The Unforgettable Fashion of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, in GIFs
Meet the Montagues
After the film’s dramatic introduction, the first characters we meet are the Montague boys—all of whom are wearing their usual brightly colored Hawaiian shirts as they drive in Benvolio’s bright-yellow convertible, yelling at anyone who’ll listen. Sunglasses, neck chains, dyed hair—it’s a pretty distinct look. One that certainly sets them apart from their more dour enemies.
Cower Before the Capulets
Juliet’s family is a little more. . . intense. You can see that from their super-serious black-and-red clothing, which is surely not meant to symbolize anything at all.
Wherefore Art Thou, Romeo?
Ah, Romeo. From the first time we see our romantic hero, he sticks out from his family. He’s got a suit on, though it’s a bit disheveled. His hair falls into his eyes as he quietly smokes a cigarette and writes in a journal. We can tell from the start that this kid’s deep. And he certainly shouldn’t be lumped in with his rambunctious family.
It Is the East, and Juliet Is the Sun
The first time we meet Juliet, she’s actually got her head under water. But once she’s done getting ready for her parents’ party, the first outfit we see her in is an angel costume—all white. Symbolic, much? Juliet’s costume choice is a huge departure from the Capulets’ usual black garments, and a direct opposite to Tybalt himself at the party—since he dresses up as the devil. Once again, the clear message here is that this girl is an entity completely separate from her family.
Mercutio the Magnificent
Oh, Mercutio. Ever the life of the party, Mercutio is one of Romeo’s best friends. When we first meet him, he’s dressed up as a woman. As he incessantly jokes around and hands Romeo a pill to pop, Mercutio quickly proves himself a prankish bender of rules, as well as a passionate orator.
Star-Crossed Lovers from Across the Fish Tank
When Romeo and Juliet first meet, they’re in costume. She’s an angel, and he’s a knight. Both represent virtue, and both look stunning—especially through a classy tropical-fish tank.
Tybalt Is Trouble
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Tybalt showed up to a costume party dressed as the devil. Time and time again, he establishes himself as the character who refuses peace. And in the end, it spells his undoing.
Ground Control to Major Paul
Did you remember that Paul Rudd was in this movie? Because we definitely forgot. Yep, he plays Paris—the competing love interest vying for Juliet’s heart. That effort’s futile, of course, and we knew it even from their first meeting. How? Well, her face kind of says it all, doesn’t it? For all the costumes we see our core characters wearing, one sticks out like a sore thumb—and, sorry, Paul, it’s definitely his.
Peace, Peace, Mercutio
Poor Mercutio. He got all wrapped up in Romeo’s fight. He wears a lot of white in this movie, perhaps to symbolize his innocence. (Or maybe he just wants to keep cool in that relentless sun.) Either way, when he finally dies from a stab wound to the gut, the blood is easy to see—and it’s hard to blame him as he shouts, “A plague on both your houses!”
Juliet’s First Wedding Dress
As she prepares to secretly marry Romeo, Juliet chooses a somewhat retro look, with a high neckline and old-fashioned buttons. It’s stark, as you’d expect from a wedding funded by two teenagers—but it gets the job done beautifully.
Romeo’s Floral-Printed Tie
Romeo’s nuptial look is . . . not so classic, but definitely should have inspired a trend. Look at that fabulous tie! Seriously, why does everyone not wear one of these every single day?
Paris’s Criminally Classic Look
One of the main reasons Juliet probably despaired at the idea of marrying Paris? Check out that tie! Have you ever seen a more classic look in your life? To most, that might be a good thing—but to Juliet, that’s probably a deal-breaking sign of poor imagination.
Juliet Becomes Cher from Clueless
On the bright side, Luhrmann did give us a hint at what these two would look like together—as he dressed Juliet up in her best “Cher” outfit from Clueless. Coincidence? Maybe. But you have to admit, it’s a pretty uncanny resemblance, considering the movies came out just over a year apart.
Juliet’s Second Wedding Dress
This time, she got a veil—a serious, serious veil. Also, long sleeves. Looks pretty cozy—almost like a night gown! As a wedding dress? It’s O.K. As a dress to be buried in? A-plus.
Romeo’s Outcast Look
There’s nothing worse than finding out that the love of your life has died, and having to mourn in a Hawaiian shirt. Then again, Romeo makes it look pretty good.
