I was among the people who excitedly tuned in to Euphoria‘s season two premiere, eyes fixed on the screen as I watched the anxiety-ridden plot unfold. HBO’s hit show has cultivated a dedicated audience for its sobering portrayal of adolescence (and all the love interests, hookups, heartbreaks, and fixations that come with it), but fans also rave about the fashion moments.
Enter the work of costume designer Heidi Bivens. The former fashion editor excels at matching the cast with clothing that mirrors their personalities and emotional arcs. From Rue’s shapeless uniform to Maddy’s ultra-sexy outfits, the show’s fashion can only be described as wildly individualistic, intentionally enhancing each person’s story. As she told POPSUGAR, “Euphoria, as a television show, gives more of an opportunity to get to know the characters and create nuance in the costumes where needed or wanted.” Careful planning and extensive sourcing go into the final costumes, yet they all feel rooted in today’s fashion trends, especially when noting Jules’s Y2K-inspired pleated skirts and tiny tops from season one.
Even when the inspiration centers on a specific period of our lives, we still find our individual tastes reflected in the characters’ looks. That’s what makes the show so relatable. Kat’s bondage-inspired dressing feels empowering on screen, while Cassie’s girlish ensembles betray her innocence. The styles are as varied as they are packed with meaning, which is why it might be hard to see yourself in just one character. Whose style matches yours the most? The answer may not be so simple.
Related: Euphoria’s Costume Designer Breaks Down the Looks in the New Special Episode – Yes, Rue’s Red Hoodie Is Back
HBO
Rue Bennett's Androgynous Uniform
Rue (as expertly played by Zendaya) is often spotted in oversize tees, psychedelic button-downs, and slouchy pants – but rarely dresses or skirts, although Jules occasionally shook things up during season one. She’s most comfortable in relaxed clothing that typically come in dark shades, and she doesn’t spend much time worrying about the way she looks.
HBO
Maddy Perez's Sensual Appeal
Maddy (played by Alexa Demie) essentially has two fashion personas: the popular girl in high school (who wears flirty purple daisy-print minidresses and salmon-colored mohair skirt suits) and the dark-haired bombshell who comes alive after dark. Like the sheer two-piece dress she wore to the high school winter formal in season one or the black cutout mini we’ve seen on season two, her style is anything but conservative.
HBO
Cassie Howard's Girlie Innocence
Similar to her friend Maddy, yet not quite in the same way, Cassie (played by Sydney Sweeney) wears revealing pieces, but hers are often in softer shades, like pale blue or pink. Almost always baring a fair amount of cleavage, from a corseted top with hardware-embellished straps to a slinky blue House of CB Ruched Organza Mesh Mini Dress ($179), Cassie’s looks are decidedly feminine and flirty.
HBO
Kat Hernandez's Dominatrix Persona
Kat (played by Barbie Ferreira) came into her own during season one, and her newfound confidence manifests in the edgy, BDSM-inspired pieces (think chokers, lace-up bustiers, and fishnet tights) she later opts for. She’s no longer the quiet friend in the group; instead, her closet overhaul indicates that she’s fully in touch with her sexuality. Go Kat!
HBO
Jules Vaughn's Experimental Style
Jules’s (played by Hunter Schafer) wildly expressive style shows a penchant for layering (she wears plenty of mesh tops, pleated skirts, and candy-colored shirts). She combines prints, glitter, and color into unconventional looks that consistently speak to her free spirit.
HBO
Lexi Howard's Polished Surface
Lexi Howard (played by Maude Apatow) seems to have it all together as the sister who does all the worrying (about Cassie). Perhaps this is why we often see her in more collegiate silhouettes – think collared plaid dresses and classic knit sweaters.
HBO
Faye's Y2K Debut
A newcomer in season two, we first meet Faye (played by Chloe Cherry) in the back of Fez’s car as he instructs both her and Rue to wait outside while he handles a business matter. From the denim pleated skirt to the cropped flowery halter top, Faye directly mirrors the Y2K renaissance.
