The first time I saw “Heathers”, I thought it was about a clique of girls named Heather.
What I didn’t know was that Winona Ryder as Veronica Sawyer along with her boyfriend, J.D., played by Christian Slater kills off the popular kids one by one. Yes you read that right, kills.
The movie left me feeling kind of shocked and burnt out, sort of like Ryder walking out of her high school covered in explosion debris.
But, with movie feelings aside, let’s talk about Ryder’s wardrobe.
“Heathers” came out in 1988 and while it was the late ‘80s, the era’s style still lived strong. Ryder had the ability to combine masculine elements with feminine pieces to create a look that was girly but had a touch of bossiness to it. Just like Sawyer herself.
Ryder’s typical Sawyer staple was the blazer, over-the-top shoulder pads included. Call the blazer black, gray or patterned, Ryder had it and sported it in the film. Along with the blazer, Ryder paired it with a button-up blouse and a corresponding skirt. There was normally a colored pair of tights as well.
Ryder’s more feminine looks came in the form of flirtier pieces.
The outfit Ryder wears as Sawyer to her first, big high school party includes a black skirt with suspender straps paired with an off the shoulder gray sweater. The ensemble is finished with bright lipstick and a brooch piece in the center of the sweater.
Another feminine outfit includes a black, lace crop top paired with a blue ruffled skirt. Ryder includes black tights and a gray sweater to finish it off.
While Ryder’s Sawyer style is very 80s influenced, bits and pieces can easily inspire a modern outfit.
Owning a good blazer is a closet essential, so let Ryder inspire you, but steer clear of the shoulder pads. Also, most blazers in the 80s were worn oversized, so instead, look for something that’s flattering and fits to your body shape. Bright colors are an option, but starting with classic black allows for more mixing and matching opportunities.
Ryder’s use of lace crop tops and off the shoulder sweaters can also make their way into your closet.
Those feminine pieces can be worn with high waisted skirts or pants to make a modern night out look.
Include Ryder’s typical accessories of tights, steer clear of bright colors though and just stick with black, and brooches. These are super 80s but will make a great conversation piece, and you’re Sawyer inspired.
Let’s just hope your “Heathers” outfit stays explosion-free.
Style Archives- Winona Ryder in “Heathers”
October 14, 2014