The Bear: Just as Good in the Kitchen as in Style!

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In addition to being recognized as one of the most acclaimed and awarded series in recent years, The Bear proves to be a trendsetter! From revamping classics, discovering jackets that are flying off the shelves, to even creating a collaboration with J Crew… Let’s explore how the show’s looks contribute to its success!

How do the costumes in The Bear support the narrative?

Similar to the costumes from the film Challengers, those in The Bear lend credibility to this series set in the restaurant industry. However, beyond just being the perfect chef’s outfit (notably with the Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip from season 3, approved by the industry), the pieces worn by the characters support the narrative, accentuate its dramatic ties, and accompany the evolution of the characters.

For example, we can mention the introduction of new work outfits by Carmy, twice, to professionalize the restaurant. These changes in attire mark the beginning of new chapters for the team and highlight the conflicts present within the brigade (like Richie refusing the apron and sticking with the old The Beef of Chicagoland t-shirts in season 1 and part of season 2).

Why does everyone want to dress like the characters in The Bear?

Unlike the costumes from Emily in Paris (which embrace the fashion angle of the series and play on extravagance), the wardrobe of The Bear’s characters is timeless and casual, which helps create relatable, human characters that we can identify with. And this is where the series captivates its audience.

We discover unique styles for each character, generally combining vintage pieces with new designer items. And while the series’ looks do not aim to follow current trends, they attract all the attention and become, unwittingly, the new it-pieces that everyone is clamoring for. Whether it’s the green Paloma Wool puffer jacket, Sydney’s patterned Carleen indoor jacket, Richie’s bright blue Lacoste Heritage tracksuit bottoms, or the NN07 plaid jacket worn by Carmy, these pieces went out of stock following the airing of The Bear.

Carmy: the tormented chef reviving classics and timeless pieces

The costume designer Courtney Wheeler crafted Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) outfits with the idea of reflecting his personality and pursuit of rigor. She particularly emphasized in an interview that she refined his wardrobe over the seasons, keeping only a few pieces (notably his Merz B Schwanen 215 white t-shirt and Cahartt WIP pants) to highlight his focus on essentials.

Carmy’s outfits consist of pieces in shades of white, gray, blue, brown, or green and with perfect cuts, aligning with his respect for craftsmanship. Throughout the seasons, we have observed gray or blue J Crew cable-knit sweaters, embroidered lightweight sweaters, Thom Browne pants, Dickies 874s or APC, white Nike Cortez, and black Heritage Blacksmiths by Red Wing Shoes. Following the popular Gael 8267 jacket from NN07, season 3 of The Bear showcased new pieces, including a vintage Barbour model, a Ralph Lauren, and a sleeveless Filson model, which is quickly becoming a favorite.

Sydney: professional with a vintage touch

Sydney’s style (Ayo Edebiri) is a blend of vintage pieces as well as a few current items, both affordable and high-end. These combinations create a sophisticated retro style, rich in colors and patterns, that stands out from other characters. The costume designer explained that she wanted to create bolder looks for the young woman, so they would be a way for her to express herself in a kitchen where she is often overlooked.

As the seasons progress, we see pieces from past collections, like a patterned Ralph Lauren sweater, a Chicago Bull t-shirt, a Haiks jacket, and Cahartt overalls. Alongside Ganni boots, Nike Air Max, Dickies pants, Bode t-shirts, a Comme des Garçons sailor jacket, and Aluni socks. The bandana serves as her signature piece, both practical and adding a personal detail to her work outfits.

One particularly symbolic piece is the button-up Thom Browne shirt that Carmy gives her in season 2, marking his respect and trust in his sous-chef.

Richie: transforming a Lacoste tracksuit into a two-piece suit

Among the characters in The Bear, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) has one of the most interesting arcs to follow. His evolution over the seasons is significant and is reflected more than others in his choice of outfits and the way he wears them.

We transition from discovering a conflictual, unstable, and lost character, to a man with a new vocation, applying rules rigorously and accepting his vulnerability and emotions. This transformative journey is reflected in the beginning of the series, with neglected outfits consisting of tracksuit bottoms paired with Adidas Original 84 High shoes and a combo of a The Beef t-shirt and an ill-fitting jacket, as a rebellion against the apron imposed by Carmy.

Richie’s transition at Ever marks the character’s psychological shift, which is reflected in his outfits. As he announces in the episode “Forks” of season 2, the suit is now his new work uniform. His Boss two-piece highlights his newfound awareness and responsibility within The Bear restaurant.

Marcus: king of pastries and streetwear in The Bear

Marcus’s (Lionel Boyce) clothing style aligns with his gentle and discreet personality. His wardrobe consists of streetwear pieces and basics, offering trendy yet versatile outfits.

He notably sports a large collection of sneakers (Nike Air Max Jordan Infrared 6, New Balance 998, 990v1…) paired with graphic tees (Off-White, Aimé Léon Dore) or more classic models, such as the SGT001 blue from the Japanese brand The Strike Gold, worn during his apprenticeship in Copenhagen and which Carmy also owns. This piece has become an it-piece despite its price of around $90. Hoodies, J Crew cable-knit sweaters, or plaid jackets complement the baker’s looks, finished with his beanie or baseball cap.

The Faks: trendsetters for The Bear season 3

Throughout the episodes, Neil Fak and his siblings have become one of the comic elements of The Bear. These Sunday DIY-ers present themselves as people out of sync, in their own world. However, we observe a beautiful evolution of Neil, especially in season 3. His work blue (featuring pieces from Rosa Rugosa, the brand of his actor Matty Matheson and a real-life chef) is replaced with shirts, ties, and two-piece suits. This new look underscores Neil’s integration into the restaurant under Richie’s wing, who in turn teaches him the keys to being presentable, including the fact that ironing his suit becomes an obsession for Neil, who was formerly used to neglected outfits.

Furthermore, the popularity of the Faks has led to a collaboration with J Crew for the release of season 3. Four pieces were designed, including a jacket emblazoned with “Matter of Fak Supply,” which sold out immediately upon release.

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Tina: discovering a woman behind her apron in season 3 of The Bear

Tina’s (Liza Colón-Zayas) outfits highlight her various personality traits and emotions. In the first season, her strong character is exemplified by her determination to keep her Mrs. Always Right apron and not adopt Carmy’s.

However, the character reveals a tender and warm heart, filled with both joy and doubts. This is reflected in the materials and colors present in her outfits. Particularly in the Napkins episode of season 3, which is a flashback to her hiring at The Beef restaurant. Her colorful outfits fade or regain their vibrancy depending on the stages she goes through (dismissal, hope and motivation to find work, yet another rejection, meeting with Richie and Mikey leading to her hiring at The Beef).

Nathalie: asserting herself between elegance and comfort

Nathalie’s (Abby Elliott) role expands as the episodes of The Bear progress and as the restaurant evolves. Her costumes emphasize her newfound responsibilities, including tailored suits or formal dresses. However, these pieces establishing respect also leave room for more comfortable outfits. Her wardrobe includes wool cardigans (Anthropologie), cashmere tops, plaid coats or puffer jackets, loafers, and wrap dresses.

Photos: Pinterest