Yes, time flies: the Harry Potter film series took its first steps in cinemas 20 years ago now! While its heroes reunite not without emotion in the documentary “Return to Hogwarts”, we reviewed the entire style journey of its main characters. What is the outcome for Harry, Ron and Hermione? Immerse yourself in the wardrobe of the cult saga of the 2000s.
(Cover photo credit: Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe in “Return to Hogwarts” in 2022. (IMAGO / Picturelux)
THE PITCH: INITIATIVE STORY, ADVENTURES AND MAGIC Tricks
Once upon a time there was a shy and lonely young boy. His name is Harry Potter and he has a strange scar on his forehead. He lives in a quiet suburb of England with his adopted family, until a mysterious letter disrupts their daily lives...
This is because Harry Potter is not a child like the others. Like his parents, he is promised a future full of adventures, magic, wizards and fantastic creatures. Hogwarts will be his school, Albus Dumbledore his mentor and Voldemort his greatest enemy. And the style in all this? Harry Potter doesn't talk about it but he doesn't think any less of it, even if only at the end of this article:
Inspired by the writings of British novelist JK Rowling, the Harry Potter saga features the adventures of three children played by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Their costumes and characters are now famous : Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
No less than eight feature films will be produced between 2001 and 2011, with the worldwide success that we know. The three actors who have become adults look back on this experience in the documentary “Return to Hogwarts”.
© IMAGO / Picturelux
Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe in “Return to Hogwarts” in 2022.
If the saga is, in the opinion of even the fans, quite uneven, in hindsight we (re)discover many very exciting things. Starting perhaps with what the Harry Potter characters talk about the least: style and clothes .
WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE IN STYLE…
The Harry Potter saga has had several directors and costume designers over the years. Among the biggest contributors: English director David Yates and French costume designer Jany Temime. You will find several striking costumes throughout the eight films of the saga. But not necessarily worn by the main characters!
Because what the adventures of Harry Potter teach us when we take a closer look at his wardrobe is the story of a style journey, shared between English education and the world of casual from across the Atlantic .
Surprise: if we actually see Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint growing up on screen, each of their characters seems to have taken the time to refine the essence of their style over the years. Somewhere between school uniform, checkered patterns and sportswear inspirations.
HARRY POTTER, THE UNIVERSAL STORY OF A STYLE JOURNEY
At BonneGueule, our Harry Potter expert is none other than Romane, our stylist assistant. If the Harry Potter saga can resonate with fashion lovers, it is not so much for the style as for the journey , to which everyone can identify : we have all gone through trials, errors and mistakes. passions.
At Romane, the links with Harry Potter will not be made immediately. On the other hand, when we ask her about her discovery of clothing, we realize that there is a common thread: English inspirations , in particular . But of course, it doesn't stop there:
“I believe that my passion is more linked to prints than to a garment itself. I was fascinated by an attitude, a movement of a piece of clothing, accessories that give a general impression. After seeing it or catching a glimpse, I was obsessed with these details.
It's still something I do today, to draw inspiration from everything around me: take a piece of film, a photo on Pinterest, a friend, a stranger in the street, historical icons , and hop, that gives me what I have today. »
THE HARRY POTTER STYLE JOURNEY...
1. “WIZARDS’ SCHOOL”: THE UNIFORM AND OVER-BIG CLOTHES
According to the clues left by the novelist JK Rowling, the character of Harry Potter was born in 1980. When the first film directed by Chris Columbus hit the screens in 2001, Harry Potter was preparing to celebrate his eleventh birthday. His room is a broom closet, hidden under the stairs of an ordinary house.
We are then in 1991. It is the year of the legendary “Nevermind” by Nirvana, for fans of guitar rock. Does this mean that young Harry Potter dresses grunge? Not really. But it strangely uses some codes. We quickly guess that this is involuntary.
Because Harry Potter is far from being the darling of his adopted family. Relegated to household chores, the bear of his cousin Dudley, no one seems to have seen fit to invest in his wardrobe .
So we discover him with clothes twice too big and in poor condition : a holey t-shirt, a threadbare checkered shirt, wide pants , a pair of off-road shoes, a pair of round glasses barely repaired with tape.
This relatively destroyed and Americanized outfit is the raw essence of the Harry Potter style . He continued to remodel it over the years. His loyal friends are also already showing the color. Ron, for example, wears a sweater and a rustic checked shirt under a Barbour -style jacket . The key to her style: knits . But we'll come back to that later...
As for Hermione, she already has a head start. It's a constant. His class outfit is already on his shoulders: wizard robe, white shirt and tie, V-neck sweater, pleated skirt, high socks and shoes .
Harry Potter meets them both on the way to the Wizarding School, the prestigious Hogwarts school run by Albus Dumbledore. Special features of the place: grandiose decor, wizard's wand and correct attire required. L'
Each student is also assigned a house upon entry. There are four: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each has its own colors and emblem, distinctive signs that you will find even in the clothes - ties and scarves in particular.
For our three friends, it will be Gryffindor house, red and gold . The characters and the setting fall into place. The adventure can begin.
WHAT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS FIRST EPISODE?
First of all, rustic knits and other Fair Isle patterned cardigans fit perfectly into this universe. Then the checkered pattern plays a major role in the casual style of our heroes . To extend the discovery, Jordan gives you his own magic tricks here:
BONNEGUEULE AND THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS
Is there a direct connection between Harry Potter and BonneGueule ? Although the question may seem strange, it is nonetheless relevant. Because imagine that the shootings of our clothes one day took us on the path of the train which connects platform 9 3/4 of London's King's Cross station to Hogwarts school. Romane was there:
“During a shoot in Scotland, Jason, our photographer and artistic director, told me one morning that we were going to go to the train that crosses Scotland. He said to me “I think it’s Harry Potter”. I didn't believe it, I was sure of it! The Jacobite Steam Train was the model for the Hogwarts Express. »
Some memories of this experience to scroll through here:
“Discovering it with the white smoke, its red paint and the black locomotive, I was euphoric. We thought we were ready to leave for Hogwarts. The first class compartments are where Harry meets Ron and
2. “THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS”, THE RUGBY POLO, HOME-KNITTED KNITS AND AMERICAN INSPIRATION
The foundations of the Harry Potter style are laid. The children return to Hogwarts. Second year, new adventures, still on the edge of childhood. Director Chris Columbus picks up where he left off, with a new
No major upheavals to report. At school, the uniform takes precedence - English education requires . In the private sector, we also continue to dress like Mr. and Mrs. Everyone . However, we discover here and there some small adjustments, and even new features.
At Harry, the American-inspired wardrobe is gaining even more ground : sweatshirts and hoodies are appearing. We always see a few knits here and there, cable sweaters or rather sober turtleneck sweaters .
At Ron’s too, things are becoming clearer. Certainly, he shares with his friend Harry the same affection for checkered patterns . But his personal style is seriously starting to emancipate itself from that of others.
First through the colors, very vintage: brown, orange, yellow , shades that echo her red hair. Then through the resolutely unique stitches .
It's because the Weasleys have a tradition of giving each other homemade sweaters and scarves at Christmas. It's sometimes very ugly, sometimes very kitsch and sometimes successful. But after all, who hasn't experienced this as a child?
If Ron still struggles to accept his style, it's also because everyone dresses more or less identically among his comrades. But the difference is sometimes hard to bear . Even more so at this age, where we seek, if not a style, at least a place among others.
As for Hermione, she seems to have made a new stylistic discovery: Nordic sweaters . If you fell for the Fair Isle-style cardigan from the previous episode, there's a chance that the magic will continue with these few new items.
Overall, kids are growing up and still a little shyly trying things. The revolution is not yet for now.
WHAT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS SECOND EPISODE?
First, the meeting with a key character in the saga, for whom clothing is above all synonymous with freedom : the house elf Dobby.
Then the presence of the long-sleeved rugby polo shirt, a very Ivy League piece that Jordan has become truly obsessed with:
3. “THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN”, MINI-REVOLUTION CASUAL AND CONTROL OF THE HOODIE
The serious things begin.
Fans of English rock will note the brief presence of Stone Roses singer Ian Brown , the more observant will note the small changes in the school uniforms and the beginning of relaxation: a few adjustments in cuts, colors and the arrival of new ties.
However, the main thing is elsewhere. Because the particularity of this third part of the adventures of Harry Potter at the cinema is that it is by far the most transgressive of the saga, if only from a sartorial point of view . It thus leaves a very large place for the casual wardrobe, the opportunity to take stock of the stylistic advances of our three heroes.
At Harry, the style now crystallizes around a zipped sweatshirt quite invariably combined with a round-neck t-shirt and rather ordinary pants. At Harry Potter, the t-shirt and the zipped sweatshirt are, so to speak, a signature .
What may seem fantastic in the kingdom of Hogwarts is, however, everything that it has in common among children of the 90s: Harry Potter and his friends dress generally like everyone else , without particularly worrying about questions of materials, textures or ethics in the textile industry.
On Ron's side, the style still hesitates between workwear , the world of skateboarding and a certain gentleman farmer spirit . The stitches are once again quite... astonishing.
But the announced revolution is rather to be found in Hermione's outfits, more casual than ever and almost contemporary . So take a look at our clothing collection: throw on a pink Soajo hoodie, an Ibara denim jacket, our Adria jeans and a pair of sneakers and you'll see nothing but fire. Or almost. Because she has a rainbow belt. And some cool striped knits, too.
Small problem quite typical of this era: an unfortunate tendency towards strange layering , which consists of systematically placing two or three layers of V or buttoned collars on a round collar. Some will tell you that Harry Potter is full of fashion faux pas, random color combinations and somewhat cheap clothing .
It's somewhat true and it's also what makes the saga interesting when we look at it from the angle of clothing: no one is born a prince of style and everyone advances at their own pace, groping around . If the most advanced stylistic transformation is at this point in Hermione's adventure, the boys will soon wake up. A little.
WHAT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS THIRD EPISODE?
Perhaps a certain form of boldness, given the fantasy setting and Hogwarts dress codes . This is potentially to the credit of costume designer Jany Temime, who will no longer leave the saga's dressing room.
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” finally celebrates the hoodie's takeover of the wardrobe of our three heroes. To go further on this subject, a small selection here:
4. “THE GOLF OF FIRE”, BASICS, NONCHALANCE AND NEW WORLDS OF STYLE
We leave the shores of childhood for what is commonly called the thankless age . Harry, Ron and Hermione are now part of the Hogwarts school furniture. Bodies have grown, hair has grown and a certain form of sartorial rebellion has taken hold, even in the way the uniform is worn.
The tie is now casually tied and the shirt is hanging out of the pants. This trend was already started in the previous film. For boys, the style is visibly relaxed.
Ron tries out fleece and begins to develop an obsession with striped clothing - sweatshirts, sweaters, t-shirts. At Hermione too, things are changing. Clothes are now more fitted. And jeans are now low-waisted - it's one of the symbols of 90s-2000s style for girls.
If “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” sees its characters begin to puff out their chests, the clothing also gradually becomes a Jarvis Cocker – another British musical reference from the 90s.
As for Hermione, she is once again the most aware of questions of style: no one will forget her pink dress and her transformation.
WHAT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS FOURTH EPISODE?
The most elaborate costumes are to be found in the background, with other characters. Our three heroes, however, continue their stylistic advancement at their own pace . Here they turn their backs on discipline and discover new worlds - winter outerwear, formal wardrobe . Everyone seems to have found their basics. If you are still looking for yours, some advice here:
5. “THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX”, FIRST CASUAL CHIC INCURSION
The children who timidly strolled through the corridors of Hogwarts have changed a lot. Director David Yates is now in charge and he will never leave them. The story has changed for a while now.
We don't talk too much about Hogwarts houses and their colors anymore. The evil presence of Voldemort is everywhere and tragic events accumulate. What about the locker room of Harry Potter and his faithful friends?
At this precise moment in the story, the young wizard is 15 years old and the one who plays him is 18. He has already experienced a very large number of fantastic adventures, much more than any other young man of his age. However, his way of dressing follows a much more ordinary trajectory: Harry Potter discovers jeans, Converse and swears only by his zipped sweatshirt .
Let's face it once and for all: it's not particularly incredible. At that time, we found similar ones from brands like Celio . But the attitude, the “style” matters more here than the material compositions .
The real novelty is that Harry Potter is trying his hand at a blazer and a shirt. It's not perfect, but this foray into the casual chic register is above all there to demonstrate a new maturity: Harry Potter grows up through the force of circumstances and responsibilities faster than normal.
With Ron, no big changes: his color management is still as particular and his passion for stripes definitely seems limitless . Many will tell you that he is the least stylish character in the saga. It is above all the most constant.
Hermione, for her part, continues to explore new sartorial avenues, in small touches: here a light or striped polo shirt, there white pants . His character is the most insightful and his curiosity is reflected even in his way of approaching clothing.
WHAT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS FIFTH EPISODE?
At this point, we can still celebrate Ron's consistency and his loyalty to the family style. Once again, her stitches are incredible and everyone will appreciate the touch of humor depending on the mood.
The biggest stylistic novelty is Harry Potter's introduction to the casual chic wardrobe . Do you remember your very first blazer? The Harry Potter one is rather brown and possibly velvet. We can see a nod to early English education .
Note that within the editorial team, the question of the stylistic journey particularly fascinates us. For example, take a look at this epic:
SLYTHERIN BAG, HUFFLEPUFF PIN AND GRYFFINDOR SCARF
Romane explained to us above her connection with clothing and her encounter with the Hogwarts Express. But a piece of the story is still missing, its link with JK Rowling's universe:
“I discovered Harry Potter by chance. I didn't particularly like it at first, pure spirit of contradiction. This guy with a scar, frankly, I found it ridiculous. And then, I had been traumatized: once I had started the first film with my little sister, I was horse riding and when I saw Voldy drinking the blood of a unicorn, it was a STOP!
Preview of Harry Potter costumes and sets, Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK (photo: Romane)
Then, one summer around the age of thirteen when I was lacking reading material, my aunt lent me some books. It was either Agatha Christie or Harry Potter. I tried Harry Potter, reluctantly, what bad faith! And… I loved it!
Then one day I read a book about a girl who wrote fanfic. I looked to see if it existed on Harry Potter… I might as well tell you that yes, of course! It was very clearly Christmas for me to discover all these “extensions” of the universe.
I think that's when I really became a fan of Harry Potter, for this universe which never ends and which is open to the world of possibilities .
I don't remember my first viewing of the films. I knew that
However, if today I hear the music from the films, I am immediately very happy because it reminds me of the universe, I appreciate all the nods to Harry
Harry Potter costumes, Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, UK (all photos above: Romane)
What I appreciate in films despite the script, is the work to create a universe. I went to Warner Studios, and I was able to discover the efforts made to build the characters, particularly in terms of costumes and accessories . Bellatrix or Snape are incredibly well done. The casting good
Dumbledore represents wisdom: the half-moon glasses (like in the books), the beard, the purple, it's immediately much more peaceful when you see it in the image. McGonagall has an olive green dress, high collar. She is rigid, strict and even
Harry Potter trunks and accessories, Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK (photo: Romane)
However, I only cited adults. You see what I mean ? Only adults are dressed as “wizards” in the films. The young people are in jeans and sweatshirts, in short in the fashion of the 90s-2000s . The films allowed themselves great freedom over the books: not wearing wizard robes.
In the books, wizards don't know how to dress as Muggles, they
6. “THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE”: STATUS QUO AND KNITTING PATTERNS
The noose is tightening. Long gone are the days of the first childhood emotions recounted in the past by Chris Columbus. The latest Harry Potter films are tense and dark. Many characters will disappear in successive battles. But hope is never lost.
In terms of style, however, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” seems to be marking time. Harry now navigates between the casual wardrobe and casual chic , Ron remains stuck on his fundamentals and Hermione continues her numerous searches - trench coats , dresses and tops with patterns or stripes . These probably have something to do with his relationship with Ron.
The “fashion” moment of the film is a somewhat surprising revelation made by the wizard Dumbledore. We learn that he loves the knitting patterns in magazines .
This type of anecdote is quite rare in the filmed universe of Harry Potter: the allusions to clothing made so far by the characters are most often mockeries intended for Ron. That is to say , when it comes to style, children can be cruel .
WHAT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS SIXTH EPISODE?
Status quo. Our three heroes have much more important things to accomplish than investing in their wardrobe . An exception to this phenomenon: the character of Hermione, always in search of new style associations. If you ever want to follow in his footsteps, our first advice here:
7. “THE DEATHLY HALLOWS”, EPILOGUE AND STYLISTIC PROJECTION
The Harry Potter saga ends and time is running out for Harry, Ron and Hermione. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” unfolds in two parts. The two films were released in 2010 and 2011, thus concluding an adventure that began ten years earlier.
At first it seems like Nick Cave invites himself in for a dance. Time suspended. Then the big battle at Hogwarts concludes the deal quite spectacularly. Unless the highlight of the show is rather this:
The character of Harry Potter is then 17 years old - the age of all possibilities. As his latest adventures progress, he will discover layering as it is regularly practiced at BonneGueule, notably through a denim shirt with western accents .
However, his zipped sweatshirt and jeans are still there, like an emblem. Hermione is now with Ron. Their styles merge at times through striped or checked tops. We discover many new pieces and even successful outfits for Ron:
We also visualize what Harry Potter could look like with a leather trench coat and a suit . Unfortunately, Al Pacino is not the one who wants it. Finally, the character most attached to clothing in the saga creates a surprise with camel Velcro sneakers. “Deadly, your sneakers!” » Ron will say to the elf Dobby.
AND THEN WHAT, IS IT ALL?
No ! The final sequence of the Harry Potter saga takes place 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione are now adults. They have children who also go to Wizarding School. To be completely honest, they aren't much more stylish than their parents were at their age.
In any case, Harry has definitely let himself be intoxicated by the casual chic style . Ron hasn't changed and that in itself is quite extraordinary. As for Hermione, it's likely that her quest for style will continue .
...AND HIS TEACHINGS
For Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Ruper Grint, Harry Potter is an intense cinema story that lasted 10 years. The Harry Potter universe is rich and abundant, but it's likely that you've never really included it in your pantheon of cinema style .
It's a relatively straightforward affair: the three main characters don't understand much about style. Their approach to clothing is far from being an existential concern and their wardrobe is not overflowing with Japanese materials or alpaca knits.
Let's be clear: our passion is still a niche and the fast fashion giants probably still have a bright future ahead of them. Would Harry Potter have reached as many fans with more stylized characters? Perhaps not, but it is nonetheless interesting to watch to better understand the history of contemporary clothing. Romane has her own idea on the matter:
“I was surprised when you told me to do a fashion story in Harry Potter. That's not the point: they have the world to save! But this “absence” is also what explains the success: they dress like everyone else .
Today, fashion is very sophisticated among movie characters. If Harry Potter were to be made today, I think the outfits would be different.
Anyway: clothes and Harry Potter mean for me wearing plaid skirts with my Dr. Martens . Gryffindor scarves, too, which remind me of high school. Since then, I've changed a bit, but my Gryffindor scarf still hangs in my house, just in case ..."
