While the standards for a good TV show or movie primarily depend on things like an enticing plot and on-screen chemistry, the costume design carries a lot more importance than an average viewer might think. Each character’s clothing communicates the essence of their personality to the audience and often hints at hidden meanings. Whether it was the designers’ intent or not, even detailed choices in costume can lead to a larger conversation and discussions surrounding the plot. Just look at Portia in the second season of The White Lotus, whose quirky and questionable style has become highly debated across platforms from Twitter to Vogue. And when Alicent Hightower stepped into Rhaenyra Targaryen’s wedding in the first season of House of the Dragon, she was wearing a striking emerald-green gown, which viewers were quick to decode as an act of war.
Costume choices also have an impact on how characters’ legacies are carried on to future audiences. There’s a reason even in 2022, fashion folks are still making wardrobe references to Rachel Green and Dionne Davenport. There’s more to great entertainment than A+ actors and an intriguing script.
From the ’90s and Y2K inspiration in Do Revenge to the decadent Regency looks in Bridgerton, keep scrolling to see the best on-screen moments of the year. End scene.
