When we are first introduced to the characters, their costumes inform their past. From a outsiders perspective, Carol seems to be a glamorous housewife. She is beautiful, wealthy, and friendly. She wears a mink coat, leather gloves, and a scarf. It wouldn't seem like anything is wrong in her life.
Therese is a young aspiring photographer. Her costumes in the beginning reflect her innocence. She wears headbands, berets, plaid, and collared shirts; a quasi schoolgirl look. Compared to Carol, they look so different it wouldn't seem they have anything in common.
They two couldn't dress more oppositely.
As the characters develop a relationship, their costumes reflect their internal changes. Carol begins to dress a little softer, embracing some plaid accents into her wardrobe. Therese wears more sophisticated clothing such as silk blouses.
But, their relationship can't continue due to the laws of the times, and they must part. During this section of the movie, Carol struggles to cope with her impending divorce and losing custody of her daughter. Her costumes get darker and at some moments she doesn't style her hair.
Therese goest through a dramatic costume transformation. She cuts her hair into a more mature look and starts to dress very elegantly. Through her relationship with Carol, she has blossomed from a girl into a woman.
Costume designer Sandy Powell excels in subtly showing the natural growth of human beings after an experience.
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