Elaine from Seinfeld - Fashion Icon or Halloween Costume?
Full-length floral prints, vests, and giant scrunchies make a...comeback?
I about died laughing when I saw the New York Times style article about Elaine Benes being the new NYC downtown fashion muse. I mean, first of all, Elaine's outfits were the most ridiculous concoctions that came out of the '90s — I watched an episode of Seinfeld last week with my sister and we were marveling at the sheer amount of fabric covering Elaine's body. She was rocking a long-sleeved blue button-up blouse (buttoned to the very top, of course), with a crochet vest and a full-length floral skirt. And the hair! My god, the hair! A pre-Snooki pouf, permy curls, and a giant scrunchie. So Big Love. So AMAY-ZING.
But the main reason I was laughing at the article was because rather than saying to each other, "Hey, we should put on a paisley pants suit and hit that gallery opening in the unmarked alleyway behind the restaurant supply place" (as a hipster might have), we decided my sister should be Elaine for Halloween. I suggested she wear this atrocious cotton dress with a giant collar that my mom had in the '80s, but Britt decided a pants/blouse/vest combo would be better since she didn't want to be mistaken for a sister-wife, which is funny in its own way since the NYT article references Chloë Sevigny as someone who wears a "shorter and cuter" version of Elaine's wardrobe. As for me, I've decided to go straight to the source and take inspiration from Juniper Creek and bust out a compound costume this year. I've got my cotton dress and Bumpit ready and waiting!
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
-
Hannah and Nick Are Already 'Love is Blind' Season 7's Most Infamous Couple—Thanks to a Giant Duck and List of Red Flags
Fans have a lot of thoughts about the former medical salesperson and football player.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So What If Sabrina Carpenter Wears a Wig?
Her curls are part of her costume, but that doesn't make them inauthentic.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
King Charles Shows Off His Fun Side While Trying Samoan Dancing
"He's got the moves."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
'80s-Era Leather Bomber Jackets Are Making a Swift Comeback
The trend took off during Fashion Month but has legs to last through winter and spring.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Torishéju Dumi Is the New Name To Know From Paris Fashion Week
She debuted last year with Naomi Campbell and designed Zendaya's 'Dune' red-carpet look—now, the industry darling is gearing up for her second show.
By Emma Childs Published
-
6 Charli XCX Concert Outfit Ideas, According to Bona Fide Brats
There's no rulebook, but Marie Claire editors have a few ideas.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Preppy English Country Style Trend Has Been Co-Opted by City Slickers
In tartan and barn jackets, Paris show-goers look ready to ride.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Authorities Analyze the Winter 2024 Trends Women Will Actually Wear
Fashion experts explain realistic, affordable, and unfussy ways to wear the season's trends.
By Emma Childs Published
-
New Yorkers Are Already Wearing These Classic On-Sale Pieces From COS, Madewell, and J.Crew for Fall
Not to mention, they all cost less than $250.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Writer Erika Veurink Shares Her No. 1 Tip for Finding Amazing Vintage Pieces on eBay
The fashion journalist and brand strategist spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for September
From cozy layers to hydrating moisturizers, here are the products that will carry us through fall.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published