Bridget Jones at 50: Style Changes for the Modern Englishwoman
CNN —
After a 24-year hiatus, Renée Zellweger returns to the beloved role of Bridget Jones in “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.” This latest installment sees Bridget, now in her 50s and a widow with two children, navigating a more complex life in her search for love.
Known for her quirky and occasionally mismatched fashion choices, Bridget’s distinctive style—characterized by short skirts, plunging necklines, cozy cardigans, and long scarves—has become iconic since the release of the original film in 2001. Costume designer Rachael Fleming aimed to create a look that resonated with busy women, intending to evoke a relatable, somewhat disordered aesthetic that contrasts sharply with today’s polished images.
The emergence of the “Frazzled Englishwoman” aesthetic, which reflects impulsive layering styles common among British individuals due to unpredictable weather, can be traced back to characters like Bridget. This trend has influenced high-end fashion brands, including Chanel and Miu Miu, showcasing a preference for eclectic style.
Actor Keira Knightley, pictured on the movie set of “Collateral Beauty”, embodies the “Frazzled Englishwoman” aesthetic…
… as does actor Helena Bonham Carter, photographed in London.
For the latest film, costume designer Molly Emma Rowe emphasized authenticity in Bridget’s wardrobe. “Bridget has some nice clothes, and she tries her best, but she sort of always gets it a bit wrong,” Rowe explained. The film will feature fewer memorable clothing moments than its predecessors, marking a shift in Bridget’s trajectory as she grapples with grief while balancing her career and family life.
A model walks Chanel’s Autumn/Winter 2023 show wearing a dress layered with thick tights and a knit scarf.
Eccentric layered looks often feature at Miu Miu, seen here on a model walking the Spring/Summer 2024 show.
In the new film, which releases in UK cinemas and on Peacock in the US on February 13, Jones’s clothing reflects her maturity. Outfits such as blazers and cardigans replace the playful styles of earlier films, while still incorporating elements of her character’s flirtatious nature. Nostalgic touches, such as an emerald green dress reminiscent of previous films, further establish continuity.
Given the tight deadline of 12 weeks to assemble the wardrobe and the limited availability of Bridget’s older outfits, Rowe recreated several fan-favorite items, including the iconic red penguin-print pajama set. “We color-tested loads of reds on screen to make sure that it would still look like the original red,” Rowe explained.
In the latest film, Bridget Jones has swapped out camisoles for smart jackets, shirts and cardigans.
Much of the clothing worn by Bridget Jones was thrifted from consignment and charity stores in North London, where her character lives.
Rowe noted that the film’s wardrobe reflects the cyclical nature of fashion. Many of Bridget’s pieces were sourced from charity and consignment shops, highlighting her transition post-loss. “Mark died four years ago and Bridget’s not out buying new clothes. She’s struggling to keep it together, which is one of the reasons why nothing in her life looks new,” Rowe added.
The influence of personal grief on wardrobe choices emerged as a key theme in Rowe’s design. Drawing from her own experiences, she aimed to capture Bridget’s emotional journey. “We could create the idea of what Mark Darcy might have been wearing at home with Bridget and the kids, which is not something you ever see on screen,” she remarked.
The gray cardigan and green dress, along with other clothing in Bridget Jones’s wardrobe, has meaning.
“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” adds to a growing list of films featuring women in their 50s, such as “The Substance” and “Babygirl.” This trend signals a shift in the representation of middle-aged and older women in film, addressing the longstanding imbalance in on-screen narratives.
Rowe expressed hope that audiences will find empowerment in Bridget’s journey. “To be a woman approaching or in her 50s and having these kinds of films to watch is very inspiring,” she said.
