The Fashion of the Final Girl: Horror Films Most Iconic Looks
The past five decades of horror films have given us some of cinema’s most iconic finals girls, and with that came iconic fashion moments. From Sally Hardesty’s bloody runaway in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to Sidney Prescott’s phone calls from Ghostface, the final girl has always been dressed to kill.
The fashion statements of the final girls in horror films have not only shaped the personality of the characters themselves but have impacted the fashion world by inspiring new trends that make their way into the mainstream. This year is no exception with both new and older girls being portrayed by thousands of Halloween costume participants.
Maxine Minx
The newest addition to the final girl list is Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) from Ti West’s 2022 horror film X. The film takes place in the late 70s in rural Texas and the style is heavily influenced by this. Her blue eyeshadow, cut-off overalls, and striped tube top have taken over social media with hundreds of TikTok videos and Pinterest ideas wearing her style since the film’s release this March. People have been getting creative with this look by bleaching their eyebrows and finding replicas of her outfit.
Sidney Prescott
If you are looking for the epitome of 90s teen fashion representation, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) from Wes Cravens's 1996 teen slasher classic Scream, has got it covered, (minus the blood-strained jacket). She wore what all 90s teens were wearing, which was usually denim and a t-shirt.
This simple look has not gone completely out of style after the 90s but has resurfaced recently because of thrift stores surging in popularity amongst Gen Z. This has allowed actual clothing pieces from this era to be worn again by the newest generations.
It may not be flashy and avant-garde, but it is memorable and can be easily imitated by a simple Google search or a trip to your local thrift store!
Laurie Strode
Continuing with a simple but iconic look is none other than the scream queen herself, Laurie Strode. Played by Jamie Lee Curtis, John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween Laurie sports a few different stylish 70s looks. Though, her most notable outfit is the blue button-up shirt and flared jeans, with a kitchen knife as her protective accessory. Even though her outfit eventually gets torn up as she fights off the indestructible Michael Myers, it’s nothing short of legendary.
Like Sydney Prescott, Laurie Strode was wearing what most girls in the 70s were wearing, and her outfit still became a signature look that was made into action figures, animation, and most importantly, Halloween costumes.
Nancy Thompson
Last but certainly not least is Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) from yet another Wes Craven classic, Nightmare on Elm Street. This 80s trailblazer of a final girl takes on nightmare-killer Freddy Kruger as he begins to kill each of her friends through their dreams.
From her pink sweater vest and button-down to her flower-embroidered pajamas, she always fights with a sophisticated and mature look. Almost forty years later, her style continues to trend in the latest fashions. Looks like this can be found in almost any thrift, retail, or department store because if the style’s growing popularity—especially during the fall season.
From the looks of it, each final girl has got a staple style that is essential to their character. Their fashion sense matches their ability to survive and it shows. Now, it’s almost impossible not to think who might be the next best horror movie’s final girl based on how good they look against their killer.
Which final girl look is your favorite? Leave a comment below.