A Love Story in Layers: The Gothic Wardrobe of Wuthering Heights (2026)

By Katherine Moore

 Wuthering Heights, the classic, tragic romance written by Emily Brontë, was just adapted as 2026’s number one film starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie. Directed by Emerald Fennel, it redefines gothic period dressing through a modern lens, using fabric, texture and silhouette to mirror the characters’ inner psychological workings. 

Fennel avoids pinning the wardrobe to a certain time period, but makes the audience feel like they are looking back at a fairytale. She uses a dark, gothic palette to blend with the background of the Yorkshire moorland, and a lighter palette to fit in with Thrushcross Grange.

The main character, Catherine Earnshaw’s wardrobe follows her inner conflict. In youth, she wears loose, layered silhouettes, mirroring her innocence and freedom. As she explores the moors with Heathcliff, her clothes are darker and unkempt. With her social ascent, her clothes become tighter and constricting, alluding to the inner conflict of her soul. Her wardrobe matches her fight between security and love as she moves from Wuthering Heights to Thrushcross Grange. She hides behind her new clothing and lifestyle to mask her true unhappiness. 

Heathcliff's evolution is just as striking. Initially dressed in bleak, servant clothing, he later returns, still in dark colors, but with sharp tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and accessories that reflect his newfound wealth.

Though some critique its historical accuracy, the wardrobe mirrored the character's emotional states. The clothing got crazier as emotions heightened and tragedy unfolded. Catherine’s wardrobe was not meant to be historically accurate, but rather show how crazy she feels on the inside living the life that was not meant for her. As the film winds down, she wears more white, resembling the loss of color and happiness from her life. Her signature red is seen no more as the tragic end of this love story unfolds. 

Wuthering Heights is bringing back Victorian core and gothic dressing, with corsets and fluffy skirts hitting the shelves again. This movie proved that fashion is more than just a costume, it is emotional storytelling, and allows you to express what you feel through the way you dress.