Jane Eyre's Iconic Gothic Costume and Fashion Sense

Jane Eyre's Iconic Gothic Style

The character of Jane Eyre, from the classic 1847 novel by Charlotte Brontë, is one of the most iconic in all of English literature. With her quiet strength, fierce intelligence, and rejection of society's expectations for women, Jane has captured readers' imaginations for over 175 years.

One key element of Jane Eyre's character is her distinctive fashion sense, which reflects her individualism and subtle Gothic flair. As costume designers have interpreted Jane's look over the years, they have created some truly unforgettable ensembles that evoke the mystery and emotional intensity of Brontë's beloved novel.

The Simple Silhouette of Jane's Wardrobe

In the novel, Jane Eyre is described as wearing simple, unadorned gowns of black, grey, or brown. Her clothes reflect her position as a governess - neither a servant, nor a member of the wealthy Rochester household where she works. Jane spurns brightly-colored silks and ornate trim, keeping to a modest wardrobe that allows her to fade quietly into the background.

This understated clothing mirrors Jane's self-possessed personality. She does not dress to impress Mr. Rochester or anyone else. Her wardrobe allows her to go about her duties as governess without attracting attention. The silhouette of Jane's outfits emphasizes functionality rather than flashy aesthetics.

Cues from the Gothic Genre

While Jane's clothing is simple, it incorporates elements of the Gothic aesthetic that aligns with the genre of Brontë's novel. Her black dresses hint at the darkness within Thornfield Hall. Their stark color symbolizes the secrets kept behind closed doors.

Hints of white at Jane's collar and cuffs allow her to literally "ghost" through shadowy corridors. This echos the Gothic theme of the haunted manor house. By using Jane's wardrobe to hint at supernatural undercurrents, Brontë reflects the Gothic influence on her literary masterpiece.

The Red Room's Passionate Palette

A pivotal scene occurs when young Jane is locked in the manor's mysterious "Red Room" as punishment. This color symbolizes the passion and intensity kept suppressed by Jane's severe guardian, Mrs. Reed. The vivid crimson hue lingers as a motif throughout the novel.

When Jane ultimately marries Rochester, she shifts from her signature black and grey dresses into a fiery red gown. This references the Red Room scene from her childhood. The palette suggests that Jane has come into her full power, no longer containing the passions of her true self.

Iconic Costume Designs from Adaptations

Many film and TV adaptations of Jane Eyre have taken inspiration from Brontë's Gothic imagery when designing costumes. These interpretations capture the essence of Jane's rebel spirit through the use of color, texture, and symbology.

Orson Welles' 1943 Gothic Noir

The 1943 adaptation emphasizes the supernatural atmosphere described in Brontë's novel. Costume designer Aline Bernstein dresses Jane in haunting, romantic silhouettes that channel vintage 1800s style.

Her grey wool dress features subtle white accents, with a tie at the collar inspired by sailor suits. This introduces a subtle nautical motif that connects to Rochester's hidden history involving the sea.

The 1970s Mini-Series

A popular British mini-series released in 1970 takes a more realistic approach to Jane's wardrobe. Costume designer Peter Rice focuses on creating historically accurate early Victorian garments.

Jane wears prim grey and lavender prints with muted plaids and florals characteristic of the 1840s. Crisp white collars and cuffs peek out from her dark wool overcoat. This refinement reflects the etiquette of Bronte's social milieu.

Fukunaga's 2011 Romantic Heroine

Director Cary Fukunaga's 2011 film interprets Jane Eyre as a sweeping Victorian romance. Costume designer Michael O'Connor conceptualizes stunning couture creations that transform Jane into a Byronic heroine.

Her outfits incorporate lush textures like silk velvet and cashmere wool, trimmed with delicate lace and pleating for drama. Deep crimson, wine, and inky blue replace Jane's sober grey and black palette, underscoring the story's passionate themes.

Reimagining a Literature Icon

Jane Eyre's modest but evocative wardrobe is an integral part of her identity as one of literature's most ingenious female protagonists. Costume designers continue to find inventive ways to reinterpret her style for 21st century audiences.

Whether keeping to a realistic 1840s silhouette or taking liberties with lavish textures and colors, each adaptation pays homage to Jane's fiercely independent spirit. Her subtle wardrobe allows this indomitable personality to take center stage.

Over 170 years after readers first encountered Jane Eyre, she remains a source of inspiration. Her bold individualism and rejection of societal expectations make her a relatable icon. Each creative reimagining of her Gothic-inspired style only reinforces Jane's timeless appeal across ages and genres.

FAQs

What color is Jane Eyre's dress?

In the novel, Jane Eyre wears simple dresses in dark colors like black, grey, and brown. Her modest, understated clothing reflects her position as a governess in a wealthy household. But costume designers sometimes take creative liberties and dress Jane in more colorful ensembles with reds, blues, and rich textures.

What is the significance of the color red to Jane's story?

A pivotal scene occurs when young Jane is locked in the Thornfield's "Red Room." This color symbolizes the passion and intensity suppressed during Jane's strict upbringing. When Jane marries Rochester, she shifts out of her usual grey and black into fiery red, suggesting she has embraced her true passionate self.

Why is Jane's wardrobe considered Gothic?

While functionally modest, Jane's wardrobe incorporates symbolic elements of the Gothic aesthetic that aligns with the genre of Charlotte Brontë's novel. Hints of white allow Jane to "ghost" along shadowy corridors, while her stark black dresses hint at Thornfield Hall's darkness and mystery.

How have costumes in adaptations reimagined Jane's look?

Many film and TV versions have taken creative license when designing Jane's costumes. While some focus on historical accuracy to the 1840s, others interpret her story as a sweeping Victorian romance. Rich velvets, silks, and vivid colors transform Jane into a passionate Byronic heroine.

Why do Jane Eyre’s costumes remain iconic after 175 years?

As an ingenious and fiercely independent female protagonist, Jane Eyre has captured readers' imaginations for over 175 years. Costume designers continue finding inventive ways to reinterpret her subtle yet Gothic-inspired style for modern audiences. Her bold character remains relatable across ages.