Greetings, fellow Doctor Who-loving CF readers…and may I offer you a tissue to dry off your post-Matt-Smith-departure-announcement tears?
I have to say, I can’t wait for November’s 50th Anniversary Special and the Christmas Special, but I’m also dreading the emotional breakdown I will inevitably suffer after the Eleventh Doctor’s regeneration. (Mom, consider this an early warning for the uncontrollable sobbing over a fictional character and the wretched fetal position you’ll find me in come Christmas Day.)
On a happier note, let’s talk fashion! In previous Doctor Who-inspired Geek Chic posts, we covered outfits inspired by the Doctor and his companions (Part 1 for the Doctor, Part 2 for Eleven’s companions, Part 3 for Nine and Ten’s companions). This time around, let’s get inspired by the newest companion, “the girl who can” – Clara.
For more Geek Chic, check out previous articles: Star Trek Into Darkness-inspired fashion, Buffy-inspired fashion (and Part 2), Castle-inspired fashion, Firefly-inspired fashion, The Hobbit-inspired fashion, Supernatural-inspired fashion, Bones-inspired fashion, Princess Bride-inspired fashion, The Dark Knight trilogy-inspired fashion, Pokemon-inspired fashion, Star Wars Prequel-inspired fashion, Lost-inspired fashion, Sailor Moon-inspired fashion, Sherlock-inspired fashion, Star Wars Original Trilogy-inspired fashion, The Big Bang Theory fashion, the Lord of the Rings fashion, and Star Trek-inspired fashion.)
Table of Contents
Know Your Geek: About Clara “Oswin” Oswald
- Jenna-Louise Coleman plays the latest traveler to tag along with the Doctor on his travels through time and space in the TARDIS.
- The Doctor keeps encountering various incarnations of Clara everywhere – from Victorian England to a Dalek prison planet – and loses her each time.
- He’s utterly baffled by Clara’s “impossible” existence and invites her on board to investigate her mysterious appearances in his adventures.
Outfits Inspired by Clara
While I’m not so sold on her character development thus far, I do adore Clara’s fashion sense! Read on for three outfits inspired by this clever companion!
If you haven’t caught up with season 7, be warned: SPOILERS, sweetie!
Souffle Girl
We met this mysterious companion in “Asylum of the Daleks,” where she goes by “Oswin Oswald.” This opera-loving, souffle-baking, quick-witted junior entertainment manager helps save the Doctor, Rory, and Amy from impending doom, but she must first face a horrifying truth about herself.
Oswin’s fitted crimson dress and trendy sneaker wedges perfectly match her bold personality. Get inspired by her fun fashion choices with a red skater skirt and black sneaker wedges. (If you’re not feeling the sneaker wedge trend, try a pair of regular Converses or Keds.) An embroidered top is reminiscent of Oswin’s apron. Finish off the look with some futuristic touches like a gunmetal watch and a pendant in the shape of a whisk. Egg…eggs…eggs-celent!
Product Information: Top, Skirt, Shoes, Watch,Necklace
Run You Clever Boy And Remember
Like Clara, I’m a big fan of the cargo jacket, ankle boot, and fit-and-flare frock combination. She rocks this look several times throughout the show. Luckily, it’s an easily attainable outfit!
To get Clara’s look, pair a lightweight anorak (bonus points if it’s waterproof with a hood – you never know when a summer shower might strike) or moto jacket with your favorite patterned dress. Clara also loves her red satchel – I think this is the first time we see one of the modern companions carry a handbag – so follow her practical lead and sling on a cute cross-body in TARDIS blue. Finally, add a pretty leaf pendant as a reference to the treasured memento that Clara sacrifices in The Rings of Akhenaten.
Product Information: Anorak, Motorcycle Jacket, Red Dress, Checkered Dress, Mint Dress, Wedges, Bangles, Purse, Necklace
The Impossible One
It makes sense that this time traveler has retro details in her wardrobe, like Peter Pan collars and floral ditsy dresses, as well as futuristic touches such as metallic fabric and sparkly shoes. Create some contrast in your own outfit: for instance, a prim polka-dot blouse is a great foil for a pair of gutsy glitter oxfords.
Clara also likes easy layering pieces like lightweight blazers and cardigans. A well-cut blazer in a classic color like navy will serve you well and go with everything in your closet. Slip on a pair of comfy high-waisted shorts like Clara’s and add a turquoise cross-body for a pop of color. Clara might be “impossible,” but snagging her style sure isn’t!
Product Information: Top, Shorts, Blazer, Oxfords, Purse, Bracelet
Sidenote: While writing this article, it occurred to me that the two latest female companions — Amy and Clara — are almost always seen wearing skirts or dresses, while previous companions Rose, Martha, and Donna typically wore jeans while traveling with the Doctor. Anyone else noticed this? Any thoughts? I’m wondering if it’s just a reflection of current fashion trends or if it’s intentional on the part of the show creators.
What did you think?
Would you wear these outfits? Do you like Clara’s style? What do you think of her as companion? Are you sad that Matt Smith’s leaving the show? And who do you think will replace him? Let us know in the comments!
Oh, I love this! I was so excited when I saw your post on Twitter! I love the outfits. Clara is possibly my favourite companion so far and I’ve watched all the companions of the new edition DW. It is almost impossible to choose your favourite companion just as it is to choose your favourite Doctor. But fashion-wise Eleven and Clara are definitely top on my list. What I love about Claras outfits is, even though she’s traveling time and space in dresses and skirts her clothes are functional, unlike Amys. I will never forget her and the miniskirts.
I loved this post. Its fabulous.
As for the change in wardrobe, Karen Gillian comment on her character’s style that they were going to have her wear pants because it seemed more practice for space and time travel, but she suggested that the the mini skirts she wore seemed to fit in better with Amy’s flirty personality. If you remember, she was basically a tame stripper so the short skirts suited her personality well. As for Clara, I would imagine the thought process was similar as she is an educated nanny as opposed to a doctor or sales clerk.
Just my two cents on the wardrobe choices of this terrific show 🙂
@Melannie If you google pictures of them filming it, you’ll see it! She’s wearing a jacket over it but it’s the red dress under it
@Shannon: YES!! So adorable! I’ve gotten lots of compliments on it whenever I wear it 🙂
Kristine the 50th anniversary hasn’t come out yet, so did you see the dress in a promo, or?
+1 to Julia’s comment, sadly. Also the “good for the Doctor for dumping off his needy girlfriend [Rose!] on the alternate-reality version of himself.” 🙁 About ROSE.
That said, I really love Clara’s style, and loved that Amy actually did wear fairly sensible shoes, and I did love her outfits too to be honest. 😉 Ah well. New showrunner soon!
It’s because of the change in showrunners. Moffatt is well known for his sexist tendencies. He’s said stuff about “women are needy” and “there’s a huge, unfortunate lack of respect for anything male”. He once said that part of the “mission statement” for writing episodes of Dr. Who is “how bad of a time can you give Amy Pond”. He’s also made really gross comments about his wife’s body after childbirth “I was thinking, ‘how long before she gets back to normal size? Will this damage anything?’””. As a result, he’s dressing the characters how he thinks women should look – all pretty and frilly or sexy and seductive.
Meh, I’m so behind on Doctor Who!! I loved the outfits, but I couldn’t read any of this so I didn’t see any spoilers. Can’t wait ’til season 7 is on Netflix!
Yes! Clara is adorable – I have always thought she had the cutest outfits!
Shouldve done 1800’s clara
I loved this! And I agree that the two latest companions have a different style than the other ones. And since you mentioned them, why don’t you guys do one of these for Amy? I’m in love with her style, specially in her last episode, The Angels Take Manhattan.
Geek Chic is definitely my favorite section here in CF.
I’ve also noticed the companion’s transition to skirts. I think a lot of it has to do with the companion’s personality. Donna, Martha, and Rose were more tom-boyish and didn’t necessarily care about their clothes, where as Amy and Clara are more nurturing (even though Amy would deny it!).
But I think it also reflects the styles of the times (anyone else remember Rose’s overalls?) and the creators and producers recognizing that women of all shapes, sizes, and financial means want to copy the companion’s style.
Whatever the reasoning, it’s working. Amy and Clara have worn some really cute, accessible outfits!
I love Doctor Who!!! I never heard about Doctor Who until my former Economics/U.S. Government teacher got us all hooked. We watched episodes of the 10th doctor, which was David Tennant . Is the 11th Doctor as good?
Also, I will be in tears during Matt Smith’s regeneration. And if that scene in “The Bells of St. John” where Clara says, “Eleven’s the best, you’ll cry your eyes out” is any indication, oh boy, I’m in for a waterfall fest…
LOVE IT! I’ve been dying for this all season. Also you are so right about the early companions wearing pants more than the later companions. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think we ever see Clara not in a dress. I love Clara and the mystery around her. Will miss Matt and can’t wait for November!!!
Let me just say, I kinda squealed when I saw this post. I agree with you about Clara’s overall character arc, but since she’ll be back for series 8 hopefully there will be more to her that we haven’t seen yet. With that said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE her style, and I actually have her exact dress from the 50th Anniversary episode. It was kinda pricey for what it was when it arrived in the mail, but so worth it. I love that her style is so attainable; hers and Amy’s styles have been my faves, but I like Clara’s just a little more because her outfits look better on me since her body type is closer to mine, and I’m also the same height as her.
Thanks for the post!
@Kristine: Glad you enjoyed the post, and fashion high five! I have the 50th Anniversary dress too! (the red River Island one, right?) It’s so cute! 🙂