Greek Myth Fashion: Ares, Dionysus, & Hephaestus

Hello, and welcome to another installment of the Greek Myth Fashion series! As a quick recap, so far we have drawn style inspiration from Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, and Hera, Amphitrite, and Persephone, and in an older article, from Aphrodite, Athena, and Artemis.

In this article I will show you three outfits inspired by Ares, Dionysus, and Hephaestus.

Ares – God of War

Ares is the god of war, battle lust, and courage. In contrast to Athena who is a goddess of military strategy, Ares deals with the physical and violent side of war. He was considered a bloodthirsty god, so sacrifices were often made for him in times of war. 

Ares had numerous lovers and offspring, his most famous love affair being with Aphrodite. When Hephaestus, Aphrodite’s husband, found out about the affair he trapped the lovers in bed with a specially forged net. He then dragged the couple to Olympus to shame them in front of the other gods. Following the exposure, Hephaestus left Aphrodite, who was then free to continue her relationship with Ares.

Products: Shirt, Top, Jeans, Earrings, Choker, Sneakers

This Ares-inspired outfit is predominantly black, with a red plaid shirt to represent the god’s bloodlust. Layer a black tank top underneath the shirt, and pair with distressed jeans. Add black sneakers and a black choker necklace. The shape of the earrings is meant to resemble spear heads, as spears are symbolic of Ares. 

Dionysus – God of Wine

Dionysus is the god of winemaking, grape harvest, fertility, theatre, ritual madness, and religious ecstasy. It is said that he was the first to discover how to extract wine from grapes. 

Dionysus is a god of drinking and partying, so the ancient Greek festivities in his honor were pretty wild. His cult ceremonies were ecstatic forms of worship, where intoxicants, music and dance were used to remove inhibitions and social constraints. The ritual was meant to help worshippers return to a natural state, free from civilization’s rules. 

Products: Dress, Ring Set, Sandals, Earrings, Bangle Set

You can channel Dionysus through a wine-colored abstract print maxi dress, ideal for a music festival (because you’re bound to feel ecstatic once your favorite bands appear on stage – no intoxicants needed). Add black sandals and a set of bangles. The leaf earrings are a nod to the grapevine (it’s tricky to find grape leaf jewelry, but A for effort, right?). Finish the look with a cool set of rings, where the centerpiece is a stone ring chained to a midi ring.

Hephaestus – God of Craftsmanship

Hephaestus is the god of metallurgy, stonemasonry, architecture, forges, and fire. He is the blacksmith of gods, and the protector of craftsmen, artisans, blacksmiths, and sculptors. He was mainly worshipped in the manufacturing and industrial centers of Ancient Greece. 

In some myths, Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera, while in others he is only a descendant of Hera. Because Hephaestus was born with a disability, Hera banished him to earth. In another version of the myth, Zeus threw him off Mount Olympus in a fit of rage, causing him to become crippled after landing on earth. Hephaestus eventually returned to Olympus to get revenge, and as a peace offering he was given his own workshop and Aphrodite’s hand in marriage.

Products: Top, Cardigan, Leggings, Earrings, Shoes

A fitting tribute to Hephaestus would be doing something crafty, so here’s an outfit you can wear while tackling your next DIY project. Comfort is key, so combine leggings with a pair of sneakers and a long cardigan. I picked a graphic top with a motivational message (and the title of a feel-good ’80s hit) as a reference to Hephaestus’ return to Olympus, a feat no other exiled Olympian has achieved. Finally, accessorize with a pair of silver earrings in a beaten metal style; I personally think they look like they came straight out of Hephaestus’ forge. 

What do you think?

Who is your favorite god? Would you wear any of these outfits? Which deity would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments below!