If we pretend the outfits were character choices not costume design choices, how would you analyze Alana's? I despise her style (even after s3)
If we approach the characters as though they’re real individuals selecting their own wardrobes, Alana’s fashion choices in the first two seasons suggest a desire for male validation. Working in a male-dominated field, she consistently opts for traditionally feminine silhouettes, sometimes even drawing on a 1950s aesthetic, rather than choosing attire that might be seen as more neutral or commanding. It’s less about professionalism and more about appealing to the male gaze, consciously or not.
Then, in season three, she shifts to a bold masculine-feminine hybrid style that leans into the theatrical. It feels like an overt attempt to differentiate herself, but the result comes off as forced, less authentic expression and more performance.
Taken together, Alana’s evolving style signals a consistent thread: she dresses to be seen. Whether through hyper-femininity or exaggerated androgyny, there’s always an undercurrent of needing to capture and direct attention. That’s why I hate her costume design too, it simply does not make sense for her…I don’t think she’s a character who would constantly search for validation but the style they chose for her does imply that.
omg those awful dresses from s1 and 2, plsss they did her so wrong
Also, the fact that they went “now she’s dating a woman so she dresses more masculine/less feminine than before” is such a wrong approach. And they can’t even give the excuse that she “found herself” because Caroline said Alana always knew she was bi and already explored that so…? Oh well what to expect from a predominantly cis male ran tv show lol
My least favorite thing is her fake bob in s3b. Either fucking wear a wig or cut your hair don’t just wear it pinned up what working person, especially someone working in a psych hospital, would fucking do that every day— INSANITY
oh god I forgot about the hair and makeup too 😣