Geek Chic: Fashion Inspired by Marvel’s The Avengers
All movie images courtesy of The Walt Disney Company
You know that tingly sensation of awe and excitement you get after seeing a truly great film? Well, besides leaving me with a serious hankering for shawarma, Marvel’s The Avengers definitely gave me that oh-my-gosh-you-guys-let’s-watch-that-again feeling. Its all-star cast includes Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, and Cobie Smulders.
I saw the movie last Saturday night, but I still can’t stop thinking about it all: the epic battle scenes, the hilarious one-liners, the seriously sexy cast, and of course, the style! And what better way to channel my newfound obsession with comic books and superheroes than with a Geek Chic fashion post?
For more geek-inspired fashion, check out previous posts: Sailor Moon-inspired fashion, Doctor Who-inspired fashion (part 2 and part 3), Sherlock-inspired fashion, Star Wars-inspired fashion, The Hunger Games-inspired fashion, The Big Bang Theory-inspired fashion, The Lord of the Rings-inspired fashion, and Star Trek-inspired fashion.
Know Your Geek: About The Avengers
- Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963, The Avengers is a group of superheroes that appears in Marvel Comics publications. (As opposed to DC Comics’ Justice League of America.)
- Although each Avenger is powerful on his or her own, “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” assemble when they must fight ”the foes no single superhero can withstand.” The original Avengers were Iron Man, Ant-man, Wasp, Thor, the Hulk, and Captain America.
- Written and directed by veritable geek god Joss Whedon, The Avengers brings together a reluctant group of loners who must learn to work together in order to save the world. The Avengers Initiative consists of superheroes Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Black Widow and Hawkeye.
- The film has done some Hulk-level smashing of box office records: it brought in $200.3 million in its opening weekend, shattering the record previously held by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
Outfits Inspired by The Avengers
College Fashion readers, assemble! Whether you’re saving the earth, avenging the earth, or just living in it, you’ll look Marvel-ous in these Avengers-inspired ensembles!
Captain America/Steve Rogers
Captain America/Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, is the First Avenger, born from the country’s efforts to create an army of super-soldiers during World War II. To prevent weapons of mass destruction being dropped on America, he’s forced to crash land his plane in the Arctic.
Discovered by S.H.I.E.L.D. after spending 70 years frozen in the ocean, he awakens in the present day only to be hit with the crushing realization that everything and everyone he knew and held dear in the 1940s is gone. The atrocities of WWII fresh in his mind, he’s left cynical and disillusioned about humanity. Nevertheless, he still believes in serving the greater good and becomes the reluctant leader of the group.
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Shoes, Earrings, Ring, Clutch
I don’t think I’ve ever felt quite as patriotic as I did in the moment that Chris Evans first appeared onscreen in full Captain America regalia. He definitely makes the spangly suit work!
While you’d certainly turn heads if you wore a stars-and-stripes unitard to class, it might not be for quite the right reasons! Instead, channel this stalwart hero with an All-American, 1940s-inspired look that features a chambray shirtdress and brown bomber jacket. Add a modern twist with bold flag-emblazoned booties: if you’re not a fan of the JC Litas, red pumps would also look cute with the outfit. Although Captain America’s vibranium shield isn’t available for purchase, this cute star ring is the next best thing. Retro waves are pretty and polished; plus, they’re all the rage this spring!
Iron Man/Tony Stark
Iron Man/Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., is a self-described “billionaire genius playboy philanthropist.” (It’s a very apt description, to be honest.) Stark is far from a team player: he’s arrogant and snarky and often chafes under direction.
Despite his personality faults, it’s impossible to deny his engineering genius. His origins as a superhero were explored in 2008′s Iron Man and 2010′s Iron Man 2. Stark, a wealthy industrialist, has an electromagnet in his chest that prevents a piece of shrapnel from penetrating his heart. The arc reactor that powers the electromagnet also powers the Iron Man suit, a metal exoskeleton that allows Stark to do things such as fly and withstand tremendous trauma.
Product Information: Blazer, Tee, Jeans, Wedges, Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings, Sunglasses
Tony Stark is all about flash and style, so make sure all eyes are on you with this bold metallic look. A sharp burgundy blazer and gold coated jeans resemble his Iron Man suit, while a charcoal burnout tee and dark sunglasses recall Tony’s too-cool-for-school attitude. Sculptural wedges with a metallic detail tie the look together.
No hero’s outfit is complete without accessories, so pile ‘em on! A teal pendant not only provides a nice color contrast to the blazer, but also references Tony’s chestplate. This silver cuff bracelet might not help you suit up, like Tony’s do, but hey, it’s cute!
Thor
Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, is a demi-god of Asgard. In 2011′s Thor, he was banished to Earth because of his arrogance and warmongering. Now, he returns to our planet to retrieve his renegade adopted brother, Loki, who has grandiose plans to enslave the human race. Thor has sworn to defend Earth, but at the same time is conflicted because the villain is family.
Initially, he and the other Avengers majorly clash due to misunderstanding about their mutual goal. However, he proves to be an invaluable member of the team, not only because he’s more familiar with Loki’s insanity, but also because he’s the only one with the strength to keep the Hulk under control.
Product information: Top, Skirt, Heels, Cuffs, Earrings, Necklace, Ring, Phone case
As the god of thunder and lightning, Thor wears lots of metallics, and a silver foil tank is a trendy take on his armor. Translate his flowing garnet cloak into a trendy high-low hem skirt that pairs perfectly with black lace-up heels. I couldn’t find any hammer jewelry, so go for hammered metal accessories like these twin silver cuffs and black choker necklace instead! Golden lighting bolt earrings and a horn ring reference Thor’s godly background and powers.
The Incredible Hulk/Bruce Banner
Bruce Banner/Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, is a brilliant, mild-mannered scientist whose experiments with gamma radiation went horribly wrong. As a result, when he’s angry, he mutates into “the other guy” — a giant green beast who destroys just about everything in his path. In the film, Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D., tries to recruit Banner for his unparalleled knowledge of gamma radiation. It’s been years since his other self has emerged, but Bruce is understandably reluctant to join the mission. Even if his involvement is just in a scientific capacity, he knows that any exposure to battle could cause the unleashing of the Hulk.
Product Information: Blouse, Shorts, Sandals, Necklace, Earrings, Satchel, Nail Polish
Besides a pair of practically indestructible shorts, the Hulk hasn’t got much in the way of uniform. Nevertheless, you can totally channel both the not-so-jolly green giant and his more pleasant alter ego. A trendy mint blouse and lavender cut-offs are a pastel take on the Hulk’s green coloring and purple pants. He goes barefoot, but you can wear minimalist two-strap sandals instead.
Radioactive earrings add a pop of trendy neon and reference the Hulk’s origin. Let’s not leave Bruce Banner out of the equation: add some scholarly details with a navy satchel and a spectacle necklace. Finally, add the sartorial equivalent of ”Hulk…smash!” with a coat of black shatter polish!
Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff
Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a former KGB assassin turned S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Though she doesn’t technically have superpowers, she’s been trained as an assassin from an early age. Natasha, who made a brief appearance in Iron Man 2, has nerves of steel and some serious martial arts skills.
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Heels, Belt, Earrings, Lipstick, Nail Polish
Since Black Widow’s the only woman in the Initiative, I initially wanted to avoid an overly feminine, stereotypical outfit, but in the end, the sultry bandage dress won out. After all, ScarJo does possess famously dangerous curves and there’s no denying Black Widow’s major sex appeal! Toughen up the look with a sharp-shouldered leather jacket and sassy slingbacks that resemble the ones she wears at the beginning of the movie.
Accessorize with scarlet accents: black widow spiders are easily identified by the red hourglass on their midsections, so slip on a red patent belt. Then slick on a coat of crimson Hourglass lipstick and reference Natasha’s mother country with Essie’s “Russian Roulette” nail varnish. These spider earrings might be more reminiscent of another Marvel character, but they’re also sleek enough to be Black-Widow-esque.
Hawkeye/Clint Barton
Clint Barton/Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner, is quite the loner: as an expert sniper, he spends a great deal of time perched in the shadows, waiting for his targets. This master marksman has got a neat set of trick arrows (acid, explosive, flare, and boomerang arrows, just to name a few). Hawkeye mostly keeps to himself, but does share a deep, unspoken connection with Black Widow. He made a cameo in Thor.
Product Information: Vest, Tank, Jeans, Boots, Bag, Ring, Necklace, Bracelet
In the original comics, Hawkeye wears a flashy purple and blue suit. While I can see why they toned it down for the movie, it’s actually a pretty fun color scheme for real life. Distressed denim vests are a hot trend this year, and this one pairs perfectly with a cobalt tank and violet skinnies. Buckled ankle boots toughen up the look while a hawk ring and nest pendant add some avian detail.
Between Hawkeye, Katniss, and the ever-popular Legolas, archery is definitely getting its moment in the spotlight! A leather bucket bag is a cute civilian take on Hawkeye’s sheath of arrows, while a golden arrow bangle adds a nice dose of sheen.
What did you think?
Would you wear these looks? Did you see The Avengers? Did you love it as much as we did? (If you’re planning to see it, make sure to stay through the credits!) Do you have a favorite Avenger/S.H.I.E.L.D. agent? What other geeky inspirations would you like to see? (Next time, we’ll be heading to a very special beach…and flying Oceanic Airlines to get there, of course!) As always, let me know in the comments!
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Posted on on May 10, 2012 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Avengers, Comic book fashion, Featured, Geek Chic, Inspired by, Movie fashion, Movie Inspiration
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Safiya
Amazing outfits for an awesome movie. Love it!!!
Amanda
No Loki :(
there should be a Loki outfit! even if he isn’t technically an avenger,haha, he’s my favorite.
Nell
This post is fabulous! Love this movie and the comics; I’m glad to see it get a chance to shine here.
Briana
Excellent post! I love all of these outfits. :)
Val
loved the movie. loved the post. it’s nice to see i’m not the only girl appreciating style in a geeky movie :)
Ksen
This is awesome! You should do some Dark Knight outfits soon :)
Yumiko
Great styles, i would have LOVED a bonus one inspired by Loki :P I love him!
Amanda
This is the best post so far!
Savannah
This just made my whole day! Captain America’s outfit is hands down my favorite!!
Leira Zetroc
OH MY GOSH!! I was seriously freaking out when I saw the title for this post! I hate being all fan-girl but Avengers was sooo aawweessoommee!! This “Fashion Inspired By” series has some of the posts out there on the fashion blogosphere, I’m serious.
Did anyone see the credits scene? So funny! Need some shawarma as well ;)
Also, the way you emulated Thor’s cape into a high-low hemline skirt and translated Captain America’s shield into a ring is pretty ingenuitive ;)
Joanna
I love the outfits!!!
Chloe
LOVE THIS POST! I am totally falling for Hawkeye after the movie and i cant wait to get my hands on some of his comics! Thanks for this post! I think Black Widow, Captain America and Hawkeyes outfits are so Marvel-ous I will be rushing to get my own together ASAP!
Salena
Great Post!! & Ooh is that a fashion inspired by Lost I’m hearing?? haha Cant wait to read it!! :)
Lindsay
LOVE THIS. Can’t wait to go see the movie!
Taylor
No Loki? Great outfits though. Loved the movie.
Chelsea
LOVE this!! I wish you had included Loki, cause he has some interesting fashion choices going on there haha but otherwise, fantastic!
Ali
Can we do the villain next? Like Loki, and other Marvel villains? That would be great. Awesome post!
kokomo
can you please PLEASE please do an inspired by downton abbey, and inspired by true blood, an inspired by the hunger games and/or an inspired by the tudors post? :D PLEASE.
Lilly
Fantastic stuff! Love the Captain America & Thor outfits. Any chance there’d be a part 2 “Avengers Inspired” article, including Loki? Can’t wait to see how you would interpret his costume in terms of modern fashion! Nick Fury & Pepper Pots would also be an interesting addition…
Natalie
These are very brave outfits! I’m not a very sparkly metallic person, but I love certain aspects of every outfit :)
Elaine
I love these inspired outfits! i haven’t even seen the Avengers yet but these look awesome!
Cami
These outfits fit each character so well! I love them all! Thank you for this amazing post!
Chippie
I’m so happy I woke up to this post! I love this!
Lisa
I love that you did a post on The Avengers, but… I’m actually kind of disappointed in the outfits? Most of them feel most like costumes than outfits I would actually wear. The Captain America and Black Widow outfits would be the exception. As others have said, I’m also disappointed you didn’t do a Loki outfit. A Fury outfit could have been really fun, too.
Chippie
And…oops! Cap wasn’t a founding member :D
Lauren
I love this post! And I’m DYING to watch The Avengers. Those ankle boots in outfit one are amazing. I’d love to get those!
Chelsea
LOVED THE AVENGERS!!!!!! Really could of used this last Saturday when I went to see it (and it was so amazing!), but this is still an amazing post! :)
Tierney
I’d LOVE a villains special next. Tom Hiddleson is SO GORGEOUS!
Julia
love every single one of them!
martasara12
this is great!!!but…WHERE IS LOKI????:((((((((((
Jenna
I would LOVE to see fashion inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and Merlin! Both of which are super amazing!
aish
love the hulk look and the black widow
Saba
THOR OUTFIT = A+
but donde esta Loki??? :(
Katherine
OH MY GOSH i love the Avengers!!! but i DEFINITELY agree there needs to be a LOKI set!!!!! He is better/sexier than all the Avengers combined!!!
Beck
Best post ever!!! I’ve already seen The Avengers twice! The outfits are all very well done–they reflect the characters without coming off as “costumy”
Christy
Love it! Can we have a bonus post with Loki-inspired outfits though? Because uh, I love him. And Tom Hiddleton. <3
merrybelly
super cool post! I love and would wear all of these outfits!! :)
Shanna
No Loki? He looked pretty good in formal attire. Not many people could pull off a scarf like he did!
Valerie
LOKI!!!! there needs to be a Loki! I mean, comeon, Hiddles is divine!
Sudeshna
OMG and Loki??? I was practically sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for Loki scenes the whole time. Sighh…
Great post though! this movie was amazing!
Ashley, cutey
Awesome, really beautiful collections.
I do love the whole greek chic look.
Ashley, cutey
*geek
Bee
Totally would have loved to see a Loki one!
Thash
As all my girls with exquisite taste in villainy have said above me, can we please have some Loki fashion? :) Great post, but missing the most fabulous fashion of the movie – Loki!!
Pauline
I love all the outfits and I really loved the movie when I watched it last week. All the outfits are really channeling the characters and I would use all of them. They are awesome! Just one thing: I agree with the other readers: there must be an outfit for Loki.
Alyssa
I wait for these. They are all AMAZING! The Avengers was awesome and I love these outfits! Thanks!
Jessica
I would wear Capt America definitely and a few variations on the others so it would really fit to my taste. I saw The Avengers and absolutely LOVED IT!!!! And when I found out about the two after-credit scenes, I begged my mom to take me again with no avail. My favorite Avenger has to be Hulk only because Mark Ruffalo is playing him this time around. Other than being a fan of the animated series, the only reason I went was to see him as Hulk and I was not disappointed.
Kristin
What about Loki? D:
Jee
Oh, it would be awesome if you did a follow up with the “other” characters, like Loki and Agent C.!
jacqueline
ooh, i love the iron man and thor outfits! i’m a little sad we didn’t get loki fashion–i love his use of jewel-tone green, and his more ‘human’ outfit is my favorite look in the film. darn, now i really want shwarma ;)
Sasha
I Am In Love With The Avengers! Who Couldn’t With This Totally Sexy Cast? I’m In Love With Captain America, Clint Barton, And So Want To Be Black Widow! These Outfits Are Pretty Amazing And I Will Be Wearing Similar Ones To All Of Them, Especially Captain America And Black Widow. I Think You Should Do A Part 2 Post With Loki, Fury, Potts, Crowe…That Sort Of Thing! Looking Forward To Future Posts!
Melannie
Loved the movie and the outfits. Can you do Avatar: The last airbender and Legend of Korra?
Julia
No Loki. :(
He’s my favorite character and I think he should have a post of his own; I mean there are so many ways to make a look like his!!!!
And Tom is an amazing actor. Who agrees?
LETS GO LOKI
Breeze
The hi-lo skirt for Thor’s cape is brilliant. Scrolling through the comments I have to agree on the Downton Abbey thing, though you’ll have to wait for series 3 so that it can be timely.
Cheers!
Anna
These are excellent—not only do they capture the characters’ looks really well, but they’re also stylish. They’re all great, but the Iron Man, Thor, and Hawkeye ones are especially so.
More suggestions?
• Pixar’s Brave, once it comes out
• Mika (singer) — he has the most fabulous style, and I’d love to see something inspired by his album art as well
• Avatar: The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra — either the characters, the nations, or both
• The Space Race and the campy sci-fi movies of the 1950s that were inspired by it
• The Beatles — could go in the direction of their changing styles as the years went on, certain albums, or even individual songs (Here Comes the Sun, Octopus’s Garden, Strawberry Fields, etc.)
• Pixar’s Wall-E
• The Amazing Spider-Man, once it’s released
• The Dark Knight Rises, once it’s released
Sorry, I probably went a little overboard with the number of suggestions there, but the Geek Chic posts are honestly my favorite thing about this website and you did such a great job with this one.
christine
YOU ARE AWESOME! with your remarkable sense of fashion, you should have your own tv show segment or a magazine. love your posts especially the sailormoon inspired outfits! who knew a geeky pre-med student can also be fashion genius :D
Taylor
Loved these outfits! Will there be a Part 2?You could do Loki, Pepper Potts (maybe), Nick Fury, Maria Hill, Coulson, etc.
Leira
Great movie and great post! I think Thor’s outfit is my favorite, but they’re all pretty great. I’m going to go ahead and second pretty much everything Anna suggested (PLEASE do an Avatar-inspired post; I’m re-watching The Last Airbender now). Also, if you’re on a Joss Whedon kick, I’d love to see what you’d make of Firefly.
Alexis
PLEASE DO A LEGEND OF KORRA inspired one? please it would be amazing…btw LOVE THIS!
Tanvi
Oh my gosh!!! i love the Avengers! and i love your fashion sense!! Ur a genius! , my fav has to be Hawkeye and Ironman! Thanks!!
KV
You can totally get the foil crinkle top at H&M for 4.95- instead of the 34.95 one at TopShop. Schwwwinnng.
Niamh
I would totally wear Iron Man’s/Captain America’/Thor’s outfits!
Heart
Aww I wished the Hulk outfit was more grungey looking, like distressed jeans and a ripped shirt with a bandeau top under it.
Chair
Amazing post! Really enjoyed every outfit, especially Iron man.
Could you post the direct link of the necklace you used for the Iron man outfit? Can`t find it on the website of Max and Chloe.
Thanks!
Shannon - Boston University
So glad you enjoyed the article! Here’s the link for the necklace: http://www.maxandchloe.com/Yochi-Turquoise-and-Gold-Circle-Necklace?PID=2687457
Melanie
I love this post! Just liked to recommend some post:
Doctor Who, Doctors 1-8
Avatar The Last Airbender/ The Legend of Korra
Pokemon
The Divergent Series
Alexandra
Great post! Thor is a full blooded God though, not a demi god ; )
Carly
Hey! I loved this set !! It’s so cool! And the movie was awesome!!
I love superheroes, but my favourite is BATMAN!! Ever think about doing a Geek Chic for the new Batman movie coming out this summer, the Dark Knight Rises? :D ;D JUST A SMALL HINT.
SO.
HINT HINT!! :D
Rachel
PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE do Gwen Stacey from Spiderman when the new movie comes out :) :)
Katie
I love this, but why have you left out Nick Fury and Phil Coulson and Loki (My three favorite characters, in that order)?
georige
haha great post =)
galy
that was a fun article!!!! and also very inspiring especially loved the Thor inspired outfit!!!
thanx!!!
Shelbie
Absolutely LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely something I am going to do. I love the Avengers and all their might and glory. Thanks for this post!!! Super amazing!!!!! :D
Ngozi
I absolutely loved the Avengers. One of the best movies I’ve ever seen. I really like these outfits too, specifically Iron Man, the Hulks and Hawkeyes. :D
Anna
Amazing! These are all great designs!!!!!
Jashar
Does anyone know the black with grey shirt that Tony Stark is wearing in the screenshots here?
Obviously it doesn’t have the Arc Reactor part, but i love that shirt regardless and hope it’s available somewhere.
PG
If anyone can point me to a site that caters to the MENS version of this, that would be great. THANK YOU!
Mariam
Where can I find iron man necklace from
Lea
I love this article and the Lord of the Rings one too.
I had an idea for you. The TV series Wonder Woman (1975). Please think about doing a article on this TV series.
elodie
Yes!! I totally agree with Lea. I was about to say you should do a post on the Justice League cuz it has Wonder Woman in it, but just doing a post on Wonder Woman alone would be FANTASTIC!!! I actually wrote a paper for my history class on her. (Got an A and my prof told me I have a great sense of cultural theory for an undergrad :)) anyhow, despite how she fights in a strapless leotard (she was created by a man…) she is a great role model. She was a feminist symbol during the 1970s feminist movement (and continues to be so today), a voice of opposition against nuclear arms during the Cold War, and fights homegrown economic evils, such as low wages, war profiteering, etc. as well as enemy soldiers and saboteurs. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider doing a post on Wonder Woman!
Jenny Kingman
Very inspiring article! I love the Avengers, incredible movie and what incredible designs.
Katie
I love all of these.
Lyssa
WHAT ABOUT LOKI?!?!