Fashioning Frankenstein
Most stylish Frankenstein adaptations
When it comes to stylish monsters, vampires have usually hogged the spotlight - dangerous, suave, and effortlessly chic, whether they’re sporting a cape or a leather jacket. But maybe it’s time to give a bit of fashion credit to another member of the undead. Though he’s rarely suave or chic, Frankenstein’s monster has starred in some seriously stylish adaptations since the 1930s.
Frankenstein (1931)
The first (surviving) feature film based on Mary Shelly’s novel, the 1930s adaptation is an undeniable classic. Boris Karloff’s striking performence as the silent creature and the iconic ‘It’s Alive!’ is enough to make this version remarkable, but to top it off, Elizabeth’s (Mae Clark) wedding outfit is spectacular. The lace sleeves and long veil are simply percfect. If one day you see me get married in a julliet cap veil, you’ll know why.
The Bride of Frankenstein
So simple, yet so iconic. If you’re reading this while still deciding on a last minute Halloween costume, it doesn’t get easier than the Bride of Frankenstein. Despite having only about three minutes of screentime, her costume is instantly recognisable. And yet again, Elizabeth (replaced by Valerie Hobson) sports some stunningly dramatic looks and we even get an introduction from a very stylish Mary Shelly.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Is Rocky Horror Picture Show being on this list at all surprising? One of the most iconic films of all time and a favourite go-to Halloween costume, there is nothing bad I can say about this feaver dream of film. You know it’s truly iconic when any of the below costumes are instantly recognisable
Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein / Flesh for Frankenstein
Advertised as the gorriest, sexiest, wildest Frankenstein ever filmed, Flesh for Frankenstein is a psychosexual nightmare, and not one to watch with your parents. Amid the bizarre sexual imagery and the relentless oozing of fake blood from every conceivable crevice, the film has some moments of true beauty. The creatures, tighly laced in medical corsets, look straight out of Meisel’s Makeover Madness. Feels like Rocky Horror’s weird (somehow even campier?!) cousin, but doesn’t quite reach the same heights.
Edward Scissorhands
Altough not a direct Frankenstein adaptation, between the candy-coloured American suburbia and Johny Depp’s (boooooo!!!🍅🍅🍅) performance as a brooding Frankenstein-esque unfinished humanoid, Edward Scissorhands is a film I could rewatch endlessly. I adore Edward’s leather daddy attire and bird-nest hair against the brightly costumed locals and their perfectly manicured gardens. Kim’s (Winora Ryder) simple clothes, and especially her white dress, diferentate her from her garish neighbours while also creating a stark contrast between her and Edward. Perfect for a couple’s costume.
Poor Things
If you allow me to admit something controversial, I didn’t love Poor Thing. In fact, I didn’t like it all. I left the cinema dissapointed. On paper, it seemed like my perfect film and I went into it with very high expectations, but unfortunately the story just fell flat for me. However, the film’s costumes are undoubtly fantastic (and, along with the often theatre-esque set design, are the film’s main strong point in my opinion). Altough only loosely historically inspired, the costumes do an amazing job of portraying Bella’s (Emma Stone) journey on discovering herself and maturing. From frills and missing trousers to more elegant and subdued silhouetes, the costumes play with historical references, incorporating huge leg-of-mutton sleeves, crinolines and bloomers-like shorts, while mapping out Bella’s developing identity.
Frankenstein (2025)
From Victor’s mother’s first all-red outfit, with a crimson veil dramatically billowing against the colourless estate, the outfits in Frankenstein (2025) did not dissapoint. Mia Goth, as always, looks amazing in a bonnet (I’m so glad that directors are slowly warming up to bonnets in period films!!), but I would have been happy if they spared Oscar Isaac from that god-awful Robin Hood hat. Elizabeth’s costumes are an absolute standout, with my favourites being her outfit when she first has dinner with Victor - the feather headpiece is gorgeous - and her first time meeting the Creature in a fluorescent turquoise veil, which glitters like one of her favourite insects. Altough Mia Goth’s outfits defnitely stole the show, the Creature’s design also deserves praise - from the amazing prostethics to the mountain of clothes with which he wraps himself in, collecting his wardrobe as he journeys through the world and discovers his identity.
Across the myriad of Frankenstein adaptations over the decades, the Creature and his creator have evolved - and their wardrobes along with them. Although they may never be as stylish as vampires, they’re certainly starting to give them a run for their money.
Did I miss your favorite Frankenstein adaptation? Let me know - and happy Halloween! 🎃