Welcome to Dressing For Dread, a style analysis focusing on key characters in horror films.
We all know Maxine Minx wants the good life. We know the hardships and nightmares she survived in X to get where she is now in MAXXXINE. Even though she’s in sunny Los Angeles, her world is still bleak and cutthroat. She’s still fighting for the life she deserves, but with a new, improved approach. No longer a brunette, her blonde hair further separates her from the past she’s hellbent on forgetting. But a darkness clings to Maxine, one that she can’t entirely shake off. As she transitions from survivor to thriver, so too does her look evolve from carefree 70’s to hardened 80’s.
Speculation
There’s a definite separation between Maxine and her work. She’s not living the life of an adult film star as one would imagine. It is merely a job to her, a means to an end. She’s not partying, shopping, or wasting her time with dating. She has a goal and her drive is unmatched. She understands her appearance is an asset to her work and she understands how to sell an illusion. She dresses to allure, whether it’s for a shoot, a shift at the peepshow, or an audition. It’s a uniform, not her personality.
When off-the-clock, her style deflects. It represents her tough, no-bullshit attitude. This grit doesn’t diminish her beauty. It’s simply her subconscious intention to live authentically. She doesn’t feel soft or demure, so why would she dress like it? Because she’s so confident in her body and her personal style, she gives off a laid-back energy you wouldn’t find in a corporate worker or homemaker. This down to earth impression comes through with her signature bomber jacket.
This satiny jacket appears to be an old varsity jacket from Maxine’s adolescence. On her right sleeve, there is cursive embroidery that includes the “’65-’67.” This would be the same year Maxine was in high school, as indicated by the yearbook page left by Kevin Bacon’s character. This is an item from her past that she refuses to let go of. It’s a grounding reminder of her youth, something she feels tugging away from her. It’s also tangible, irrefutable proof of her evolution. One thing I personally enjoy about the usage of the bomber jacket is the versatility Maxine sees in it. She’s not concerned with it matching or clashing with her outfit. Its practicality and familiarity overrides all of that for her. She does not have fucks to give and it shows.
Style
Maxine Minx wears basics with an edge. Black, white, denim, and pops of primary colors make up her uncomplicated but stylish wardrobe. Her closet is more experimental with fabrics and textures than color or silhouettes. Her style leans more towards a rock vibe without being performative. In an interview with PAPER magazine, costume designer Mari-An Ceo stated that the gold skull necklace Maxine wears is a direct nod to Debbie Harry of Blondie, who wore the same type of necklace back in the day. Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders also inspired her look.
Maxine is a t-shirt and jeans woman at heart. If it’s cold out, she’ll throw on her trusty green bomber jacket. While at work or hitting the town, she gravitates towards shimmery fabrics and black. We don’t see her wearing soft, muted tones unless she’s at home, where she is most vulnerable. There she’s relaxed and stripped down to a simple off-shoulder sweatshirt or t-shirt and terry shorts. Ceo told Fashionista that Maxine’s ‘Oui’ t-shirt was actually a personal Easter egg, as the designer thrifted one just like it as a kid. Considering Oui was a 1970’s gentleman’s magazine, her father was mortified at her discovery. Maxine’s shoes are generally slouched boots with stiletto heels, lending a lingering lethalness to her look. However, if there is an impromptu chase scene through the backlot, she wears white trainers. Her hair is very much a part of her look. It’s bleached, permed, and accents every look she goes for. It’s the main transitionary element for grounding her in the decade. Her twisted, gold hoop earrings are also on par with the time period. She wears a petite gold watch on her right wrist. Her nails are unpainted. She wears layered gold chain necklaces and her fondness for old Hollywood glamor is noted in her cat-eye sunglasses.
Key Scenes
This all-denim look was to establish a link between the previous films in the X trilogy, namely the denim overalls worn by both Maxine and Pearl.
Maxine’s club outfit hits all her trademarks: heeled boots, shimmery fabric, and a little bit of edge in the form of her airbrushed “bandit” mask. She knows a bit of evil is going down.
Even in the end, Maxine stays true to her style. According to Ceo, this look was very much inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer in SCARFACE.
Guide
To dress like Maxine, you’ll want to keep it basic with just a dash of glitz. Look for a killer pair of vintage (or vintage-inspired) jeans. Acid or light-washed preferred. You can opt for skinny or straight, though straight is more flattering on most. A slub/muscle tee is going to give you an effortless cool look. You can either purchase one or alter an oversized crewneck tee. One black and one white should do the trick. Hunt down a little black dress (or mini skirt), one that has a silver shimmer to the fabric or cutout panels. Look for booties and pumps with an angled toe and neutral hue. If they’re slouchy and matte, even better. A shimmery accessory like a bag or clutch also reads Maxine. Of course, keep your eyes peeled for a vibrant jewel-tone bomber jacket with a satin finish. Remember, you’re not thrifting for an 80’s night costume. You’re looking for someone’s realistic closet from over 40 years ago.
Acid-Wash Jeans
Leather Trousers
Neutral Slub Tees
LBD with Cutout Design
Sparkly Black Mini Skirt
Jewel-Tone Bomber Jacket
Pointed Booties/Pumps
Big, Twisted Gold Hoops
Bonus: All-Denim Ensemble
The costume designer for MAXXXINE was Mari-An Ceo.
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