How the 'Stranger Things' cast dresses in real life compared to their characters
Amanda Krause
- "Stranger Things" is a beloved Netflix series set in the 1980s.
- Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and others have transformed into the show's characters on screen.
Eleven, also known as El, is usually seen wearing a mix of hand-me-downs and '80s fashion.
The character is first seen in the show wearing a hospital gown and buzz-cut hairstyle. She then grows her hair into a bob and starts wearing loose-fitting T-shirts and flannels from the closets of her boyfriend and dad.
That said, she eventually finds her own style and can be seen wearing popular trends from the decade, like printed jumpsuits and sneakers with tall socks.
In real life, Millie Bobby Brown has a fashion and beauty sense that's beyond her years.
The 18-year-old actor is often seen wearing a mix of ball gowns and minidresses, as well as heels and playful makeup.
She's also recently started sporting long, blonde hair.
Mike Wheeler wears a lot of shorts, striped shirts, and polos in bold colors.
The character's wardrobe has stayed pretty consistent since season one, aside from his clothes getting more colorful.
His hair — a fluffy version of a bowl cut — has also remained throughout the series.
Finn Wolfhard, on the other hand, looks like a young rock star.
Now 19 years old, the actor and musician has been wearing lots of silk shirts, dress pants, and black boots as part of designer get-ups lately.
His hairstyle, usually styled in natural-looking waves, is also more modern in real life.
Will Byers has a simple style like many of his friends.
He usually wears T-shirts and shorts, though you'll sometimes see him sporting costumes inspired by Dungeons & Dragons.
The character also sports a bowl cut throughout the entirety of the show.
Noah Schnapp also dresses casually, but with a more modern twist to his outfits.
Schnapp, 17, wears a lot of designer athleisure, sneakers, and colorful suits when not acting as Beyers.
Joyce Byers usually focuses more on her kids than her clothes.
The character is typically seen wearing her work button-up and attached name tag over simple T-shirts and jeans.
She's also seemingly a fan of popular '80s sneakers and wavy hair with bangs.
When not in character, Winona Ryder is practically a style icon.
Her go-to outfits are almost always black, with touches of classic menswear.
The 50-year-old is often photographed wearing jeans and graphic T-shirts when not working, and gowns accessorized with suit-style jackets on red carpets.
Jim Hopper is known as the no-nonsense cop who's almost always in uniform.
That said, the character started to show his own fashion sense in season three, where he's seen wearing both blue jeans and Hawaiian shirts.
David Harbour, however, always looks dapper in real life.
Harbour, 47, frequently wears suits at red-carpet events, and isn't afraid to have fun with accessories.
He wore a top hat at the 2022 Met Gala, for example, and a custom-made, bedazzled look at the "Stranger Things" season four premiere.
You probably associate Dustin Henderson with his signature baseball caps and graphic T-shirts.
He's also often seen with either a jacket, vest, or backpack strapped to his back.
Gaten Matarazzo doesn't dress much like his "Stranger Things" character.
Not only does Matarazzo have shorter hair in real life, but he also has more fun with fashion.
The 19-year-old actor wears lots of bright colors, printed suits, and fun sneakers.
Lucas Sinclair is arguably the most stylish member of the middle-school Hawkins group.
In the first two seasons of "Stranger Things," the character mostly wears simple tops, fleece-lined jackets, and his signature camo headband.
Though he continues to wear the latter accessory in season three, he also starts experimenting with hats and printed T-shirts around that time.
Caleb McLaughlin is equally stylish off camera.
McLaughlin, 20, is often seen at red-carpet events in everything from perfectly tailored suits to vibrant tops with bold prints.
He also typically accessorizes his outfits, wearing things like sunglasses, handbags, and statement shoes.
Max Mayfield has a cool and effortless tomboy style.
She first appears wearing jackets, jeans, and sneakers — the perfect clothes to play video games and ride skateboards in.
Her style does take on a more colorful vibe in season three, but her outfits still match her casual aesthetic.
Sadie Sink has a style opposite to that of her character.
The 20-year-old always looks glamorous, as she's often seen in whimsical dresses and satin suits.
That said, her vibrant red hair is pretty similar to Max's.
Nancy Wheeler's outfits usually have a girl-next-door vibe.
She starts the show in pastel button-up shirts, long skirts, and opaque tights. But as the character experiences more of the Upside Down, her style gets edgier.
By season three, she's seen wearing lots of jackets, jeans, and comfortable clothes.
In real life, Natalia Dyer is chic and fashionable.
Dyer, 27, has embraced '80s trends off-screen, including puffy sleeves, neon colors, and parachute pants.
That said, her timeless wardrobe has also included minidresses, crop tops, and a hairstyle that's longer and lighter than the one her character wears.
Jonathan Byers has a timeless style with a slight '80s touch.
He's always sporting casual outfits, like T-shirts with jeans and belts.
But after getting a job at the Hawkins Post — the local newspaper — he adds a tie and camera to most of his looks.
Charlie Heaton has a sharper style than his character.
The 28-year-old's standout suits and dapper streetwear outfits are often the works of designers like Dior.
Steve Harrington is known for two things: his suave attitude and larger-than-life hair.
When he's not sporting his Scoop's Ahoy uniform, you usually see him on screen wearing clothes that were trendy in the '80s — light-wash jeans, bomber jackets, and white sneakers.
Joe Keery dresses like a modern-day version of his "Stranger Things" character.
Of course, he sports suits at red-carpet premieres, but for more casual events, you can find the 30-year-old wearing dark jeans, work boots, and beanies.
We don't see much of Robin Buckley's style, but she seemingly has some punk influences.
She accessorizes her Scoops Ahoy uniform with layered chain necklaces, a choppy bob, and red Converse sneakers.
Maya Hawke's style is equally edgy, but with a bit more glamour involved.
Hawke, 23, frequently wears black outfits with sheer details. She most recently did so at the "Stranger Things" season four premiere.
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