A24 Costume Design: How Indie Films Are Secretly Teaching Us to Dress Better

Why A24’s Costume Design Feels Different (And Better)

Okay so here’s the thing. When you watch a Marvel movie or some big blockbuster, the costumes are cool and all. But they’re not exactly things you’d throw on to grab coffee or meet up with friends. A24 takes a completely different approach. Their costume designers—especially Katina Danabassis, who’s worked on films like Past Lives, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and C’mon C’mon—focus on something she calls “radical realism.” Basically, that means the characters dress like actual people. Not like they’re wearing a costume at all. The clothes tell you who someone is without screaming it in your face. And honestly? That’s exactly how I want to dress in real life.

The “Radical Realism” Approach (And Why It Works)

Danabassis doesn’t just pick pretty outfits. She thinks about what the character would actually wear based on their job, their values, their mental state, even where they shop. For example, in Past Lives, the main character Nora Moon wears these seemingly simple looks—gray baggy trousers paired with a vintage cream button-down and white sneakers. Sounds basic, right? But it perfectly captures who she is: a New York creative who’s elegant but not trying too hard. The trousers are from a Seoul-based brand called Arch The, which subtly nods to her Korean heritage. Everything about the outfit tells a story without being loud about it. That’s the genius of it. And the best part? You could recreate that look tomorrow with stuff you probably already own or can find at a thrift store.

Where A24 Costume Designers Actually Shop (Spoiler: Not Just Designer Stores)

Here’s where it gets really interesting for us regular people trying to dress better. Danabassis sources clothing from all kinds of places:

• Thrift shops
• eBay
• Vintage retailers
• High street stores like Zara
• Small independent brands

She’s not relying on high-end designer labels to make the characters look good. She’s mixing and matching, hunting for pieces that feel authentic. Sometimes she’ll choose eco-conscious or secondhand items specifically because that’s what the character would value. Like if someone in the film cares about sustainability, their wardrobe reflects that. It’s all super intentional but never feels forced. This is honestly such a refreshing way to think about building your own wardrobe. You don’t need a closet full of expensive pieces. You just need thoughtful choices that reflect who you are.

How A24’s Approach Changes Your Perspective on Fashion

I used to think good style meant keeping up with trends or buying the “right” brands. But watching A24 films made me realize that’s not it at all. Good style is about authenticity. It’s about wearing things that make sense for your life, your values, your personality. When you watch Past Lives or Bodies Bodies Bodies, you’re not thinking “wow, cool costume.” You’re thinking “I want to dress like that character.” Because the outfits feel real and achievable. There’s no fantasy element that makes it feel out of reach. Just real clothes on real-feeling people.

Breaking Down the A24 Aesthetic

So what does the A24 look actually consist of? It’s hard to pin down because every film is different and every character has their own vibe. But there are some common threads:

• Neutral color palettes – Lots of grays, creams, blacks, and muted tones
• Relaxed silhouettes – Baggy trousers, oversized shirts, comfortable fits
• Vintage and secondhand pieces – Things with history and character
• Minimal accessories – Nothing overly flashy or distracting
• Practical footwear – Sneakers, simple boots, shoes people actually walk in
• Layering – Thoughtful combinations that add depth

It’s understated but never boring. Comfortable but still put-together. The kind of style that makes you look like you’ve got your life figured out even when you definitely don’t.

Recreating the A24 Vibe in Your Own Closet

Okay so how do you actually apply this to your everyday wardrobe? Start by thinking about your own “character.” Who are you? What do you do? What matters to you? Your clothes should reflect that. If you work from home, lean into comfortable pieces like soft cotton button-downs and relaxed trousers. If you value sustainability, hit up thrift stores and vintage shops. If you’re in a creative field, don’t be afraid of interesting textures or unexpected combinations. The key is authenticity over perfection. Your outfits don’t need to look styled for Instagram. They just need to feel true to you.

The Past Lives Effect: Simple Pieces That Say Everything

Let me go back to Past Lives for a second because this film really showcases the philosophy perfectly. Nora’s wardrobe throughout the movie is incredibly simple. But every outfit choice reveals something about where she is emotionally and who she’s becoming. The gray baggy trousers show she’s moved away from trying to impress anyone. The vintage cream button-down suggests she values quality and timelessness over trends. The white sneakers ground her—she’s practical, comfortable in her own skin. Nothing about the outfit is flashy. But together? It’s perfection. And you could put together a similar look for under $100 if you shopped smart. That’s the power of thoughtful costume design that prioritizes character over spectacle.

Beyond the Obvious: What A24 Teaches Us About Personal Style

A24’s costume design philosophy, championed by designers like Katina Danabassis, revolutionizes how we think about fashion by prioritizing “radical realism” over spectacle. Unlike blockbuster films where costumes feel unattainable, A24 characters dress like real people—mixing thrift finds, vintage pieces, and high street basics to create looks that tell authentic stories. The aesthetic centers on neutral palettes, relaxed silhouettes, and minimal accessories, proving that good style isn’t about expensive brands but thoughtful choices that reflect who you are. Films like Past Lives demonstrate how simple pieces—gray baggy trousers, a cream button-down, white sneakers—can communicate character depth without saying a word. The takeaway is clear: build your wardrobe around authenticity, not trends, and you’ll achieve that effortlessly put-together look that A24 has made iconic.