Clothes Make the Character
"Clothes make the man." Mark Twain said it first, but it's also a quote from one of my favorite movies, Joe vs. the Volcano. That I love that movie probably tells you more about me than my clothing choices, but clothes are a big issue in who we are, and in who our characters are, too.
My characters are often basic jeans and tee-shirt people, as I am, though I think in romance fashion is as much a part of the fantasy as setting, careers, beautiful people, etc. However, not knowing a Chanel from a Milano (wait -- that's the Pepperidge Farm cookie, isn't it?... I meant the designer shoe guy...Manolo...yes), I am frequently challenged to dress my characters up. Honestly, how I get their clothes off in a book is usually more interesting than what they're wearing at the time.
It's difficult if I have to get any more descriptive than the basics in a book, so I usually search the internet looking for catalog descriptions of certain outfits so I can adequately describe an article of clothing. (When you do this for sexy lingerie, btw, you get some very interesting spam in the weeks afterward...)
In a Blaze I'm writing now (due out Oct 2009, a Halloween book, yay!), my heroine, who is a jeans and tee-shirt girl to her bones, ends up wearing exotic clothing from start to finish. It's been a little bit of a challenge, and while I don't have her wearing anything particularly designer-oriented, I did have to get more creative with her clothing than I have with other characters. She wears things like a cabaret-singer costume, a Greek Goddess dress (similar to the one here -- it took me an HOUR to find this one, which was really for the wig, but you get the idea on the dress), and a few other sexy clothes that are not her style -- or so she thinks. They definitely bring out different sides of her personality.
And that's the key I think -- using clothing like you use anything else in a book, to show changes in character. I realized that I do that quite often. It's a huge factor in a mainstream character I've been writing, how her fashion instincts are repressed under a wall of guilt and memory loss, and in books like Fascination, my first HotWires book for Blaze, I loved how Sage went from wearing plain black and white clothes at the start, to flowered dresses at the end, signaling a change in her character.
I think what we wear is definitely as much a part of who we are as anything else. And when we change our clothes, we can either bring out a different side to our personalities, or change our image altogether. Maybe we do it in such a way that we feel uncomfortable, or "not like ourselves." I think I've discovered, at this point in life, how to dress in a way that's always "me" but always appropriate to the situation, more or less. And I think that's why it's fun for me to explore character through clothes, too -- whether a character is hiding underneath sweats and hats, protecting themselves in some way with the hard armor of expensive fashion, or exposing their sexy side in hot lingerie, it's interesting to think about how "clothes make the man" (or the woman).
How do you think your clothes show who you are? Has your style changed over time? Or have you read a book (or written one) where clothes have been an issue or particularly important for the character? Share, and someone will win an early Halloween treat along with a book from my backlist. :)
Clothes are very important!
The office I work in is pretty casual. I could wear jeans daily and no one would mind. But I try to dress business casual because it makes me stay on my game (I give in on Fridays).
And if there is someone I have to meet with or a project I'm dreading, I'll dress up even more. Make it that touch more business and less casual.
I was invited to a client's open house this past weekend. What to wear, what to wear? I knew a lot of the carpenters would be there, too, and that they wouldn't even think about dressing up (although a few did surprise me). I finally opted for black dress pants and a black sweater that I don't typically wear to work. And I think I hit a happy medium.
I'm not a fancy lingerie sort but I do love reading about sexy lingerie.
ani
Yeah, that's what I mean
I get a kick out of reading about people in clothes I wouldn't personally wear, either, but it really can be part of the fantasy of the reading experience. I love the descriptions, though if someone refers to something by a designer name, it's really lost on me. I need description of the actual thing.
Kay Stockham had a wonderful book, His Son's Teacher, with an overweight heroine and clothes meant a lot in terms of how the heroine saw herself, and how the hero saw her, in that book...
Sam
I'm a fashion disaster
but that stems from two reasons.
1) I have very specific tastes on lines and colors matching body types and most of what is fashionable is designed for any body but mine.
2) I'm cheap, and the stuff I DO like tends to be super expensive. Or not, and I'm cheaper than I thought.
I have it easy, though, with characters. I live with a man who works in apparel. There's fashion stuff everywhere. He can tell me stores, fabrics, whats in, designers. He's VERY handy, lol.
Dee
handy!
Love when we have in-house experts! LOL
Sam
Tees
I dress casually for work and for play. Nothing fancy for me. A crisp button down shirt or sweater with slacks is my usual work outfit. On weekends I tend to wear jeans and tees. It's important to wear clothes you're comfortable in.
Comfort is key
But it sort of tells just as much about us what we're not comfortable in, yes? I'm reading a Richelle Mead book now that had me thinking about this, because her Succubus is a shape-shifter who can wear anything, but she encourages a normal woman she's friends with to take a chance and wear something new and adventurous, which the woman is uncomfortable in at first -- and it starts to change the woman's life. Of course, this kind of goes back to Eliza Doolittle, doesn't it? But I think it's a really powerful concept, the makeover...
Sam
I love Joe vs. The Volcano!
I love Joe vs. The Volcano! One of my faves. And yes, clothes can say a lot about a character and they are a nice way to show arc. I've done this to show contrasts; the buttoned-down businessman's conservative style vs. the outrageously dressed heroine (Yule be Mine). Or to show how they are alike; at the end of Dangerous Games, the heroine buys a leather jacket to match the hero's. Clothes, fun for more than stripping scenes! *g*
Ah, I should have known...
That we'd be peas in a pod on this one. ;)
I just did a stripping scene, too (in a book! LOL), and it was very important that the heroine wear sexy clothing, because there's no way her "normal self" would have done it...
Love leather jackets... what the heck is it about a leather jacket on a guy?
Sam
Hoodies and jeans...
are what I wear to work most days in the fall, because I work in a very casual environment. I hate dressing up, but I do occasionally like to feel "like a girl" and wear something a bit more formal. The last Blaze I finished had a costume party scene and I went to Dougherty's to get ideas (never occurred to me to look on the internet, Sam, how funny is that!) My hero ended up in a fussy Jack The Ripper-type costume, with ruffled shirt, etc. and my heroine was a sexy Geisha. Though why I thought pancake makeup would translate well for seduction, I don't know. LOL I should've stuck to something along the lines of your Greek goddess.
I'm very much looking forward to your Halloween Blaze next year! :)
Cari
http://cariquinn.blogspot.com/
You'll love it!
The Halloween book is part of a 4-book costume series with Karen, Tawny, and Lisa Renee Jones -- it's going to be a blast! Sounds like your book would have fit right in! ;)
Interesting pairing of costumes you have there, though... makes me curious...
I have to admit, though the Greek Goddess dress is about as far from "me" as possible it's a Halloween costume I would consider (in a warmer climate! LOL) because I think that's been a fantasy costume of mine since the old Star Trek episode with the Greek Gods (Who Mourns Adonis) -- I loved that epi, and all the greecian gowns...
Sam
Clothes for the occasion
I think what type of clothes one wears are very important in life. In a job setting the clothes should match the job. Jeans and T-shirts in a lawyer's office wouldn't be appropriate (IMO), but perfectly acceptable if one works in a convenience store.
My clothes definitely changed over the years -- as a teacher I would not wear jeans/shorts and t-shirts and while as a retired person I now wear jeans I still don't wear shorts but getting me in a dress or skirt takes a really, really, really special occasion.
Sure hope this makes sense.
Of course you make sense...
I think we have a lot in common, though I tend to wear jeans just about everywhere. Paired with a nice shirt, cardigan and a necklace, etc I think they work fine.
However, I'm curious what you think about clothes in books -- do you enjoy the fantasy fashion? I like it in books and if it has a character purpose, but I never watched Sex in the City, though I know enough from word of mouth that it was big in the clothes/fashion thing -- I assume it was linked to character, or else what would be the point?
But I also think of The Ghost Whisperer, which I enjoy, but her clothes... OMG. Sometimes it's okay, and I know they are "designer" but they are often jaw-droppingly awful, IMO... I guess it speaks to her originality and uniqueness, but still... sometimes I get so distracted by what she's wearing I have to rewind and listen to the show again... LOL
Sam
Fantasy Fashion
I really hate to say this (don't hate me) but I seldom pay attention to fashion in fiction unless there is specific attention drawn to it as in "His Son's Teacher" when she talks about the dress she wants to get into by losing weight. Now on TV I do notice clothes to a certain extent like (as you mentioned) on The Ghost Whisperer. (PS: the difference in age between us makes a difference in how we feel about jeans.)
I think this is interesting, actually
I mean, fashion IS a visual medium -- and I think it was made more important in books through the chic-lit explosion, but I wonder if it's something that works more under the surface? So writers know they are making these choices in the book, just like they make choices about everything (very little in books is an accident), but readers don't particularly notice?
Hmmm.
Sam
Fiction Fashion
Or maybe I am an unusual reader.......Or maybe it's subliminal and I notice but don't notice I notice.
Ghost Whisperer
*shudder* I think her clothes are so inappropriate for what she's doing.
They'll often show her out at night, in the rain, and she's got on some flirty little sleeveless thing and I'm thinking "I'd be freezing my buns off"
I think her breasts should get separate billing. They make enough of a point of showing them off. I think they should get credit too.
ani
I have always been a casual
I have always been a casual dresser. It's jeans and t-shirts for me.
Same question
How do you pick up on the fashion in books? Does it influence your reading at all?
Sam
Oh, I do love clothing and I
Oh, I do love clothing and I think it's due to the artist in me. I enjoy thinking about how color affects mood and perception, I love different silhouettes and studying the trends of fashion over the centuries.
I like making a statement with my clothes. Sometimes that statement may be, "Egads, I took a chance with this, didn't I?" But I still enjoy it.
Jeannie
I am still looking for your new book!
And it's driving me batty! I may download it tonight (or I'd have to drive across town to another store to find it), but I'm curious how you think about clothes in your books, too... I know you helped me TONS with the whole cowboy garb information for Pick Me Up!
Sam
Hey Sam--I guess the book
Hey Sam--I guess the book doesn't come out until October 14th and they must be being quite strict about adhering to the rules because it isn't out here, either.
In The Brother Returns, Claire wore swirly skirts and strappy sandals which were really out of place in the small ranching community, thus showing that she was out of her environment. When people mentioned that she didn't dress like they did, she didn't even consider changing her ways. Claire was quite comfortable with who she was.
In Cop on Loan, rigid Jasmine abandons her sensible plain black "date" dress for a totally impractical green beaded number as she begins to discover her more free-form self.
I think clothes are really important to show how characters feel about themselves.
That's right...
I recall that about Claire. And thanks for clearing up the release date thing -- I was about to complain at the local store.
I think it is important, but considering comments with Ellen up top, I wonder, if fashion, being a visual media, is really less important to readers in books than it is to us as writers? Or, it works for the reader, but not on a conscious level?
Sam
I know my editor has to
I know my editor has to remind me to include the visual. I only add touches--important details that I want to stick in the mind. Too much and the reader doesn't know what to clue in on. Anyway, that's my theory.
Hm/oops :X
I ... don't think/hope my clothes show who I am :P. I don't dress like a slob in public (though I admit to looking like a bag lady at home. Especially in the winter. I wear like 6 layers.) I think my problem is I just never go shopping. No time/money. That, and there isn't clothes out there for my body type, so shopping is so sad and frustrating. I don't have the money to get everything tailored, which is what I need to do.
Or maybe I just feel that way based on who I'm surrounded by. People in casual clothes- but mostly business casual - business wear day in and day out. I hate dress codes, so even with my office job I'd always push the "dress code" limits. I own suits, but, eh. I feel like I "dressed up" more in high school than I do now. I actually never wore [regular] tshirts until my senior year in college. Now, I have no problem doing that. Or, maybe my clothing choices have changed because I'm ornery and rebellious. I don't understand why I can't be comfortable when I'm stuck at school/class for 13+ hours a day. You'd think it'd help productivity and be what employers/admin want. :D
Clothes...
I'm just not a huge clothes person. I don't mean that to say that I'm a nudist, but just that I don't tend to put much time/energy into dressing well ;p I currently have a very lazy look--mostly t-shirts or similar tops paired with yoga pants or jeans. I'm sure my style has changed somewhat (now it reflects the fact that I don't have to put in face time at an office :))
As for reading about clothes, there are many cases where the heroine starts off hiding herself in loose-fitting clothes, and as she grows more comfortable with herself and confident about who she is, she chooses clothing that accentuates her figure and is more revealing. I'm trying to think of a specific book but am blanking at the moment....
Weighing in late
First off I must thank you Sam and Jeannie for the free books. I got them both on Friday. Cop on Loan is a winner-enjoyed every minute of it. Sam when I read Fascination I will be watching for the clothing change. It sounds like it will be fascinating.LOL.
I wear mostly jeans and long or short sleeve t-shirts and sometimes sweaters or sweatshirts but I am a stay at home worker. It usually takes a night out or a funeral to get me into dressier slacks and a miracle to get me into a dress.
However I like to see and read about fancy clothing. Although I watch little tv and fewer movies I love watching award shows to see what the stars are wearing. I just love some of the wild outfits. I have no desire to wear them even if I had the figure to do so. It is the same with books. I love reading about fashion. I never thought about looking it up on the internet though. I have different expectations about clothing depending on the line of book I am reading and the story line of the book. I agree with you about the dress in His Son's Teacher-it was a symbol of her hope and frustration both.
It is hard to think of them at first...
But as I consider this topic, they just seem to pop up all over the place -- I'm thinking of Julie Kenner's series, The Givenchy Code, Manolo Matrix, etc (fantastic books, if you haven't read them), which have very little to do with fashion past the title, but it's still there, and part of the character, particularly in how she craves the designer labels, though she can rarely afford them.
I really think it's all fascinating...
Sam
since working in an office i
since working in an office i have to dress up and wear makeup cause i never have.
Clothes
For my job, I have to wear dress clothes every day. On the weekends, I wear jeans/shorts, tees, sneakers/sandals.
Not a clothes horse
I'm basically a jeans and tee-shirt kind of person and it pains me to dress up anymore. For work, which is only part-time, I just have to wear a skirt/blouse or khakis/blouse etc. so I don't have any of the business suits I used to wear when I worked in a corporate office. None of those things fit anymore it pains me to say and I haven't been willing to invest in a lot of clothes in a size I don't even want to be.
When I dressed in business attire on a regular basis I was several sizes smaller and now if I try on the types of things I like, they just don't look that good on me anymore. So I stick to basics. Which are jeans and tees.
The times I do dress up my kids rave about how great I look. But I still perceive myself as someone who is supposed to look like I did 20 years ago and that's just not going to happen.
In terms of what fictional characters are wearing, I admit a fondness for those who choose a more casual style rather than high fashion. When characters start drooling over expensive shoes I think about other things that $$ could have been spent on, lol!
Clothes
I watch the TLC show What Not to Wear and they talk about how putting some time and effort into your clothing is important because it sends a message to others about how you feel about yourself. I think it's true. It doesn't mean you have to wear designer clothes but when you're wearing clothes that flatter you then I think you just look and feel better.
when I was younger all extra
when I was younger all extra money went on clothes. Lots of jeans. Now I hate clothes shopping. I feel like Goldilocks, This one is too small, this is too big finally find one that's just right. The last time I went shoping I tried on 10 capris pants and only 2 ended up fitting
sometimes I'm a jeans and T
sometimes I'm a jeans and T and other times a lace person; just lately I've become a Scrubs person upon starting to work at a Personal Care Home so when I'm off, if not sleeping I'm in Jeans again.
I often wonder if I'm a 'leather and lace' personality, lol.
It's the Accessories
Accessorize, Accessorize, yada yada.
I've never been much on clothing, but do my best when leaving the house/office. I like to write in ninja garb, black turtleneck and pants/jeans/sweats during the winter. Some flowy thing when it's warm and ok, maybe something cool and silky when I'm writing about--but let's not go into that. :)
When I go out of the house on business or a day of business stops, whatever, I try to do the earring thing, etc. Look at your goddess's headband and armbands. Highly recommend arm bands for anyone who isn't in the grandma zone like me :)
CaitLondon.com
http://caitlondon.blogspot.com
Clothes...
I think they are very important and show to the world a side of your personality!
Anyway, in my career, we have a certain dress code, with no jeans allowed, and I sometimes feel it is just no nice as I am still in my early twenties, yet I also agree that image is key for furthering a career and getting some respectability.
Great post
I always like to read the description of the clothes characters wear as I think they define the person wearing them. However, I sometimes get bored with all the references to expensive brands, especially shoes and prefer when I have a feel of the style of the person instead.
Clothes are important in our lives, and I love to watch What Not To Wear on TLC, it really shows that clothes are a confidence booster!
What Not To Wear
Whenever I watch that show I always cringe at the cost for some of the outfits. I cannot imagine paying the amount some of the clothes cost! Too frugal I suppose.
The winner is...
BUDDY!
Congrats, Buddy! Send me your mailing info at samhunter@samanthahunter.com, and I'll send out one of my backlist books along with a Halloween goodie. :)
Thanks for chatting with me this week, everyone,
Sam
Hooray!
Happy reading, Buddy! Thanks, Sam!
I always forget...
to dress my characters! That's the one bit of description I forget to add, and I'm forever having to go back and clothe those poor people ;-)
Shirley
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Well...
It would make the love scenes easier. ;)
Sam