40 TV Costume Details That Are So Smart They Went Right Over Our Heads

Have you ever considered how much thought goes into dressing some of our favorite TV characters? Naturally, the clothes have to reflect their own personal taste, and oftentimes wardrobe designers will insert small details into costumes which can reveal a whole lot more. The problem is that some of them are so subtle and easy to miss! So, we’ve compiled 40 of the smartest hidden costume details on TV. But be warned: there are spoilers ahead...

40. Breaking Bad – Walt’s inner darkness

Throughout Breaking Bad we see Walter White’s character turn from desperate chemistry teacher to ruthless drug lord. And in season four of the hit show, we get an insight into his inner darkness when he tells Skylar, “I am the one who knocks.” That’s because, as he frustratingly pulls off his red button-up, he reveals a darker burgundy T-shirt beneath.

39. The Queen’s Gambit – Beth’s winning outfit

When Beth is ultimately crowned world champion in The Queen’s Gambit, her outfit is reminiscent of a certain chess piece: the white queen. In November 2020 the show’s costume designer Gabriele Binder told Vogue magazine, “At the end, Beth wears the white coat with the white pants and cap. The idea, of course, is to convey that she is now the queen on the chessboard and the chessboard itself is the world.” Pretty neat, huh?

38. Game of Thrones – Sansa’s Stark tribute

The costume Sansa wears when she finally becomes Queen of the North during Game of Thrones’ final episode contains some interesting tributes to the wider Stark family. Her asymmetric cloak is for Arya, while she wears weirwood leaves to represent Bran. There’s also black fur in a nod to Rickon, a crown for Robb, a grey gown to symbolize Ned and a sewing needle of her own.

37. Grey’s Anatomy – Izzie’s sweater

In season two of Grey’s Anatomy Izzie is left heartbroken when her love interest and patient Denny dies after a heart transplant. And she is seen in a dark sweater as the character grieves her loss. The doctor actually knitted the garment for Denny during his time in the hospital – making her wearing of it extra poignant.