A Twin Peaks Style Profile
Soon, the temperature will fall; sleeves and hemlines will lengthen. Kyle MacLachlan is all over our social media feeds; David Lynch has announced his intent to make movies until he dies. It’s the perfect time to take in the autumnal vibes of Twin Peaks—and take some style inspiration from its sharply dressed leads.
Of course, we’re all obsessed with Audrey Horne, but she’s not the only fashionista in our favourite fictional small town. Donna, Jessie, Norma, and co. also sport some striking looks, all of which would suit a variety of silhouettes. Put on Angelo Badalamenti’s famous score and open your closet (or a new tab)—you’ve got to start packing for your stay at the Great Northern.
First Layer
Twin Peaks style is all about finding simple, flattering pieces that fit you like a glove—and can be repurposed time and again with a variety of accoutrements. (Ideal for the sustainable shopper.) On that note, sweaters are necessary to get the Twin Peaks look. Short sleeves and long, scoop neck, cowl neck, turtleneck… you will see them all on this show. Work-friendly button-ups and blouses with delicate details are also on the list.
Second Layer
It’s chilly in the PNW; you’ll probably have to bundle up. The question is, how casual are you going? If you’re in for a laid-back day, you could wear a flannel like the one Jessie wears around the house. If you want to dress up your fit, a cardigan might be more your speed: choose a neutral colour as Audrey tends to do, or take a cue from Donna and try an argyle or fairisle knit. If you want to show you mean business, you can throw on a blazer (a staple favoured by Josie, Lucy, and occasionally Audrey).
Third Layer
If it’s cold outside, you’ll need an overcoat to button up. Black wool peacoats are preferred by many of the characters—but a few of them mix things up. Jessie has some fun outerwear, such as a turquoise velour jacket with plaid trim and a sweeping navy trench coat—and let’s not forget Donna’s leather moto jacket. Of course, if you’d like to steal Agent Dale Cooper’s style, you can go for a classic tan trench.
Bottoms
Skirts are the uniform in Twin Peaks, giving the show a timeless atmosphere. Your two choices here are the A-line skirt or the pencil skirt. The former is reliably more playful and comfortable; depending on how you style it, the latter might look more professional or give you a sultry edge.
If you haven’t noticed already, these ladies love plaid. (The association is so strong that L’Ecole Des Femmes carries an “Audrey Horne pencil skirt,” pictured below.) If you opt for the pattern, ensure you’re going for a midi or maxi length, lest you risk dipping into Y2K territory.
Shoes
Shoes can carry a lot of significance in the Twin Peaks world. In one pivotal scene, Audrey switches from saddle shoes to sleek red pumps after arriving at school, showing there’s more to her than meets the eye. You can follow her lead by ensuring that you always have a sweet and sexy option on deck.
Special Occasions
Stepping out for a night on the town? Or need a glamorous getup so you can go undercover at your father’s shady bar-slash-illicit-prostitution-HQ? (We won’t judge.) Let Audrey be your guide. She’s a fan of dresses with plunging necklines: we see her in black and red variations throughout the series. Want a more demure ensemble? Channel Laura Palmer’s homecoming photo with a sleeveless white dress. You can even recreate her updo.
Loungewear
Ditch the t-shirt and sweats and go to bed Twin Peaks style. Slip on an elegant slip like the ones Laura and Jessie are spotted wearing, or get a little more dramatic with lingerie that evokes the costumes at One Eyed Jack’s. Stay cozy with a robe—there’s a lot of range in this arena, from the silk robes rocked by Josie and Jessie to the fluffier choices donned by Laura and Maddy to the omnipresent flannel look.
“Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen.”
Brittany Menjivar is a cultural critic and the author of poetry and prose collection Parasocialite.