I LIKE When Ugly Betty Gets Ugly
October 27, 2008 by Tom
OK, so I’m sure you’ve seen these pics of America Ferrera as Betty Suarez on the set of Ugly Betty, and no doubt the one word you’ve read in conjunction with them on fashion blogs is HIDEOUS.
Of course, on a surface level, I’d agree. The insane patterned coat, the butterfly beret,the plaid stockings the strange purse and matching shoes, the tie/scarf/bowtie/whatever that thing is. At first glance, you see these and almost want to shout at Ugly Betty costume designer Patricia Field: are you crazy?
I do understand what Field has said she’s going for: Betty understands some bits and pieces about fashion, but has no idea how to put them together. Since I’m a fashion layman, most of Betty’s clothes this year have looked pretty darned good to me. The outfits in episode 3.05 were especially pleasing to the eye.
But THIS. It’s proof to me that I’ve fallen in love with Betty the character. Even though I know this is quite the hideous look, I see her and my first thought is, “She’s hot”. Even looking awful, she looks great to me. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve gotten so used to Betty, no matter how hard I look, or how hard the makeup and costume people try, I can no longer see her as “ugly”.
Even in this outfit.
More of the hideous outfit, after the jump.
Seek help, Tom.
I get you 100%, Tom. Somehow, I never saw her as ugly. Or at least, ever since the end of the pilot, when she walked away with a charismatic smile on her face.
I think that overshadows everything “geeky” about her. I barely notice her clothes anymore. 3.05, I took a step back and was like, “WOAH!” But style change or not, she’s still the Betty I know and love.
As for her “change”, you can expect her to remain forever like she has, especially after 2 yrs in the fashion industry. But it doesn’t change “her”. The fact that the change hasn’t been addressed on TV shows its merely a natural progression, not an indicator of whether or not she’s changed. Even IF she dresses impeccably, she will never be a Mode girl, so I don’t care.
Plus, she still has her “stamp”, and is still slightly clueless, as seen here. She still has that klutzy endearment. ;P
OMG, What the “H E .. double hockey sticks” IS THAT?!!!?!?
I have to admit that I love the jacket and beret combo on Betty, I think she looks cute as hell! Sure, I’d lose the butterfly pin, but that’s a pretty easy thing to take off.
So the jacket, hat and tights go well together, and the skirt, shoes and bag work together fine. It’s just the blend that makes it “Ugly”. Maybe she figured the B&W swoops on the sleeve of the jacket would tie it all together.
I love the jacket from Betty’s
I actually like Betty’s clothes….but not together, they’re kooky and colourful and fun…they make my happy…I don’t have much of a life…
I think that Patricia Field is a genius, and, yes, Betty usually wears things that clash, but there is just WAY too much going on with this particular outfit. I accept that Betty Suarez has learned a little about designer labels, but just doesn’t know how to mix and match yet, but it doesn’t ring true to me that she would go this far overboard, making herself look like a bad circus clown.