As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a penchant for celluloid wonders, I often find myself drawn to the exquisite interplay of style and storytelling in movies. This fascination led me to the heart-wrenching yet aesthetically intriguing universe of ‘Beautiful Boy (2018)’. A poignant story about addiction, this film is a goldmine of understated fashion that subtly contributes to character development and the overall narrative.
The film’s wardrobe encapsulates the essence of each character, painting a vivid picture of their personalities and experiences. The quiet sophistication of the outfits serves not just as a stylistic choice, but also as a tool to portray the characters’ emotional journeys. Through this article, I delve into this sartorial wonderland, breaking down the style elements and offering tips on how to incorporate them into everyday wear.
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown
Before we dive into the sartorial specifics, let’s explore the characters themselves. As the old saying goes, clothes make the man (or woman). In the case of ‘Beautiful Boy’, the clothing choices reflect the characters’ mental states, personal struggles, and their evolving dynamics with each other.
- Steve Carell as David Sheff: The concerned and helpless father, his wardrobe comprises of muted colors and simplistic designs. His style reflects his pragmatic nature and the heaviness of his situation.
- Maura Tierney as Karen Barbour: As the steadfast stepmother, her outfits are practical yet feminine, mirroring her nurturing personality and her quiet strength.
- Jack Dylan Grazer & Timothée Chalamet as Nic Sheff: The troubled protagonist at different ages, their wardrobes range from youthful innocence to a darker, grungier style, underscoring their tumultuous journey.
- Oakley Bull & Christian Convery as Daisy & Jasper Sheff: The younger siblings, their outfits are playful and bright, symbolizing their innocence.
- Amy Aquino as Annie Goldblum: The compassionate doctor, her wardrobe is professional yet approachable, reflecting her role as a guiding light.
Each character’s wardrobe is a testament to the film’s attention to detail and the power of fashion in cinematic storytelling. Now, let’s take a closer look at each character’s style and how to emulate it.
Steve Carell as David Sheff
The character of David Sheff, portrayed by Steve Carell, exudes an air of quiet desperation and helplessness. His style is understated, with a focus on comfort and practicality. Here are the key elements to dress like Steve Carell as David Sheff:
- Classic Button-Down Shirts: Often seen in solid colors or simple patterns, these are a staple in David’s wardrobe.
- Straight-Legged Denim: Comfortable and practical, he prefers them in darker washes.
- Neutral Knit Sweaters: Ideal for layering, these sweaters add depth to his outfits.
- Sensible Shoes: Think loafers or comfortable boots, nothing flashy.
Dress like Maura Tierney as Karen Barbour
The character of Karen Barbour, played by Maura Tierney, is the epitome of understated elegance. Her style is practical, yet feminine, featuring an array of skirts, blouses, and dresses. Here’s how to dress like Maura Tierney as Karen Barbour:
- Midi Skirts: These are a staple in her wardrobe, often paired with a simple blouse.
- Wrap Dresses: Flattering and versatile, Karen often opts for these in neutral tones.
- Classic Pumps: A pair of black or nude pumps are her go-to footwear.
- Delicate Jewelry: Karen’s accessories are minimal and tasteful, complementing her outfits rather than overpowering them.
Jack Dylan Grazer as Nic Sheff (12 Years Old)
The young Nic Sheff’s wardrobe is a reflection of his innocence and naivety. His outfits are casual, comfortable, and youthful. Here’s how to dress like Jack Dylan Grazer as Nic Sheff:
- Graphic T-Shirts: These are a staple in Nic’s wardrobe, often featuring bands or cartoon characters.
- Baggy Jeans: Comfortable and practical, they reflect his carefree nature.
- Sneakers: Always on the go, Nic prefers practical footwear like sneakers.
- Hoodies and Jackets: Layering is key to Nic’s style, with hoodies and jackets adding an element of coolness.
Oakley Bull as Daisy Sheff
Daisy Sheff’s style is playful, bright, and epitomizes childhood innocence. Her outfits are simple but colorful. Here’s how to dress like Oakley Bull as Daisy Sheff:
- Bright Colored Dresses: Daisy is often seen in colorful dresses with playful patterns.
- Cute Accessories: Think hair bows, colorful socks, and fun backpacks.
- Comfortable Shoes: Daisy prefers practical footwear like sneakers or Mary Janes.
Christian Convery as Jasper Sheff
Jasper Sheff’s style is casual, comfortable, and reflects the simplicity of childhood. His outfits are easy to wear and practical, with a focus on comfort. Here’s how to dress like Christian Convery as Jasper Sheff:
- Casual T-shirts: Jasper’s wardrobe mostly consists of simple t-shirts in solid colors.
- Cargo Shorts: Practical and comfortable, these are a staple in his wardrobe.
- Sneakers: Like his sister, Jasper prefers practical footwear like sneakers.
Timothée Chalamet as Nic Sheff
The older Nic Sheff’s style reflects his troubled journey. His outfits are darker, grungier, and reflect his internal turmoil. Here’s how to dress like Timothée Chalamet as Nic Sheff:
- Dark Colored Shirts: Nic’s wardrobe features darker colors, reflecting his internal struggles.
- Ripped Jeans: These symbolize his rebellious nature and the turmoil he’s experiencing.
- Leather Jackets: Adding an edge to his outfits, these jackets are a staple in his wardrobe.
- Boots: Practical and sturdy, Nic often opts for boots as his footwear of choice.
Amy Aquino as Annie Goldblum
Dr. Annie Goldblum’s style is professional, yet approachable. Her outfits reflect her role as a guiding light in the Sheff family’s life. Here’s how to dress like Amy Aquino as Annie Goldblum:
- Structured Blazers: These are a staple in her wardrobe, reflecting her professional role.
- Smart Trousers: Comfortable and practical, these are often paired with blazers.
- Classic Pumps: Annie opts for practical yet stylish footwear like pumps.
- Minimal Jewelry: Her accessories are simple and tasteful, complementing her outfits rather than overpowering them.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions inspired by ‘Beautiful Boy (2018)’
Now that we’ve broken down each character’s style, let’s explore how these elements can be adapted to different occasions.
- Casual Outing: Take inspiration from the young Nic Sheff’s wardrobe. Opt for graphic tees, baggy jeans, and comfortable sneakers.
- Work Attire: Dr. Annie Goldblum’s style offers excellent inspiration. Pair a structured blazer with smart trousers and classic pumps.
- Date Night: Karen Barbour’s style is perfect for this. Opt for a flattering wrap dress and pair it with classic pumps.
- Family Gathering: David Sheff’s style is ideal for this occasion. A classic button-down shirt paired with straight-legged denim and sensible shoes is a safe bet.
How to Get the ‘Beautiful Boy’ Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
Getting the ‘Beautiful Boy’ look isn’t as difficult as it might seem. With the right guidance and a keen eye for detail, you can incorporate elements of the film’s aesthetic into your everyday style. Here’s a summary of the key outfits and where to buy them:
- Classic Button-Down Shirts: Major retailers like Uniqlo, Gap, and Zara offer a wide selection.
- Straight-Legged Denim: Levi’s, American Eagle, and Wrangler are great options.
- Neutral Knit Sweaters: Check out H&M, Mango, and ASOS for a variety of styles.
- Midi Skirts & Wrap Dresses: Zara, H&M, and Topshop offer a wide range of choices.
- Graphic Tees & Baggy Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Pull & Bear, and Hot Topic are excellent sources.
- Bright Colored Dresses & Cute Accessories: Try children’s wear brands like Carter’s, Gap Kids, and Zara Kids.
Incorporating ‘Beautiful Boy’ Style Elements into Daily Wear
Incorporating ‘Beautiful Boy’ style elements into your daily wear is all about subtlety and personal interpretation. Here are some tips:
- Adapt According to Your Style: Take inspiration from the characters but adapt it to your personal style.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix elements from different characters’ wardrobes.
- Comfort is Key: Most characters in ‘Beautiful Boy’ opt for comfort, and so should you.
- Less is More: The film’s aesthetic is about understated elegance, so avoid going overboard with accessories.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of ‘Beautiful Boy’ on Fashion
‘Beautiful Boy’, while primarily a tale about addiction and family, is also a testament to the power of fashion in storytelling. The character’s wardrobes, though understated, are instrumental in their character development and the overall narrative, proving that style in cinema is more than just aesthetics.
By incorporating elements from the film’s wardrobe into your daily wear, not only do you pay homage to this cinematic masterpiece, but also enrich your style with a touch of cinematic elegance. With this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the ‘Beautiful Boy’ aesthetic. And remember, fashion is about self-expression, so don’t be afraid to put your unique spin on these outfits.
Excited to try out these looks? Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
