Lessons in Chemistry: Brie Larson’s 1950’s Styling in Elizabeth Zotts Desirable Outfits
It isn’t the first, and it certainly won’t be the last television show to plunder the history books in an attempt to reinvent the fashions of the 1950’s and 60’s. But when Lessons in Chemistry debuted on Apple TV+ the Elizabeth Zott style captivated and inspired its eager fanbase.
Based on the Bonnie Garmus novel of the same name, we follow Elizabeth, a scientist and soon to be grieving single mother, as she picks herself up after being fired from the lab to become the adored host of Supper at Six. Using her television platform to inspire housewives to dream bigger than the world wants them too, while teaching them lessons in chemistry.
But it isn’t just her perceived disrespect for the patriarchy that gets men fired up, there’s also that incident when she wears pants on national television. And with 12 outfit changes an episode, you’ll see that the Lessons in Chemistry Elizabeth Zott style has plenty of memorable moments.
So, let’s begin shall we…
Elizabeth Zott’s 50’s Style Lab Coat
Let’s start at the end with one of the most recognisable looks in Elizabeth Zott’s wardrobe, her lab coat.
But not just any lab coat, because if you’ve watched Lessons in Chemistry you will know that there are many, changing in silhouette and levels of embellishment as Elizabeth redefines her look. Yet her 50’s style cinched waist sequin collared lab coat, that calls back to Christian Dior’s “New Look” of the 1940’s is special. With its hourglass shaping, monogrammed breast pocket and matching green sequined belt and collar lapels.
Plaids, Plaids and Plaids: Elizabeth’s Lessons in Chemistry Utilitarian Style
When we first meet Elizabeth Zott, a scientist and lab technician at the Hastings Research Institute, she is one of the only females who doesn’t work as a secretary in the male dominated establishment. Shunning the prim and proper colorful outfits of the secretaries, Elizabeth favors comfort and a utilitarian style.
Opting instead for simple dark and moody plaid a-line skirts, button-up shirts and beige jackets, her wardrobe aligns her with her less capable male colleagues. But as well as just choosing the commonly masculine plaid pattern for that purpose, its dark browns, tans and greens allow her to fade into the background. Effectively just becoming one in the crowd of the institutes scientists.
Argyle Sweater Vests Worn by Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott
The Lessons in Chemistry Elizabeth Zott style didn’t just rely on plaid 50’s style skirts and simple dark colors to connect her look to the male scientists, there was also Elizabeth’s penchant for sweater vests. With costume designer Mirren Gordon-Crozier, choosing the sleeveless, and often nerdy, knitwear to add texture and flashes of Zott’s bold personality to her look, from underneath her stark white lab coats.
Elizabeth’s Wool Crop Pants and Bold Patterned Shirt in Lessons in Chemistry
If Elizabeth and her stylish wardrobe taught us anything during Lessons in Chemistry’s eight episode first season, it is that you don’t need to conform to the societal standards forced on you. A typical staple of a modern woman’s wardrobe, Elizabeth’s tailored high-waist crop pants were seen as revolutionary for the decade. Even when paired with a modest button-up shirt, in her favorite color of green.
Softer and More Delicate: Elizabeth Zott’s V-neck Knit Sweater and Matching A-Line Skirt
Although Elizabeth didn’t go to work at the Hasting Research Institute to find a husband, even a focused and determined lab technician like her wasn’t immune to the charm of Dr. Calvin Evans. Softening her overall look as she slowly falls in love, adding fine knit v-neck sweaters to her flowing a-line skirts. And momentarily wearing lighter beige and cream colors opposed to the bolder greens that she is best known for.
Black and White Check A-Line Skirt Worn by Brie Larson in Lessons in Chemistry
It isn’t just plaid a-line skirts that gives Elizabeth’s Lessons in Chemistry outfits that prim and proper 50’s style that was expected of women of the era. With her hourglass figure accentuated with her cinched in waist, this full skirt with its small black and white check print is a perfect example of her growing wardrobe of stylish looks. Simply finished with a black button-up blouse and accessorized with a matching handbag and shoes, Elizabeth looks put together and polished.
Bold and Outspoken: Elizabeth’s Black 50’s Style Dress in Lessons In Chemistry
Just like Florence Pugh in Don’t Worry Darling (who also has an equalling statement making black dress) Elizabeth Zott does not like to be told what to do, or how to act by a man. Even if he is her boss.
So it seems only right that when she decides to explain why she will be doing Supper at Six the way she wants, that she is wearing a feminine yet strong statement black dress. Sleeveless, with a cinched waist and full skirt, the patterned dress is typical of the era. But the dark and striking color, and Elizabeth’s strong will, definitely gives her the look of being in charge.
Elizabeth doesn’t back down when the station owner tries to force her to do Supper at Six his way or no way.
Elizabeth Zott’s Green Silk Head Scarf and Plaid Patterned Coat
There is only one finishing touch that any plaid loving scientist and television cookery host could need, and that would be a beautiful matching plaid coat. Although Elizabeth has opted for a simpler and less fussy print than she wears on her a-line skirts and crop pants, the distinctive dark color with lighter pattern lines, adds an extra level of style to her outfits. Especially when paired with her black knee-length dress and silk head scarf in her signature green color.
With the story of Lessons In Chemistry having a real focus on the societal standards faced by women, particularly in the 1950’s and early 60’s, it isn’t hard to see how outspoken and straightforward Elizabeth Zott became the show’s feminist hero. But it wasn’t just her attitude and rise to the top that cemented that status, with the Lessons in Chemistry Elizabeth Zott style having us all ready to dream big and fight the patriarchy one outfit at a time.
