Welcome to Dressing For Dread, a style analysis focusing on key characters in horror films.
Somewhere between THE CRAFT and JENNIFER’S BODY lies GINGER SNAPS, the angstiest werewolf film ever made. Karen Walton and John Fawcett’s story effectively compares the onset of menstruation to transforming into a werewolf during a full moon. The tone is both serious and satirical, but what makes it horrifying is that it’s happening to a teenage girl who is already at war with the world. Ginger’s experience with puberty is the least of everyone’s worries as the werewolf curse overtakes her. Instead of fighting these changes, Ginger gives into the beast and lets it lead her away from a version of herself that was all bark and no bite. From detesting intimacy to craving flesh, Ginger begins to have a shift in intentions, but not style. Ginger’s wardrobe metamorphizes with her, waning and waxing thread count in tune with her cycle.
Speculation
“I mean, kill yourself to be different and your own body screws you.”
Ginger Fitzgerald is obsessed with death. She and her younger sister Brigette have an unshakeable bond over the subject. They’ve yet to experience a rift in their relationship until Ginger gets her first period. She’s angry, irritated, and grossed out. More than anything, Ginger is frightened of what’s happening to her. She’s scared of becoming just like everyone else. But she’s not supposed to be scared of anything. She’s tough, unique, and will gladly destroy anyone who messes with her or her sister. But this is nothing more than violent daydreaming until she herself is bitten by a werewolf. Once this happens, she now has the audacity to act upon her impulses and nothing can hold her back.
Before her curse, Ginger looked upon boys with disdain. She covers her chest when she catches them staring and returns a middle finger in their direction. She’s vocal about shaming other girls who pine for male attention. But it’s a precarious balance for Ginger. She wants to be protective of her sister, so she’ll insult any man who gives Brigette too long of a look. On the other hand, she is also wanting that same attention without Brigette noticing. No matter how disinterested or pissed off, she simply can’t fight biology. Ginger isn’t one of those fresh young women beaming at the world. She’s first seen cocooned in a roomy knit cardigan, a midi skirt, and knee socks. She dresses to fight conformity, to look as anti-social as she feels. We see this exemplified again during a gym class scene, where the other teens are dressed in light gray sweatsuits with zero adornments. The Fitzgerald sisters? They wouldn’t be caught dead in the standard uniform looking like every other girl. They opt for cardigans, hoodies, and to keep their bird skull necklaces on.
Of course, once Ginger is transformed, her intention shifts to attract the attention of her preferred prey (boys.) With sex hormones and a lycanthrope virus coursing through her, the desire to be seen is overwhelming. We see her shed some layers, reaching for tighter fitting tops and skirts instead of heavy, loose garments. Her stomach peeks out from cropped tees and cardigans as she becomes comfortable under the weight of the male gaze. Mistaking predatory instinct for newfound confidence and lust, Ginger lives in denial that her transformation is shattering the identity so closely linked to her sister.
Style
Both Ginger and Brigette dress to match their attitudes: stay away, don’t look at me, and fuck off. With influences from grunge and goth culminating into a Canadian brand of school girl alternative, their attire is best described as subversive, feminine, and macabre. Vintage shoes and nylon slips paired with oversized sweaters is both purposeful and comfortable. Trainers and skirts and winter coats blur together effortlessly. It’s an accessible style, meaning they don’t spend an inordinate amount of time making or sourcing their clothing from specialty stores like youth does today. According to an interview from Den of Geek, costume designer Lea Carlson sourced Ginger’s outfits from thrift stores.
Ginger gravitates towards the darker, bruised colors on the wheel: purple, green, blue, maroon, gray, and black. She doesn’t have a singular silhouette that she sticks to, but does enjoy layering similar pieces on top of each other. Knitwear is a frequent player in her closet, along with velvet fabric. When it’s cold, she prefers a cardigan or hoodie over a sweater. Ginger has multiple coats to throw on depending on her mood, usually a plaid overcoat or trench. Warmer days call for a fitted 3/4-sleeve top paired with a midi skirt or capris. After her transformation, she rocks a cropped cardigan or baby tank. No matter the temperature, she’s always wearing her black necklaces, bone rings, and silver captive hoop earrings. Her hair is always worn down and she doesn’t style it, keeping it natural and disheveled. She wears basic eye makeup in the form of eyeliner and mascara. Her nails are kept nude. Trainers are must for gym class, but otherwise she’ll rock knee-high lace up boots or block heel Mary Janes.
Key Scenes
Nearly twins, Ginger and Brigette are united in their styles and attitudes. Both Fitzgerald sisters love the feeling of a baggy cardigan, pleated skirt, and lank hair.
Approaching ovulation and post-werewolf attack, Ginger is trying out being the center of attention. In an outfit that shows every curve, she’s relishing the power trip of being sexually perceived.
This is the last moment of vulnerability Ginger can muster before her transformation into a beast is completed. Even as she grows more grotesque with fangs and claws, her confidence (and blood lust) is towering.
Guide
To dress like Ginger, you’ll need to learn the art of layering. Cardigans on cardigans, slips under skirts, multiple necklaces and doubled-tshirts are the way to go. You’ll want a little bit of leg showing by opting for midi-length skirts. If it’s chilly or you don’t have the patience to shave that day, pair it with leggings or knee socks in a complimentary color. The skirts can be pleated or form-fitting, depending on your mood. Square neck tops showcase both your choker and collar bones. On the coldest of days, there’s nothing wrong with rocking a pair of straight-leg jeans and a chunky black turtleneck. Vintage boots add a flair to any outfit. What will make you stand out is your choice of accessories. Bird skulls, bone fragments, and silver wire all make for morbid statement jewelry.
Oversize Knit Cardigans
Plaid + Velvet Midi Skirts
Cropped Long-Sleeves
Nylon Slips
Bone Jewelry
Black Leggings
Knee Socks
Victorian-Inspired Boots + Heels
The costume designer for GINGER SNAPS was Lea Carlson.
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