What Walter White's wardrobe really reveals in 'Breaking Bad'
What's the story
In the acclaimed series Breaking Bad, Walter White's wardrobe is more than just clothes; it's a powerful narrative tool. From a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a feared drug lord, each outfit choice reflects his transformation. The colors, styles, and changes in his attire are all meticulously chosen to symbolize various aspects of his character development and internal struggles. Let's take a look at the hidden symbolism behind Walter White's wardrobe choices throughout the series.
Blue symbolism
The color blue: A sign of control
Walter White also dresses in blue when he's in control or working towards it. In the early episodes, blue is indicative of his calm and calculated nature as he embarks on his journey into the drug trade. As he gains power, blue takes a more prominent place in his wardrobe, representing his growing confidence and authority over everyone surrounding him.
Neutral colors
Beige and neutral tones: Mundane life
Beige and other neutral tones rule Walter's wardrobe at the start of Breaking Bad. The colors mirror his monotonous existence as a high school teacher, fighting a losing battle with finances. The dullness of these colors represents Walter's initial lack of ambition and his discontent with life before he sets out on a criminal journey.
Green motifs
Green: Greed and ambition
Green often decorates Walter White's dress at pivotal points, representing his growing greed and ambition. The intentional color selection signifies important events where the quest for money decides his choices. It subtly emphasizes how desires for money become an engine in Walter's story, showing the intense influence money has on his journey throughout Breaking Bad.
Dark attire
Black: Descent into Darkness
As Walter White plunges deeper into crime in Breaking Bad, black takes over his wardrobe. The color is a representation of his descent into darker deeds and moral ambiguity. The transition from light to dark colors is a stark contrast from his previous self. It speaks volumes about his transformation. The choice of black emphasizes his acceptance of a morally ambiguous path. Unlike the lighter hues of his past.
Red alerts
Red: Danger ahead
We also see how red in Walter White's wardrobe indicates danger or conflict, be it from physical threats or emotional confrontations with characters like Skyler or Jesse Pinkman. Its strategic use adds to the tension without giving away plot developments, keeping suspense intact. This technique was instrumental in the show's success, keeping the viewers hooked throughout its critically acclaimed run from 2008 to 2013.