Greek Myth Fashion: Heroes

Hi and welcome back to Greek Myth Fashion, the column where Greek mythology provides inspiration for everyday fashion choices. 

In this article, we will turn our attention to some of the heroes of Greek mythology. So I will show you three outfits inspired by Heracles, Odysseus, and Achilles. 

Heracles

Heracles is the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene, and is one of the most famous heroes of Greek mythology. Similar to the other illegitimate children of Zeus, Heracles was hated by Hera, who even tried to kill him as a baby. 

Heracles married King Creon’s daughter Megara, but they never got a Disney happy ending because in a fit of madness induced by Hera, Heracles slew his wife and children. To atone for his crime, Heracles had to complete twelve Labors, tasks that seemed impossible to perform. After successfully finalizing all the Labors, and taking part in other adventures, Heracles rose to Olympus after his death, where he became a god. 

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For a Heracles-inspired outfit, use black as your base color and combine a black blouse with black jeans. Now add brown boots, and a faux fur vest that symbolizes Heracles’ first labor: the slaying of the Nemean lion. 

Accessorize with a horn necklace (representing the Cretan bull from Heracles’ seventh labor), a sand-colored tote bag, and a set of rings. The lion ring is another nod to the Nemean lion, and the crown ring is a reference to Eurystheus, the king who set Heracles’ Labors.

Odysseus

Odysseus is the king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. Known for his intelligence, ingenuity, and diplomacy, Odysseus was an important figure of the Illiad through his achievements in the Trojan War. He came up with the idea of building the Trojan horse and was a valuable adviser for Achilles.

The Odyssey represents Odysseus’ ten-year journey back to Ithaca, during which he encounters a cyclops, cannibals, a witch-goddess, sirens, and more. But he bravely and cleverly overcomes all obstacles and returns to his kingdom and his wife, Penelope.

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Although Odysseus’ adventures are mainly about his travels, I picked his return to Ithaca as the inspiration for this outfit. While he was away for 20 years, Penelope had to ward off numerous suitors who were after the title of king, so when Odysseus finally returned, he did so in disguise. But after he proves himself in a series of tasks, Penelope finally accepts that he is truly her husband. 

In this Odysseus-inspired outfit, combine a navy layered chiffon dress (which gives off a Grecian vibe) with heels and a light pink coat. The coat might not conceal your identity, but it will keep you warm in case the evening gets chilly. Add a pair of studs and a layered necklace with geometrical shapes as a tribute to Odysseus engineering the Trojan horse. Complete the look with a black handbag with a faux fur element, a reference to how Odysseus escaped the cave of the cyclops Polyphemus by hiding beneath a sheep. 

Achilles

Achilles is perhaps the greatest hero of the Illiad, particularly known for killing the Trojan prince Hector during the Trojan War. His mother Thetis wanted to make him immortal by bathing him in the river Styx when he was a baby. But he was held from the heel while being dipped into the water, making that his only vulnerable body part (hence the expression “Achilles’ heel”). 

Achilles was killed by Paris, who shot him in the heel with an arrow. If you’d like to read a contemporary novel detailing the myth of Achilles and his relationship with Patroclus, I recommend Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles.

Products: Blouse, Pants, Necklace, Heels, Rings

Channel your inner hero – and gain a dose of confidence and courage – by wearing this stylish outfit for your next class presentation or busy day of lectures and activities. You’ll feel much more focused and in control if you’re dressed up, I promise! 

To start, pair a mustard crochet-paneled top and black pants for an easy, yet chic combo. Add a simple necklace and a set of rings bearing the infinity symbol, a nod to Achilles’ immortality. As a tribute to Achilles’ heel, wear some slingbacks that expose your own.

What do you think?

Who is your favorite hero? Would you wear any of these outfits? Which figures from Greek mythology would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments below!