if you resonate with Adult Theo, invest in a well-tailored suit or a classic tie.
- Accessorize Wisely: Accessories can make or break a look. Choose accessories that reflect the character’s style. For example, if you love Xandra’s style, invest in statement earrings or chunky bracelets.
Conclusion: Final tips and thoughts on ‘The Goldfinch’ style
As we conclude this style journey through ‘The Goldfinch (2019),’ I hope you have found some fashion inspiration from the characters. Remember, fashion is all about expressing your individuality. So, don’t shy away from experimenting and incorporating elements from your favorite character’s style into your own.
And lastly, fashion should be fun! So, enjoy the process of creating your unique style. Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
