The world of cinema is a melting pot of creativity, and one of the most fascinating aspects that often goes unnoticed is fashion. As a seasoned movie buff and fashion blogger, I’ve always been intrigued by the subtle ways in which costume choices contribute to the overall narrative and character development. Today, we’ll explore the fashion narrative of the critically acclaimed film, ‘The Hate U Give (2018)’, a story that centres around Starr Carter, a young black girl navigating the realities of racial injustice.
The film’s raw narrative deals with some of the most pressing issues of our time, but also provides a unique display of fashion as a form of self-expression, identity, and resistance. From the everyday chic styles of the main characters to the statement pieces that reflect their individuality, the wardrobe choices in ‘The Hate U Give’ do much more than meet the eye. They tell a story, build a character, and create a world that is as real as it is captivating.
So, let’s dissect the fashion choices, analyse the characters, and decode the hidden messages weaved into the fabric of ‘The Hate U Give’. This is not just about understanding fashion in cinema but discovering how the two worlds merge to create a powerful narrative that resonates with the audience on a deeper level.
Overview of ‘The Hate U Give (2018)’ Aesthetic
The aesthetic of ‘The Hate U Give’ is a blend of modern urban chic and classic timeless elegance. The film is set in a contemporary urban environment, and the characters’ wardrobes reflect this, with an emphasis on streetwear and casual styles. However, the costume designers have also incorporated elements of classic fashion, with polished and sophisticated looks that contrast with the raw and edgy street styles.
- Urban Chic: The urban chic aesthetic is characterized by casual and comfortable clothing items that are stylish and trendy. Think graphic tees, ripped jeans, oversized hoodies, and sneakers. This aesthetic is prominent in the wardrobes of Starr Carter and her family, reflecting their urban lifestyle.
- Classic Elegance: The classic elegance aesthetic is all about timeless and sophisticated pieces that exude a sense of class and refinement. This aesthetic is reflected in the wardrobes of Lisa Carter and April Ofrah, who are often seen in polished and elegant outfits that contrast with the more casual styles of the other characters.
Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter
Starr Carter, masterfully played by Amandla Stenberg, is the film’s protagonist. Her style is a mix of streetwear and casual chic, reflecting her dual identity as a young black girl who navigates between the worlds of her predominantly black neighborhood and her mostly white prep school.
Key Elements of Starr’s Outfits:
- Graphic Tees: Starr is often seen wearing graphic tees, which serve as a symbol of her youth and rebellious spirit.
- Hoodies: Hoodies are a staple in Starr’s wardrobe, reflecting her urban environment and her connection to the street culture.
- Jeans: Starr’s outfits often include a pair of jeans, either ripped or in a classic denim wash, adding a casual and comfortable touch to her style.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dissecting the chic wardrobe and intriguing character of Starr Carter. I’ll be diving deeper into her style, along with those of other characters, in future posts, so stay tuned!
Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter
If you’re inspired by Starr’s casual yet trendy style, here are some key pieces you can add to your wardrobe and where to find them:
- Graphic Tees: You can find a wide range of graphic tees at stores like H&M and Zara, as well as online platforms like ASOS and Amazon.
- Hoodies: For a variety of stylish and comfortable hoodies, check out brands like Champion, Adidas, and Nike.
- Jeans: For a great pair of jeans, consider brands like Levi’s, Gap, and Topshop.
Remember, it’s not about copying someone else’s style, but rather drawing inspiration and adding your unique touch to it. So, go ahead and experiment with these pieces to create your own unique look inspired by Starr Carter!
Regina Hall as Lisa Carter
Regina Hall’s portrayal of Lisa Carter, Starr’s mother, is noteworthy, not just for her powerful performance, but also for her character’s distinctive style. Lisa’s wardrobe is a blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication, reflecting her status as a strong, independent woman.
Key Elements of Lisa’s Outfits:
- Blouses: Lisa is often seen wearing elegant blouses, which add a touch of sophistication to her outfits.
- Skirts: Lisa’s wardrobe includes a variety of skirts, from pencil skirts to flowing midi skirts, adding a feminine touch to her style.
- Dresses: Lisa also wears dresses on several occasions, ranging from casual day dresses to more formal pieces.
Russell Hornsby as Maverick ‘Mav’ Carter
From the onset, Maverick ‘Mav’ Carter, portrayed by Russell Hornsby, is a character that embodies strength and resilience. His clothing is a reflection of his personality and the circumstances that shape his life.
- Layered Outfits: Mav’s style is characterised by layered outfits. He’s often seen in plain tees layered with flannel shirts, a nod to his rugged and practical nature.
- Dark Colours: Mav’s wardrobe features predominantly dark colours, symbolising the adversity he faces and his determination to overcome it.
- Attention to Detail: Despite his tough exterior, Mav’s meticulous grooming hints at a man who takes pride in his appearance.
To dress like Mav, focus on functionality and comfort, and don’t be afraid to experiment with layers. Opt for darker shades and invest in quality grooming products.
Anthony Mackie as King
Anthony Mackie’s King is a character that exudes power and authority, and his wardrobe is a testament to this.
- Sleek and Polished: King’s style is sleek and polished, often seen in well-fitted suits, symbolising his powerful status.
- Bold Accessories: King’s love for bold accessories, like gold chains, adds a hint of flamboyance to his otherwise serious persona.
- Luxury Brands: King’s wardrobe often features luxury brands, a testament to his wealth and power.
To channel King’s style, invest in a well-tailored suit and accessorise boldly. Don’t shy away from luxury brands, but remember that confidence is the key to pulling off any outfit.
Issa Rae as April Ofrah
Issa Rae’s portrayal of April Ofrah is a breath of fresh air in the movie. Her style reflects her confident and compassionate character.
- Vibrant Colours: April’s wardrobe is full of vibrant colours, symbolising her positive energy and uplifting spirit.
- Elegant Silhouettes: April favours elegant silhouettes that accentuate her figure, reflecting her confidence.
- Minimalistic Accessories: Her accessories are minimalistic yet chic, complementing her outfits without overpowering them.
To dress like April, opt for bright, colourful outfits with elegant silhouettes. Keep accessories minimalistic and let your outfit do the talking.
Common as Carlos
Common’s Carlos is a character that effortlessly blends professionalism and personal style. His wardrobe is a mix of classic and contemporary pieces.
- Functional Outfits: Carlos’s wardrobe consists of functional outfits that are perfect for his profession.
- Neutral Colours: His colour palette is neutral, with occasional splashes of colour.
- Smart-Casual Approach: Carlos often adopts a smart-casual approach to his outfits, reflecting his practical and laid-back nature.
To emulate Carlos’s style, opt for functional outfits in neutral colours. Don’t be afraid to mix and match classic and modern pieces.
Algee Smith as Khalil
Algee Smith’s Khalil is a character with a unique sense of style that reflects his youthful energy and creative spirit.
- Streetwear Influences: Khalil’s wardrobe features streetwear influences, reflecting his youthful spirit.
- Bold Prints: He’s often seen in bold prints and vibrant colours, symbolising his creative spirit.
- Trendy Accessories: Khalil’s love for trendy accessories adds a unique flair to his outfits.
To dress like Khalil, embrace streetwear and don’t be afraid to experiment with bold prints and colours. Accessorise with trendy pieces to add a personal touch to your outfits.
How to Include Elements of ‘The Hate U Give’ Style in Daily Outfits
Including elements of ‘The Hate U Give’ style in your daily outfits is all about embracing the characters’ unique aesthetics and incorporating them into your personal style.
- Layered Outfits: Embrace Maverick’s love for layered outfits. Layering is not only stylish but also practical and versatile.
- Bold Accessories: Take a leaf out of King’s book and accessorise boldly. A statement accessory can elevate even the simplest outfits.
- Vibrant Colours: Incorporate April’s love for vibrant colours into your wardrobe. A pop of colour can instantly brighten up your outfit and mood.
- Neutral Colours: Embrace Carlos’s neutral colour palette for a timeless and classic look.
- Streetwear Influences: Incorporate Khalil’s streetwear influences into your outfits for a trendy and youthful look.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions: Inspired by ‘The Hate U Give’
Styling for different occasions is a breeze when you’re inspired by the unique aesthetics of ‘The Hate U Give’ characters.
- Casual Outings: For casual outings, opt for Maverick’s layered outfits in comfortable materials.
- Formal Occasions: For formal occasions, channel King’s sleek and polished look with a well-fitted suit.
- Ladies’ Night: For a ladies’ night out, embrace April’s vibrant colours and elegant silhouettes for a chic and confident look.
- Work Attire: For work, opt for Carlos’s functional and professional outfits in neutral colours.
- Weekend Vibes: For a weekend look, embrace Khalil’s streetwear influences with bold prints and trendy accessories.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Style Inspired by ‘The Hate U Give’
Embracing your unique style is all about understanding what works for you and incorporating elements of your favourite styles into your wardrobe. By taking inspiration from ‘The Hate U Give’, you can create outfits that are not only stylish but also reflect your personality and lifestyle. So, go ahead and experiment with Maverick’s layered outfits, King’s bold accessories, April’s vibrant colours, Carlos’s neutral palette, and Khalil’s streetwear influences. Remember, confidence is your best accessory!
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