Vampire Clothes
The image of the vampire has evolved over the years in both books as well as films. The vampire was once clad in a dark suit with a trailing cape, but today, vampires seem to keep up with modern fashion trends. Regardless of what vampire costumes have looked like, what has remained the same is that vampires carry a darkness around them that is shown through their wardrobe.The early days of vampire lore and legend, which includes Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the film Nosferatu, vampires were dressed in historically inspired outfits. These vampires were often found wearing a black cape with a high collar. They were sophisticated and noble looking. These early vampires established the classic image of what vampire fashion is.
As the films and stories began to be more modernized, the costumes of these vampires also evolved. When Interview with the Vampire made its debut, we began to see pale looking yet attractive vampires dressed in Victorian inspired outfits. They appeared dignified and gracious; almost princely. No longer do we have the solid black pants, white collared button-down and high collared black cape. Even their hair grew longer and lacked a widow’s peak.
Interestingly, these first vampires have always been males. Once female vampires were introduced, such as in Queen of the Damned, we see a different type of vampire costume. The female vampire wears a more stylized and unique ensemble that shows more skin and femininity. It depicts a more sensual and sexy vampiress.
With Underworld, the female vampire transforms into a gothic being who brings back the black cape. This time, she is covered in black, form-fitting leather that accentuates her attractiveness.
In addition to these historical films and depictions of vampires, there are the modern-day teenybopper versions. The vampires in Twilight, for example, have completely modernized the image in hopes to camouflage with human beings. Time to time, we may see Victorian style vampire costumes in Twilight, but jeans and t-shirts also work.