Fashion Crush Friday: Elena Michaels

Bitten's Elena Michaels has a very limited fashion range and that's not a crack at Syfy's budget!  She has little interest in adventurous fashion and sticks with drab, utilitarian neutrals.  I know this sounds ominous but let me assure you, hot damn, does she make them look good. 

Elena wants to project strong, steady competence as the only female werewolf in a land of men. She's more inclined to sparring with the boys than shoe shopping at the mall. On a typical day, she finds herself disposing of bodies in the river and tracking enemies through the woods with a sudden shift to wolf form. Her wardrobe reflects her practicality, which from a viewer's perspective, is hugely appreciated because it lets you immerse yourself in the narrative instead of scoffing about running in stilettos or doing karate in a bandage dress. 

Sleek and functional are the best words for Elena. As a general rule, her top is a loose tank or t-shirt in a plain neutral, paired with extremely fitted pants and very practical leather boots.  In terms of a color palette she prefers unyielding colors: grey and blacks (preferably leather), deep red for a touch of color, and olive greens. With very few accessories to catch the sunlight this makes for a forest friendly palette. 

There's something deceptively lethal about Elena. With her delicate, petite build and sharp facial features she looks sweet and doll like. I love the way that they work the personality of the wolf into her human wardrobe.

Note the contrast here between Elena in her skin tight black, and Nick on the far right. A show with only one main female character often makes their female the fashion standout. In Bitten, it's Nick Sorentino who takes fashion risks as the fun loving, metrosexual play boy.  It's interesting to note that Nick's skinny burgundy cords are more color than we've ever seen from Elena's pants.

Utilitarian jackets are a constant, both leather moto jackets and field jackets. I love the way that in Elena's first episodes she's consistently in cropped, fitted moto jackets. They bridge a nice gap between her and the boys.  

 

Here are two great examples of that olive green in a field vest and a field jacket. Olive green can be so difficult to pull off, but Elena's blonde hair has just enough of a caramel undertone that it's flattering. No necklace, earrings, or hair pieces here!

When you consider the amount of time that Elena spends outdoors, or intimidating mutts in crappy motels and garages, it makes sense that she's never seen in flats, sneakers, or heels. It's leather boots all the way.

 

In summary, Elena Michaels has a delightfully practical wardrobe that is a true fit for the character's daily life. The wardrobe team on Bitten recognizes that it's just not reasonable to pretend that their lone female character would be kicking butt in the woods in ballet flats and mini skirts!