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WUTHERING HEIGHTS: HOW A ROMANTIC DRAMA BRINGS GOTHIC SENSIBILITY BACK TO THE MODERN WARDROBE
Inspired by watching Wuthering Heights, we decided to take a closer look at the aesthetics of dark romanticism and its return not only to cultural discourse but also to contemporary fashion. In this article, we analyze the costumes in the film as an extension of character (through texture, color, and silhouette) and show how these techniques can be adapted in real life without excessive dramatization, while retaining depth and meaning.
Romanticism has been making a noticeable comeback in fashion in recent months. After a period of functionality and rational minimalism, there is now a demand for emotion, drama, and narrative. This is not just aesthetics, but a reaction to fatigue from pragmatism — a desire to experience feelings again through clothing.
Pop culture only reinforces this movement. The new season of Bridgerton brings historical silhouettes back into fashion, while the screen adaptation of Wuthering Heights revives Gothic sensuality and the dark poetics of passion. It is telling that in 2026, global search queries for “romance” increased by approximately 27% compared to the average over the past five years. Romance has become a cultural demand.
Against this backdrop, Wuthering Heights seems particularly timely. It is not a reconstruction of Victorian costume, but a psychological reinterpretation of it. The images in the film work as an extension of character — they reinforce the inner conflict, passion, and strength of the characters, which is why they resonate today.
History read through costume
The costumes in the film are built on thoughtful contrasts: tenderness and harshness, transparency and density, light and almost black depth of color. The designer works with historical silhouettes not as a reconstruction of the era, but as a tool of psychology.
Corsets shape not only the line of the body, but also the feeling of inner tension. They discipline the silhouette, compress the space around the character, and intensify
Bare shoulders.
Off-the-shoulder tops in the film emphasize vulnerability and sensuality. In the modern version, this could be a knitted longsleeve or a sweater with dropped shoulders, as well as a dress with a delicately open collarbone line. It is important to maintain balance: a clear silhouette and neutral palette help to avoid excessive theatricality.
Jewelry with history.
Pearls, crosses, and chains with character add depth and meaning to your look. One expressive piece of jewelry is more convincing than several accents at once and preserves the integrity of your style.
This is an effective way to add character to a minimalist, architecturally constructed look without overloading it with details.
The corset as a structural element.
On screen, the corset is a symbol of inner conflict. In everyday style, it can perform an architectural function — over a shirt or dress, accentuating the waist. An alternative is a corset top integrated into a restrained evening look with straight trousers or a laconic skirt.
Floral print.
Floral motifs in deep or muted colors maintain a romantic mood without naivety. A top, skirt, or dress with a floral pattern can be paired with a structured jacket or straight jeans. The contrast between the historical motif and the modern cut creates a more complex, mature look. It is important to exercise restraint so that it does not become too naive or retro-styled. A balanced silhouette and subdued combinations help to avoid the “granny dress” effect and remain relevant.
Voluminous cotton blouses
In the film, they sound like part of the historical code. In a real wardrobe, a light cotton blouse with voluminous sleeves or soft drapery is sufficient. Combined with modern jeans, a simple leather skirt, and minimalist shoes (loafers, ballet flats, or low-heeled pumps), you can maintain a hint of romanticism without resorting to folkloric stylization.
Adapting this aesthetic is not about literally recreating historical costumes, but rather working with their meaning. A single thoughtful accent—color, silhouette, or texture—can convey the necessary depth without straying from the boundaries of a modern wardrobe.
The Stormy Pass brings back not just romantic silhouettes, but the ability of clothing to convey an inner state. It is a reminder that style can be not only functional, but also emotional. And it is this emotionality that is becoming relevant again today.
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