Renée Zellweger reprises her iconic role as Bridget Jones, the lovable and quirky protagonist of Helen Fielding’s literary bestseller. In “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” Zellweger’s character is no longer a carefree young woman but a widow in her 50s, navigating love, grief, and parenting.
Costume designer Rachael Fleming’s original vision for Bridget’s style was to convey a pragmatic and disheveled look relatable to busy women. This “Frazzled Englishwoman” aesthetic has since become a microtrend, influencing luxury brands like Chanel and Miu Miu.
For the latest film, costume designer Molly Emma Rowe aimed to maintain authenticity and realism in Bridget’s wardrobe. The new style is more grown-up, featuring work-appropriate blazers, cardigans, and subtle references to previous films. Many of Zellweger’s pieces were thrifted from charity stores, reflecting her character’s struggles with grief and trying to keep up appearances.
Rowe drew inspiration from her personal experience of coping with loss, incorporating oversized cardigans and monogrammed shirts into the wardrobe. This nuanced approach added a new layer to the film, exploring the emotional impact of grief on one’s style.
The release of “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” marks a welcome trend in representation of women over 50 in film and television. With its focus on vulnerability, empowerment, and realism, this latest installment aims to inspire audiences to feel comfortable with their own imperfections.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/style/bridget-jones-clothes-50s-frazzled-englishwoman/index.html