Honestly, if you watched Me Before You and didn't immediately want to raid Louisa Clark’s closet, were you even paying attention? It’s been years since the movie adaptation of Jojo Moyes' bestseller hit theaters, but the obsession with the Me Before You clothes hasn't faded. Not one bit. You still see those bumblebee tights everywhere on mood boards.
Louisa’s style is weird. It’s loud. It’s totally unapologetic.
Costume designer Jill Taylor had a massive task. She had to take a character who feels like a failure in her tiny UK town and make her look like a burst of sunshine against the cold, stony backdrop of a literal castle. It worked. People weren't just crying over Will Traynor; they were frantically Googling where to buy a fuzzy orange sweater or a pair of floral platform heels.
The Psychology Behind the Me Before You Clothes
Clothing in film usually does one of two things. It either blends into the background to make the world feel "real," or it acts as a secondary character. In this case, the Me Before You clothes are basically a narrator.
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When we first meet Lou, her outfits are chaotic. Think primary colors mixed with patterns that have no business being in the same room together. It’s "twee" turned up to eleven. But as her relationship with Will evolves, the clothes change too. They don’t get "normal"—thank god—but they become more intentional.
Jill Taylor actually spoke about this in several interviews, noting that Lou’s wardrobe was sourced from a mix of high-street staples and vintage finds. They used a lot of Topshop (back when it was the king of the British high street), Zara, and even some custom-made pieces to get that specific "homemade but chic" vibe.
That Red Dress Moment
We have to talk about the red dress. You know the one.
It’s the turning point. Up until the concert scene, Lou is viewed by the Traynor family as a bit of a local oddity. Then she walks down the stairs in that floor-length, clean-lined red gown. It was a deliberate departure from the layers and the fuzz.
Interestingly, the production team didn't want a "pretty" dress. They wanted a stunning dress. It had to be simple enough that it didn't look like Lou was trying too hard, but bold enough to prove she cleaned up better than anyone expected. It’s the one moment where the Me Before You clothes lean into traditional glamour, and it hits hard because it’s so rare for her character.
Breaking Down the Iconic Pieces
If you're trying to recreate the look, you can't just throw on random stuff. There’s a method to the madness.
- The Bumblebee Tights: These are the holy grail. In the book and movie, they represent Lou’s childhood joy and her father’s support. They’re black and yellow striped, obviously. Finding the exact pair used on screen is tough because they were a specific costume find, but brands like Snag Tights have basically built entire marketing campaigns off the back of people looking for this specific aesthetic.
- Mixed Prints: Lou wears dots with stripes. She wears florals with plaid. The trick is the color palette. If you look closely at the Me Before You clothes, there’s usually one "anchor" color that ties the mess together.
- The Footwear: Forget stilettos. Lou is all about the chunky heel, the bright sneaker, or the Mary Jane. It’s practical for someone running around a castle, but it also keeps her grounded and youthful.
Why the "Lou Core" Aesthetic Persists
Trends come and go. We had "cottagecore," then "barbiecore." But Lou Clark’s style fits into a broader movement often called "Dopamine Dressing."
It’s the idea that wearing bright, tactile, and slightly ridiculous clothes actually makes you feel better. In the context of a story as heavy as Me Before You, the clothes provide a necessary emotional lift. They remind the audience—and Will—that there is still color in a world that feels increasingly grey.
Critics sometimes argued that the clothes were too much. Some felt it made Lou look childish. But that’s sort of the point, isn't it? She’s someone who hasn't seen the world yet. Her clothes are her armor and her adventure.
Where to Source This Vibe Now
Since Topshop isn't what it used to be and many of the original 2016 pieces are long gone, where do you go?
- Depop and Vinted: Search for "eccentric," "twee," or "vintage floral."
- ModCloth: They have basically owned the Lou Clark aesthetic for a decade.
- Irregular Choice: If you want the shoes that look like a toy box exploded, this is the brand. They are responsible for some of the most "Lou" footwear out there.
The legacy of the Me Before You clothes isn't just about fashion. It's about the character's growth. By the end of the film, when she’s in Paris, she’s still wearing her stripes, but she’s wearing them with a new kind of confidence. She isn't hiding in her clothes anymore; she's inhabiting them.
Practical Steps for Your Wardrobe
If you want to inject some Louisa Clark energy into your daily life without looking like you’re wearing a costume, start small.
Don't buy a full yellow suit. Instead, grab a pair of patterned tights to wear under a boring black dress. Or find a cardigan with 3D elements—like the famous butterfly or floral ones. The goal of the Me Before You clothes style is to find pieces that make you smile when you look in the mirror.
Start by auditing your closet for "sad" clothes. If you have a sweater you only wear because it’s grey and hides coffee stains, replace it with something textured. Look for embroidery. Look for weird buttons. Lou taught us that life is short and often tragic, so you might as well wear the yellow tights while you can.