Villain Inspo
Some of the most loved film characters are those who are pure evil. Perhaps it’s their edgier outfit choices. We take inspiration from our favourite baddies for some killer looks.
Queen of Hearts Alice In Wonderland
Is there a villain with a better catchphrase as "off with their heads"? No, not yet. The Queen of Hearts has been memorialised many times in many interpretations of Alice in Wonderland, but she has always donned heart patterned garments.
Take style inspiration from her by embracing pattern. Red and pink are worn less during autumn so why not surprise everyone?
Instead of replicating a Victorian dress, wear heart patterned cosy jumpers and fluffy socks.
1 BOOHOO Heart Print Cropped Cardigan €18, visit ie.boohoo.com
2 OMDIVA Queen of Hearts Earrings €20, visit omdivaboutique.com
3 ZALANDO Happy Socks Hearts 2 Pack Socks €20, visit zalando.ie
Catherine Tramell BASIC INSTINCT
In the interrogation scene burned into everyone’s memory from Basic Instinct, Catherine Tramell's most iconic costume is her sexy white dress. The film follows detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) of the San Francisco Police Department as he investigates the gruesome death of a wealthy rock singer.
Curran develops a tumultuous and emotional relationship with the lead suspect, Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), an enigmatic writer, during the inquiry. Actress Sharon Stone's unexpected femme fatale white attire (and lack of attire in one scene) catapulted this villain to a pop culture reference moment. To get this 90s minimalist aesthetic, wear soft fabrics, neutral tones, knitwear, and leggings.
Be sensual yet classy. Subtle but deadly. Undergarments optional!
1 M&S COLLECTION So Touch Knitted Belted Midi Jumper Dress €50, visit marksandspencer.ie
2 AUTOGRAPH Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Cardi €129, visit marksandspencer.ie
3 M&S COLLECTION Stiletto Heel Pointed Court Shoes €35, visit marksandspencer.ie
4 ZARA Double Hoop Earrings €13.95, visit zara.com
Velma Kelly CHICAGO
Femme fatale Velma Kelly from jazz hands musical Chicago has showgirl style suitable for vaudeville, romantic evenings.
Kelly is a nightclub singer/ vaudevillian who, while on tour, comes upon her sister Veronica and her husband Charlie getting up close and personal. She allegedly kills them both (though she denies remembering it).
In her words, "He had it coming". Velma Kelly is played by Catherine Zeta- Jones in the 2002 film adaptation of the musical. Her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a BAFTA Film Award. We love the costumes.
1 BOUTIQUE Scallop Lace Body €36, visit marksandspencer.ie
2 RIVER ISLAND Black Wide Leg Jumpsuit €75, visit riverisland.ie
Debbie Jellinsky ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES
Feeling more pastel-y this autumn? Debbie Jellinsky makes committing mass murder glamourous in Addams Family Values when she marries Uncle Fester in an evil plan to murder him and inherit his fortune. It’s not her first time. She is a serial killer known as the Black Widow, infamous for murdering all of her ex-husbands and stealing their wealth.
Debbie is a cunning, clever, psychotic and manipulative seductress, with great dress sense.
In stark contrast to the gothic, spooky Addams Family, she enjoys silk headscarves, retro swing dresses, ostrich feather nightgowns and diamonds galore. She’s like a ballerina Barbie Doll with cunning intentions.
1 KAREN MILLEN Structured Crepe Bardot Pencil Dress €188, visit karenmillen.com
2 BOOHOO Plus Shaggy Faux Fur Jacket €42, visit ie.boohoo.com
3 ZARA Metal Belt With Rhinestone Appliqué €39.95, visit zara.com
4 KNIGHT AND DAY Arianna Necklace €36, visit carraigdonn.com
5 ZARA So T Shirt With Faux Pearls €17.95, visit zara.com
Wicked Witch of The West THE WIZARD OF OZ
As far as villains go, The Wicked Witch of The West is the height of pantomime cheesiness.
(Oh, no she’s not. Oh, yes she is!) Hell bent on coming after Dorothy who landed a house on her witch sister, she’s a stereotypical ugly, evil witch. She’s not regarded as a style icon by any means but incorporating witchy motifs around this spooky time of year is compulsory.
Go for subtle accessories
1 H&M Felt Hat €14.99, visit hm.com
2 ONLEMMA Cape €60, visit zalando.ie
3 VINTAGE MOTIFS Necklace €59, visit zalando.ie
Maleficent SLEEPING BEAUTY
Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty is one of Disney's most wicked villains. She is a fairy living in a magical forest with a melancholic backstory.
In Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent curses princess Aurora so that on her sixteenth birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall asleep forever. Despite her macabre traits, fans adore this evil fairy and her recognisable horned costume.
The colour scheme is black, plum and jade. The secret to pulling off this look is the correct attitude.
NEXT Rae Satin Bias Cut Midi Skirt €33, visit next.ie
CARVELA Strategy 2 Ankle Boot €170, visit arnotts.ie
Catwoman BATMAN
Fashionistas go catty over Catwoman in her many on-screen iterations. In 1992's Batman Returns, Michelle Pfeiffer played the character. Catwoman starred Halle Berry in 2004 and was played by Anne Hathaway in 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises.
Always in body hugging latex and leather, Catwoman is a burglar in the Batman comic and film universe. Her outfits (and matching bullwhip) are not safe office wear but can be tweaked for everyday comfort with a sexy edge. We’re excited to see Zoe Kravitz in The Batman, expected out in 2022, take on the feline role.
Images have surfaced of her donning leather trench coats, fishnets and lace-up boots. Meow!
ZARA High Heel Mesh Ankle Boots €49.95, visit zara.com
PENNEYS Black Halloween Lace Cat Ears Headband €2, visit Penneys
The Devil BEDAZZLED
Elizabeth Hurley steals the screen as a bombshell Devil (yes, Lucifer) in the 2000 remake of Bedazzled alongside Brendan Fraser.
Failing to get the girl of his dreams, geeky Elliot (Fraser) makes a deal with the Devil (Hurley) - his soul in exchange for seven wishes that should make his crush fall for him. Between pulling off devilish tricks, Liz sports a repertoire of bodycons, bikinis, leather jackets and furs.
NEXT Premium Chinos €15.50, visit next.ie
LIPSY Military Tailored Button Blazer €77, visit next.ie