As an ardent movie buff and a fashion enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the interplay between cinema and style. One film that splendidly encapsulates this is the 2018 biopic, ‘First Man,’ an immersive chronicle of Neil Armstrong’s journey to the moon. This film seamlessly marries the austere gravity of space exploration with character-driven narratives, offering a unique aesthetic that is as much about style as it is about storytelling. We’ll explore this aesthetic further in this article, breaking down the style of the film’s key characters, and offering tips on how to incorporate this into your everyday outfits.
Who are the characters? An introduction
‘First Man’ is a rich tapestry of characters, each distinct in their personality and style. Our main character is of course Neil Armstrong, played by Ryan Gosling, who embodies a restrained elegance in his portrayal. Other notable characters include Janet Armstrong, Neil’s steadfast wife played by Claire Foy; Ed White, the first American to walk in space, played by Jason Clarke; Deke Slayton, the first Chief of the Astronaut Office, played by Kyle Chandler; Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, played by Corey Stoll; Elliot See, NASA astronaut, played by Patrick Fugit; and Dave Scott, Armstrong’s fellow crewman on Gemini 8, played by Christopher Abbott.
Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong
- Classic and Restrained: Gosling’s portrayal of Armstrong is marked by a subdued style that echoes the character’s quiet determination. From his neatly combed hair to his monochromatic ties, Armstrong’s wardrobe is a testament to his disciplined mindset.
- The NASA Uniform: Gosling spends a significant portion of the film in the NASA uniform, which is emblematic of the astronaut’s commitment to his mission. The blue jumpsuit, with its multitude of patches and zippers, is a symbol of Armstrong’s profession and a significant part of his identity.
- Casual Wear: When not in his uniform, Armstrong’s casual wear is as understated as his personality. His wardrobe features a lot of button-down shirts, khaki trousers, and the occasional cardigan or suit jacket.
Claire Foy as Janet Armstrong
- Feminine and Practical: Foy’s Janet Armstrong is the epitome of 1960s housewife chic. Her outfits, while feminine, are practical and utilitarian, reflecting Janet’s role as the backbone of the Armstrong household.
- Floral Prints and A-Line Dresses: Janet’s wardrobe is filled with floral prints, A-line dresses, and cardigans – a nod to the era’s feminine fashion.
- Accessories: Janet’s accessories, including her pearl earrings and necklaces, lend an air of sophistication to her otherwise simple outfits.
Jason Clarke as Ed White
- Bold and Adventurous: Clarke’s Ed White exudes a sense of adventure and charisma, reflected in his more vibrant wardrobe.
- Colourful Ties and Patterned Shirts: White’s style is more eclectic, featuring colourful ties, patterned shirts, and an occasional leather jacket.
- The Space Suit: Like Armstrong, White’s space suit is a significant part of his wardrobe, symbolic of his role as the first American to walk in space.
Kyle Chandler as Deke Slayton
Kyle Chandler’s portrayal of Deke Slayton is one that exudes authority and experience – traits reflected in his wardrobe throughout the movie. His military background is subtly communicated through his recurring utilitarian style: crisp shirts, solid ties, and structured blazers. It’s a no-nonsense style that speaks volumes about his role as the director of flight crew operations.
- Crisp White Shirts: Chandler’s Slayton is rarely seen without a crisp white shirt – an emblem of professionalism and authority.
- Solid Ties: His ties are solid and dark, further emphasizing his serious nature.
- Structured Blazers: The structured blazers give a nod to his military background, adding an air of discipline to his look.
Corey Stoll as Buzz Aldrin
Corey Stoll’s Buzz Aldrin is a man who likes to stand out. His wardrobe is a collection of bold patterns, colours, and textures that align with his flamboyant personality and outspoken nature.
- Bold Patterns: From plaid to stripes, Aldrin doesn’t shy away from making a statement with his clothes.
- Colours: Aldrin’s wardrobe is filled with brighter shades, further reflecting his larger-than-life character.
- Textures: From corduroy jackets to woolen blazers, Aldrin’s wardrobe is a tactile feast.
Patrick Fugit as Elliot See
Patrick Fugit’s Elliot See is the quiet and thoughtful astronaut, and his wardrobe reflects his calm and composed character. His style is modest and simple, with a focus on comfort and functionality rather than making a fashion statement.
- Modest Style: Elliot See’s attire is understated, preferring simple shirts and trousers.
- Comfort Over Fashion: His clothing choices indicate a preference for comfort, with loose-fitting trousers and soft fabrics.
- Functional Apparel: Practicality rules his wardrobe, with items such as sturdy boots and durable jackets.
Christopher Abbott as Dave Scott
Christopher Abbott’s Dave Scott is the youngest member of the crew, and his youthful energy is reflected in his casual and relaxed style. His wardrobe is filled with relaxed-fit jeans, polo shirts, and leather jackets.
- Relaxed-fit Jeans: Abbott’s Scott often sports relaxed-fit jeans, reflecting his youth and casual nature.
- Polo Shirts: The polo shirts contribute to his laid-back style.
- Leather Jackets: The leather jackets add a touch of rebelliousness to his youthful look.
Overview of ‘First Man (2018)’ Aesthetic
‘First Man’ is a visually stunning film that seamlessly combines the aesthetics of the 1960s with the sleek minimalism of space exploration. The film’s wardrobe reflects the era’s fascination with the future and the unknown. From the astronauts’ earthbound outfits to their iconic spacesuits, ‘First Man’ is a masterclass in period dressing that serves the narrative and character development.
How to Dress Like the Characters: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
Emulating the ‘First Man’ style doesn’t require a trip to the moon. Here are some key elements to incorporate into your wardrobe and where to buy them:
- Crisp White Shirts: A staple in any wardrobe, you can find quality white shirts at brands like Brooks Brothers or J.Crew.
- Solid Ties: For quality ties, check out Ralph Lauren or The Tie Bar.
- Structured Blazers: Retailers like Nordstrom and Zara offer a wide range of structured blazers.
- Relaxed-fit Jeans: Brands like Levi’s and Gap are great places to find relaxed-fit jeans.
- Leather Jackets: For a quality leather jacket, consider investing in brands like AllSaints or Schott.
Incorporating the ‘First Man’ Style into Everyday Outfits
Incorporating the ‘First Man’ style into your daily outfits is all about finding a balance between the film’s 1960s aesthetic and your personal style. Here’s how:
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements from the characters’ wardrobes. For instance, pair a crisp white shirt with relaxed-fit jeans for a casual yet polished look.
- Embrace Vintage: Incorporate vintage pieces into your wardrobe to capture that 1960s feel.
- Pay Attention to Details: Small details can make a big difference. For example, a solid tie can instantly elevate a simple shirt, and a structured blazer can add an air of sophistication to any outfit.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired by ‘First Man’
Whether it’s a casual outing or a formal event, the ‘First Man’ aesthetic can be adapted for various occasions. Here are a few styling tips:
- Casual Outing: Opt for a simple button-down shirt and trousers, taking inspiration from Armstrong’s casual style.
- Formal Event: A suit or a dress with classic 1960s silhouettes can be a great option for formal events, taking inspiration from Armstrong’s formal wear or Janet Armstrong’s dresses.
Conclusion: Embracing the ‘First Man’ Aesthetic
Embracing the ‘First Man’ aesthetic is not just about dressing like the characters, but also about understanding their personalities and the era they lived in. By incorporating elements from the film into your wardrobe, you’re not just paying homage to a cinematic masterpiece, but also to an era of history that changed the course of humanity.
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!
