It’s a Thelma & Louise End of Summer (and how to dress for it)

Get in loser, we’re driving over the Grand Canyon…

Not only is Thelma & Louise, one of the greatest films about female friendship, the ultimate end of summer film, it’s fashions are the ultimate inspirations for end of summer dressing. The sun is in its lazy hazy days, with the humidity still clutching on, but the nights are getting cooler and autumn is creeping in, therefore we need fits that can cater to all these weather changes, and there is no one better at packing clothes for all seasons than a woman going on a short trip (and I mean this in an empowering way, we should be proud of this).

What To Wear

90s. Western. So fucking cool. These are the first words that spring to mind when thinking about the fashions of Thelma and Louise. It is fantastically easy to pull off and acquire second hand. On top go for faded band tees, Harley-Davidson tees, vest tops, silk shirts, denim shirts, and Western denim jackets with studs, embroidery or fringe or all three. The bottoms are a classic high waisted 90's straight leg jean. The Wrangler Cowboy or Levi’s Orange Tab 619 are my personal favourites, but any 90s straight leg will work, just make sure that they're vintage as you want the sturdy, thicker denim. If you have to lunge to stretch them out a little, then you've got the right pair. If you want to go a little more girly, a cotton Prairie maxi skirt fits this aesthetic really well, as it touches on the Western and they look really cool with band/biker tees. Also, the beauty of the Thelma and Louise look is that it's a blend of masculine and feminine fashions, in an edgy effortless with a touch of Outlaw, kind of way. High waisted 90s jeans and Prairie skirts that look like they've been picked off the floor will exactly deliver this. Also, as rule of thumb, if you want to look more girly look to Thelma, and if you want to be more Outlaw then it’s Louise, and if I have to tell you which one is Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, then you need to rewatch the film.

Colour Palette

Colour palette-wise, all shades of denim are a must. Indigo, dark wash, faded, light wash - any shade of blue will do. Wear separately with your white silky shirts and black band tees or do double/triple denim in the same or various shades. To add some colour, look to the colours of the desert, the film’s backdrop. Think reds, rusts, turquoise and cactus green, not only do they pair well with denim, but they also tap into the Southwestern elements of the film and its fashions.

Accessories

What is a woman on the run without her accessories? Start by adding some 50s femininity floral headscarves and cat eye sunglasses to the tomboyish 90s attire to really capture the Thelma and Louise style. Then mix in some more Western motifs such as lots of silver and turquoise jewellery, cowboy boots, Western belts, and bandana neckerchiefs, or like in the film, rip a strip of denim to use as a little necktie. For some alternative footwear choices, go for strappy 90s platform sandals or I personally think the Doctor Martens Jorge II mules in rust work well with the aesthetic. Finally, and most importantly, don't forget your Polaroid camera.

Hair & Makeup

Similar to accessories, makeup is another 50s meets 90s moment. Opt for the old faithful blue eyeshadow and a dark red lip combo or go for a frosty eyeshadow and pink pearlescent lip. If you're really really really dedicated to the look, and prefer something a little more low maintenance, a slick of mascara and a brush of red dirt across the face will do. For your hair, either go the old Hollywood headscarf or big bouncy curls route or embrace your hair at its wildest and most windswept state. Driving at speed in a Thunderbird convertible with the wind and dirt really getting into their hair and give it volume will do the trick. As for me, day two hair with some dry shampoo and sea salt spray works just as well. Mullets and any shaggy haircut also work.

Honorary Mention: Michael Madsen

Yes, Brad Pitt might be clad in double denim with a rather fetching white cowboy hat, and shows Thelma a good time, but he is neither the hottest nor the most stylish fella in the film. Those accolades belong to Michael Madsen, with his slicked back yet unruly hair, white vests, open embroidered Western shirts and bowling shirts, and husky voice swagger. His outfits are also deliciously unisex, and can I just mention that husky voice again?

Another Honorary Mention: This Picture

I don’t know anything about this picture of Liza Minelli and Anjelica Huston, but I wish I knew everything. Not only are they two of my favourite people in general, but they are also giving strong Thelma and Louise energy here, a good twenty years before the film came out. Is this from a 1970s, alternative universe version of the film? One can only hope.

Songs to Add to the Playlist

If and when you are ready to stop re-playing for the thirtieth time “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan,” here are some other songs to add to the playlist that fit in well with the film’s late 80s/early 90s country soundtrack:

“Why Not Me” The Judds

“Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” Kathy Mattea

“I Try to Think About Elvis” Patty Loveless

“Straight Tequila Nights” John Anderson (a song for Louise)

“Black Velvet” Alannah Myles (a song for Thelma)

There’s still enough time left of summer for a road-trip, so grab your cowboy boots, dress matchy-matchy with your best gal pal, and hit the road. Although may it be a trip of friendship, line-dancing and Hollywood headscarves without the need to drive over the Grand Canyon.