The hidden meaning behind 12 of 'The Queen's Gambit's' most iconic outfits

Monica HumphriesDec 10, 2020, 05:23 IST

Clothing in "The Queen's Gambit" represents more than iconic '60s attire. It symbolizes everything from chessboards to independence for Beth Harmon.Phil Bray/Netflix

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit."
The hit limited series follows the story of Beth Harmon as she rises to become a chess Grandmaster.
Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, evolves as a chess player, and so does her clothing throughout the show.
Some of her outfit choices also have hidden meaning that viewers might have missed.

"The Queen's Gambit" has captured the world's attention and quickly become Netflix's biggest limited series yet.

The series follows Beth Harmon, an American chess prodigy played by Anya Taylor-Joy, as she rises to become a chess Grandmaster.

Behind the shockingly rousing chess matches are the other components that make the series so binge-worthy: pattern-filled hotel rooms, mysterious green pills, and Harmon's iconic '60s style clothing.

As the audience watch Harmon evolve as a chess player, they similarly watch her fashion sense progress.

Berlin-based costume designer Gabriele Binder designed a wardrobe filled with hidden meanings, symbols, and messages.

Take a look at Harmon's fashion evolution and the hidden meaning behind 12 of her outfits.

At the beginning of the series, Beth Harmon lacks control over her style.

Beth Harmon arrives at the orphanage in a pale green dress embroidered by her mother. Netflix

Beth Harmon's lack of autonomy over her style continues when she is adopted into a family.

Beth Harmon arrives at her new high school in clothes from the orphanage. Netflix

After her first win, Beth Harmon takes her style into her own hands.

Beth Harmon eyes a checked dress at the department store. Netflix

When Beth Harmon makes it back home, she unwraps a box that viewers assume are new shoes. It's a chessboard, but we'll later learn that she bought the shoes, too.

Beth wearing her new shoes in the opening of episode three, "Doubled Pawns." Netflix

Beth Harmon's role as an "outsider" is further established in her clothing and friendship choices.

Beth Harmon and Benny Watts. Ken Woroner/Netflix

As Insider's Kim Renfro spotted, Beth Harmon uses her style to solidify victories.

Beth Harmon in "The Queen's Gambit" and the real Elizabeth Taylor in 1961. Netflix and Getty Images

In Beth Harmon's Paris match, she adorns a dress that matches her tranquilizer pills.

Beth entering the room for her Paris game against Borgov. Netflix

Her Paris loss leads to a bender, where she wears an outfit akin to her adoptive mother, Alma.

Beth and Alma wearing pink and blue in "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

A simple monochrome shirt is repeated throughout the series and represents comfort.

The same black-and-white shirt pops up in multiple scenes throughout the series. Netflix

Another checked clothing item appears on Beth Harmon's arrival in Russia, and it foreshadows her win.

Beth Harmon wears the same coat throughout her Moscow, Russia, trip. Netflix

In her final match, Beth Harmon's dress is a homage to home.

In the first and last episode, Beth Harmon wears a pale green dress. Netflix

Perhaps the most striking outfit is Beth Harmon's white coat and hat duo, which symbolize a white queen chess piece.

The final scene of "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Stunning real-life destinations in 'The Queen's Gambit' you can visit

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