How a Character’s Choice of Clothing Benefits the Story

its-a-writer-thing:

When writing, it’s
important that everything you include serves a purpose. The character’s name, their
favorite color, and their choice of companion give an impression about the character,
the world around them, and the past that shaped who they are. The more you amplify
these elements, the greater the image you’re painting for the reader.

For example, say the plot
calls for the character to buy a car, and they choose a blue one. “Blue” is a
necessary detail to include in the narrative, but by giving this specific
decision meaning, you make it important. Perhaps blue was their parent’s
favorite color, and they strive to please them. Perhaps blue is a calming
color, and it reflects their calm personality. This makes the narrative richer.

In the same way, characters
need clothing, so why not make it a useful element in the story? Take advantage
of this opportunity to tell the reader something. Here are three things your character’s
choice of clothing can amplify in the story.

1. It Says Something About Their Personality: The way a character dresses
   can reflect their tastes, views, and emotions. For example, your boisterous
   character might be best dressed in colorful shorty shorts to reflect her free
   spirit. Her sass and disregard for other’s opinions is what tells us her
   personality, but this small addition has made the fact visual as well as mental.
   In another case, your reserved and slightly distrustful character might be
   better dressed in a bulky designer coat; this reflects on his desire to be
   enclosed but also regarded as superior. Your character’s personality is
   independent, but the proper clothing can complement and amplify their unique views.
2. It Says Something About The Setting: Dressing your characters in
   clothing that reflects their setting will reinforce this new atmosphere in the
   reader’s mind. Colors give impressions all on their own; dark colors such as
   greys or blacks will match the dark atmospheres. If you’re trying to show a
   contrast between two groups – one more successful and the other starving – dressing
   one group in bright pinks or yellows will give a sense of light and energy, making
   them seem healthier. The style also reflects the world; conservative dress such
   as long sleeves or coats can reflect order or oppression, while less conservative
   clothing can show rebellion and freedom. Your world itself will determine the
   setting, but clothing can complement it, amplifying the atmosphere.
3. It Can Say Something About Them Physically: In addition to symbolism,
   clothing can serve a literal purpose. If you have a young character, dressing
   them in outfits which are colorful and airy can complement their younger
   attitudes. If you have a character with an embarrassing scar or injury they
   wish to hide, constantly dressing them in long sleeves, despite weather, can
   subtly reveal this. These details can amplify the characters themselves but
   also open new doors for foreshadowing.

Every detail included in
your piece of fiction should serve a purpose, and perhaps even tell a story
within a story. Minor details such as a character’s style, their choice of
design, or their choice of color can breathe new life into the details of your
narrative.

Over the course of the next
few weeks, I’ll post different character clothing options as inspiration, and detail
how each item could be an asset to your story. Hopefully this will stir up some
creative juices and help you make choices to apply to your cast.

Happy writing! And feel
free to check out my website: Ember Ink Wordsmithing