In the realm of cinematic fashion, the film ‘News of the World (2020)’ stands as an emblem of the Western aesthetic. Set in the post-Civil War era, the movie showcases an array of costumes that are as rich in detail as they are inherent to the narrative. As a fashion enthusiast and a cinema lover, I revel in the universe where these two worlds meet, providing us with a visually striking and historically authentic experience. In this article, we delve into the heart of ‘News of the World’, exploring the characters and their unique style that has left an indelible mark on the fashion world.
The film is a captivating journey of a news reader, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, played by Tom Hanks, who embarks on a mission to return a young girl, Johanna, to her biological aunt and uncle after her Kiowa tribe family is killed. The plot unfurls in the backdrop of the late 1800s, a time when America was grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War. The rugged landscapes and the characters’ attire reflect the raw authenticity of the era, making it a visual treat for fashion and history enthusiasts alike.
Let’s embark on this stylish journey, decoding the Western Chic, and understanding the influence of ‘News of the World’ on modern fashion. We will conduct a detailed character analysis and style breakdown, providing a comprehensive overview of the film’s aesthetic.
Decoding Western Chic: The Influence of ‘News of the World’ on Fashion
The Western Chic aesthetic, as showcased in ‘News of the World’, is a blend of practicality and ruggedness, coupled with a timeless appeal. The film’s costume design underlines the harsh realities of the era, while also emphasizing the characters’ individuality. Here are some key elements of the Western Chic aesthetic:
- Rugged Denim: One cannot speak of Western style without mentioning denim. From Captain Kidd’s trousers to Travis Johnson’s Cavalry Rider jacket, the use of worn-out denim is a staple in the film.
- Leather Accents: Leather boots, belts, and hats add a robust and masculine touch to the outfits, reflecting the characters’ resilience and grit.
- Earthy Tones: The film’s color palette is dominated by earthy tones like brown, beige, and olive, mirroring the dusty, barren landscapes of the Wild West.
- Layered Looks: Characteristic of the era’s clothing, layered looks with vests, scarves, and jackets are prevalent throughout the film.
- Feminine Touches: Despite the predominantly masculine style, feminine elements are beautifully incorporated through Johanna’s outfits, with delicate lace trims and floral prints.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each character’s style, drawing inspiration for our own Western Chic look.
Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd
Tom Hanks, as Captain Kidd, embodies the Western aesthetic with his rugged, yet refined style. He is most often seen in a vest, worn over a button-down shirt, paired with high-waisted trousers, and leather boots. His style is practical and functional, reflecting his character’s resilience and adaptability. Here are some key elements of Captain Kidd’s outfit:
- High-Waisted Trousers: Kidd’s trousers are a staple of the era’s fashion, characterized by a high waist and straight cut. They are usually in shades of brown or grey.
- Button-Down Shirts: Kidd’s shirts feature a high collar and are often in white or light blue, adding a touch of formality to his rugged style.
- Vests: An essential element of Kidd’s outfits, the vests add layers and texture to his looks. They are mostly in shades of brown, complementing the earthy color palette of the film.
- Leather Boots: Kidd’s boots are a testament to his adventurous spirit. They are usually ankle-length, in shades of brown or black, and feature a slight heel.
Helena Zengel as Johanna
Helena Zengel plays Johanna, a young girl raised by Kiowa people after her family’s death. Her character embodies the pure, unadulterated spirit of the wild west. Her style is a unique blend of native Kiowa clothing and Western aesthetics.
- Rawhide Dress: Johanna wears a traditional rawhide dress. It’s a simple yet beautiful piece that showcases her heritage. The fringed hem adds to the native vibe.
- Beaded Necklace: A symbolic accessory, the beaded necklace she wears is a nod to her Kiowa upbringing.
- Moccasins: Her footwear of choice is moccasins, comfortable and perfect for long journeys.
Tom Astor as Cavalry Lieutenant
Tom Astor’s Cavalry Lieutenant is a man of discipline, authority, and a keen sense of duty. His military attire is a reflection of his character – crisp, clean, and commanding respect.
- Blue Cavalry Uniform: The Lieutenant’s uniform is a striking shade of blue, symbolic of the Union army. The gold trims and buttons add a touch of opulence.
- Cavalry Hat: His hat, with its wide brim and gold cord, is an essential part of his uniform. It’s not just a fashion statement, but also a mark of his rank.
- Leather Boots: His polished leather boots speak volumes about his meticulous nature and adherence to rules.
Travis Johnson as Cavalry Rider
Travis Johnson, playing the Cavalry Rider, is a man of few words. His clothing, however, speaks volumes about his adventurous spirit and the hardships he’s endured.
- Leather Vest: His leather vest is a testament to his rugged lifestyle. The worn-out look adds to its charm.
- Denim Trousers: His trousers are sturdy, durable, and perfect for the rough terrains of the west.
- Cowboy Hat: The cowboy hat he wears is more than just a style statement. It provides shade from the harsh sun and adds to his rugged cowboy image.
Andy Kastelic as Union Duty Officer
Andy Kastelic’s Union Duty Officer is a man of authority. His clothing, though practical and uniform-like, exudes a distinct style.
- Navy Blue Coat: His coat is a deep navy blue, a symbol of the Union. The gold buttons and epaulets lend a touch of grandeur.
- White Shirt: Underneath the coat, he wears a crisp white shirt that speaks of cleanliness and discipline.
- Black Trousers: His trousers are black, providing a contrast to the navy blue coat. They’re practical, comfortable, and perfect for a man of his stature.
Ray McKinnon as Simon Boudlin
Ray McKinnon’s Simon Boudlin is a musician and a veteran. His clothing is a mix of practicality and personal style, reflecting his artistic side.
- Checked Shirt: Boudlin’s shirt, with its checkered pattern, is casual yet stylish. It’s a nod to his laid-back personality.
- Brown Vest: His vest, worn over the shirt, adds a layer of complexity to his character. The earthy brown color complements his rugged yet gentle persona.
- Denim Trousers: His trousers are simple and practical, perfect for a man on the move.
Mare Winningham as Doris Boudlin
Mare Winningham’s Doris Boudlin is a woman of strength and resilience. Her clothing reflects her character – simple, practical, and no-nonsense.
- Floral Dress: Doris’ dress, with its floral pattern, is feminine yet practical. The modest cut and length signify her humble lifestyle.
- Apron: Her apron, worn over the dress, is a symbol of her domestic role. Yet, it’s also a badge of her hard work and resilience.
- Leather Boots: Like the rest of her clothing, her boots are practical and durable.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions: How to Get the ‘News of the World’ Look
Grab your notepad, because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty of the Old West fashion.
- Dress Like Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd: Captain Kidd’s look is an epitome of rugged sophistication. His outfit primarily consists of a charcoal grey three-piece suit layered with a faded brown duster coat. The wide-brimmed hat and worn-out leather boots complete his look. To recreate this, opt for a dark suit with a waistcoat, add a neutral-toned trench coat, and finish off with a pair of sturdy leather boots.
- Channel Helena Zengel as Johanna: Johanna’s look is the epitome of prairie chic. She is often seen in a calico dress with a shawl thrown over her shoulders. To replicate her look, pick a long, floral-printed dress, add a cozy shawl or a scarf, and pair it with lace-up boots.
- Embody Tom Astor as Cavalry Lieutenant: The Cavalry Lieutenant’s uniform is the epitome of military precision and authority. His outfit consists of a crisp navy-blue jacket with gold trimmings, white trousers, and polished black boots. To capture his look, opt for a dark blazer with gold buttons, pair it with white trousers, and complete the ensemble with shiny black boots.
Where to Buy: Summary of Outfits and Shopping Guide
Now that we’ve detailed the key elements of their outfits, let’s dive into where you can buy similar pieces to recreate these looks.
- For Captain Kidd’s Look: Explore vintage shops or online platforms like ASOS, Urban Outfitters, or Zara for a charcoal grey suit. For the duster coat, try thrift stores or check out brands like Ralph Lauren or Levi’s. Complete the look with a wide-brimmed hat from Stetson and boots from Timberland or Dr. Martens.
- For Johanna’s Look: Check out Free People or Anthropologie for a floral prairie dress. A cozy shawl can be found at any local thrift store or online on Etsy. For lace-up boots, browse through the collections of Dr. Martens or Steve Madden.
- For Cavalry Lieutenant’s Look: A navy-blue blazer can be found at retailers like J.Crew or Brooks Brothers. White trousers are widely available at brands like Banana Republic or Uniqlo. For shiny black boots, try brands like Kenneth Cole or Aldo.
Incorporating ‘News of the World’ Aesthetic into Your Wardrobe
The ‘News of the World (2020)’ aesthetic is all about embracing the rugged charm of the Old West while maintaining a sense of sophistication. It’s about mixing functional pieces with more traditional ones, and above all, it’s about authenticity.
- Invest in Timeless Pieces: Instead of chasing trends, focus on buying quality pieces that will stand the test of time. A well-tailored suit, a sturdy pair of boots, or a cozy shawl can be versatile additions to your wardrobe.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles. Pair a military-inspired blazer with a pair of distressed jeans, or wear a prairie dress with a modern leather jacket. This will help you create a unique look that’s true to you.
- Accessorize Wisely: Accessories can make or break an outfit. A wide-brimmed hat or a vintage scarf can add a touch of Western chic to any look. Opt for accessories that complement your outfit rather than overpower it.
Conclusion
The ‘News of the World (2020)’ aesthetic is much more than just a fashion statement. It’s a celebration of a bygone era, a nod to the resilience of the human spirit, and a testament to the timeless appeal of Western chic. By incorporating elements from this aesthetic into your wardrobe, you can create a unique style that’s all your own.
Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals! Rediscover the charm of the Old West, embrace the ruggedness, and embark on your own sartorial adventure. As they say in the world of fashion – the world is your runway. So, strut your stuff with confidence, and remember – fashion is all about self-expression and having fun!
