Wendy Torrance: A Quiet Fashion Icon in The Shining

       When we think about iconic film wardrobes, we often focus on the glamorous, avant-garde styles of runway-worthy costumes. However, in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980), Shelley Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy Torrance stands as a testament to the power of understated fashion. Wendy’s wardrobe, defined by practicality and quiet elegance, has unexpectedly influenced the fashion world, serving as inspiration for contemporary designers and fashion trends.

Subtle Yet Impactful Style

At first glance, Wendy Torrance’s clothing may not seem groundbreaking—her wardrobe is composed of oversized flannel shirts, turtlenecks, chunky cardigans, and pinafores. Yet, these pieces have left a lasting impression, shaping movements like normcore and cottagecore. Wendy’s style embodies the essence of comfort and functionality, reflecting the harsh, cold environment of the Overlook Hotel. Her earthy tones and layered textures exude a sense of warmth and resilience, which have inspired fashion designers to incorporate similar elements into their collections.

The Normcore Influence

Wendy’s wardrobe fits perfectly into the ethos of the normcore movement—a fashion trend that emphasizes plain, utilitarian clothing. Normcore celebrates the ordinary, rejecting fashion’s obsession with glamour in favor of comfort and simplicity. Wendy’s oversized flannels, neutral-toned turtlenecks, and loose cardigans epitomize this aesthetic, and her style has been echoed in the work of designers like APC and Acne Studios. These brands have embraced the casual, unfussy approach to clothing that Wendy’s character popularized, making it fashionable to dress down while still looking intentional.

The Rise of Cottagecore

In recent years, the cottagecore trend has taken the fashion world by storm, and Wendy Torrance’s look fits seamlessly into this movement. Cottagecore celebrates rural life and simple pleasures, often through vintage-inspired clothing such as pinafores, long skirts, and knitwear. Wendy’s layered, homely attire in The Shining—specifically her pinafores and knitted sweaters—has become a symbol of this nostalgic return to simplicity. Fashion designers have picked up on these elements, incorporating cozy, practical designs into their collections to reflect a longing for a slower, more intentional way of life.

The Red Dress Moment

While much of Wendy’s wardrobe is defined by neutral tones and practicality, there is one moment in The Shining that stands out: her bold red dress. This piece adds a burst of color amidst the bleakness of the Overlook Hotel, and has become an iconic fashion moment. The dress serves as a symbol of Wendy’s strength and resilience, standing out in contrast to the terrifying events that surround her. This use of red as a powerful, emotional color has since been echoed in fashion collections from designers like Valentino and Balenciaga, who use it to evoke a similar sense of boldness and vulnerability.

A Lasting Legacy

Wendy Torrance’s style may be understated, but its impact on fashion is undeniable. Her practical, cozy wardrobe has influenced both high fashion and everyday style, proving that even in the most unexpected places, fashion inspiration can be found. Shelley Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy shows us that fashion doesn’t have to be loud to make an impact—it can be quietly powerful, just like her character in The Shining.

Wendy’s legacy in the fashion world continues to grow, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can find beauty and strength in simplicity. From normcore to cottagecore and beyond, her influence is here to stay.