Love or hate THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, pretty much everyone agrees that it is a HECK of a designed film. And by association, the costume design is equally excellent. Nowhere is the brilliance in costuming more apparent than in Vanessa Kirby’s wardrobe for Sue Storm, aka Invisible Woman. Don’t get me wrong, Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards has some great formal wear, but it does not compete with either the number of outfits or the variety of outfits worn by Sue.
I originally thought about writing this article because of the costume I am featuring as the #1 outfit in the rankings. It is the rare example where the costume establishes not just character but tone and voice for the entire film. However, after seeing FIRST STEPS for the first time, I was hesitant to write this essay because I honestly wondered if there were five outfits to highlight and to rank. But it’s a hot summer and because of that I still spend a ton of time in movie theaters. And because I am one of those people that really loved FIRST STEPS, I have now seen it a few times. And multiple viewings of the film has helped me realize just how many different costume changes Sue has over the film’s run time. But when I went back and re-watched the film, I realized there are over a dozen costume changes that Sue goes through during the course of the film. So now I am highlighting not just five outfits, but 10! And this is Sue Storm’s first MCU movies. Previously I’ve ranked THOR and CAPTAIN MARVEL’s outfits but that was after each had MULTIPLE films.
The costumes are largely thanks to FIRST STEPS Director Matt Shakman (WANDAVISION) and Costume Designer Alexandra Byrne. Byrne has designed costumes for memorable films over the last quarter century, from ELIZABETH (1998) to EMMA (2020) while also being an MCU veteran, having worked on THOR (2011), AVENGERS (2012), and DOCTOR STRANGE (2016). Both Shakman and Byrne do a great job skillfully navigating looks that evoke our own past while also nodding to an idealistic and heightened version OF that past. Byrne has noted that she was influenced by both Shakman’s passion for the era and films like 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY and the original designs from the first Jack Kirby FANTASTIC FOUR COMICS. She also noted a focus on using the processes of the era, like hand stitching, to create a holistic approach to these costumes.
There are a number of Sue’s costumes that did not make the cut but still deserve mention. These outfits include Sue’s jumpsuit worn when exiting the Excelsior after giving birth to Franklin, her astronaut outfits (both the original journey and the journey to Galactus), her winter coat outfit while exploring the Times Square teleportation pad, and her maternity outfit worn while visiting the Future Foundation and later for a Franklin pregnancy check-in with Reed.
But let’s get into the rankings…
TOP 10 OUTFITS OF SUE STORM IN THE FANTASTIC FOUR: THE FIRST STEPS
10. FANTASTIC FOUR POWER HOUR SUIT – AKA THE “ORIGINAL” FANTASTIC FOUR SUIT
This outfit really doesn’t get much screen time in the film – and hopefully it will be in a deleted scene, so until that time I will just have to park it here at 10. This costume evokes Jack Kirby’s original blue and black costume designs for the Fantastic Four. These are baggier, almost prototype versions of what their costumes become in the actual film per se.
You can see Sue wearing this suit briefly during the Fantastic Four’s battle with the Mad Thinker and later with Mole Man. Both shots are from behind and “blink and you’ll miss them” shots. The Thing’s version of this earlier outfit gets a lot of screen time during the Mole Man segment. You can actually see these costumes best at the end of the credits in the FANTASTIC FOUR POWER HOUR Saturday morning cartoon intro. While the OG Kirby blue with black is a classic touch, I really prefer the blue with white pattern and all of the costume finishes that Byrne adds (belt, two-toned gloves, etc…). Still you have to give respect to the original, and I’m glad this movie does.
9. SUE’S BLUE SWEATER… BUT WITH A SCARF
This is an interesting outfit because it starts very unassumingly at a Sunday night dinner just before Silver Surfer arrives. In the preceding scene, and during the arrival of the Silver Surfer, Sue wears the simple turquoise maternity sweater. But after the Surfer arrives, the Four go back to Reed’s laboratory to plan a response. When they return, Sue has accessorized the sweater with the polka dot scarf seen above and it really gives the outfit a little more formality and pop and feels in line with a serious nature that this scene evokes. And the colors of course evoke those of the Fantastic Four.
The scarf and its associated geometric patterns were very popular in the 1960’s and evoke the Bohemian styles of the that era. It’s a formal accessory that hints at a more playful and stylish subconscious association and was word by many icons of the decade (see Priscilla Presley). I also really love the pencil pants paired with the black patent Mary Jane’s. It’s a simple but effective outfit that works on multiple levels: the era, the mood, a bit of style, but still effortlessly casual. Shout out to Sue for always knowing the tone of a moment!
8. THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH MOLE MAN OUTFIT
I really enjoy that this feels like a retro outfit to this world. And what I mean is that this feels like something someone would wear in whatever the 1950s were in Earth 828. Here Sue wears similar pencil pants to the “blue sweater” outfit from above (though these are waist high and brown) and she pairs them with a 1950s style blouse complete with a Peter Pan Collar.
The Peter Pan collar is actually a reworking of the formal pilgrim collar – almost always buttoned to the top and meant to signify a subconscious formality. Historically the Peter Pan collar emerged in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s and then disappeared in the 1960’s, but re-emerged in the “fifties revival” of the 1970’s.
Speaking of revivals, the 1950’s saw a “twenties revival” where art deco styles came back into prominence. And appropriately, the ensemble is accentuated with an art deco belt buckle that looks like it might be something Dale Arden would wear in the pages of FLASH GORDON in the 1920’s. It’s a subtle outfit that means business as she enters negotiations with Mole Man – but it is also effortlessly 1950’s retro (that’s right a retro look in a retro world) cool.
7. THE FUTURE FOUNDATION SPEECH OUTFIT
This is Sue’s outfit for her Future Foundation speech. I mostly include it here because of the necklace which creates a striking statement with a simple red mock turtleneck. In the 1960’s necklaces like this, with bold geometric designs, were seen frequently. The pieces were bold statements meant to highlight the psychedelic and space age interests of the era. And yes, from a practical sense, it is designed to heighten and “pop” the Future Foundation logo in the back. So it is a nice use of period appropriate jewelry to create a cinematic effect.
I know this isn’t a hair and make-up essay, but I will note that Sue’s hair here is really noticable – in a good way. Again, the hair is of a coloration piece, at least, with both the necklace and the Future Foundation logo behind her. And the style, a layered cut with a single curl at the shoulder is indicative of the era, specifically a 1960’s evolution in versatility, texture, and silhouette – compared to the blunt cuts of previous decade.
6. SUE’S PUCCI-INSPIRED BATHROBE
The first and last outfits a character is seen in are incredibly important for establishing that person as we enter and leave the narrative. This is Sue’s first outfit in the film. She wears it while taking a pregnancy test. This is arguably a stressful and somewhat private moment. But Sue still looks effortlessly chic in her Pucci inspired bathrobe. Designer Emilio Pucci used innovative prints with geometric designs and non-traditional colors to evoke Sicilian mosaics, African motifs, and Mediterranean landscapes throughout the decades on everything from dresses to tops to eventually tablecloths and curtains. And his period authentic bathrobes remain high-end collectibles to this day.
In my opinion, the Pucci robe is also a key character choice for the first outfit in the film because the robe lets us know that Sue is vulnerable in this moment but somehow still also “ready”. She’s not wearing a hand-me down Terry cloth bathrobe or some post-battle t-shirt and sweats (not that there would be anything wrong with that). But this is still the classy Sue that the film wants to establish. Moreover, Sue always is – “dressed” and “in character”, even while taking a pregnancy test. It’s a memorable and striking choice that says so much about both era and character at the top of the film.
AND NOW THE TOP FIVE OUTFITS OF SUE STORM IN THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS…
5. THE POST-CREDITS DOCTOR DOOM CONFRONTATION OUTFIT – AKA SUE’S SEVENTIES ERA
Due to the post-credit scene taking place four years after the events of the film, this ensemble appropriately pushed the styles forward in the film’s narrative from the mid 1960’s to the early 1970’s (though I think it would technically be 1968/1968 on Earth 828) in a striking and memorable look, that is also Sue’s final outfit of that film. Because of that time jump, the outfit showcases patterns and colors not seen in the film prior to this moment – specifically the checkerboard skirt and pastel shaded top.
Plaid, houndstooth and checkerboard were particularly popular in the 1970s, along with the more paisley coloring of Sue’s top. Plaid and checkerboard patterns became a way to show more professionalism of the more conservative era (as compared to the 1960’s) while still delivering some of the “fun” of the previous decade.
And again, I know this is not a hair and make-up blog, but in this post-credits sequence, Sue’s hair has also turned from wavy shoulder-length to the longer/straighter and more natural (aka less hair spray) look typical of the early 1970’s which adds a certain aura to the complete ensemble.
4. SUE’S GALACTUS/FRANKLIN RICHARDS SPEECH OUTFIT – AKA THE “TIME FOR BUSINESS” AQUA BLUE LEATHER TRENCH COAT/JACKET
Sue Storm’s “Galactus Speech”, or the moment that she explains to the citizens of New York (and Earth 828) why the Fantastic Four is not handing Franklin over to Galactus is both an important speech for the narrative (and honestly a great explanation of what might otherwise be a really questionable decision) and a singular moment for Sue that effectively demonstrates why she has been such a successful world leader at the Future Foundation. She gives the speech in an aqua blue (possibly) leather trench coat that looks very 1960s but is also just a striking choice on its own.
The leather coat is also an era appropriate symbol of power and assertion. Icons like Twiggy and Mia Farrow used the leather trench (often colored) as a way to be both edgy and sophisticated and also nod to the counter culture of the era. It was also a way to go from casual to sophisticated by changing one piece of an outfit (which Sue presumably does here).
The coat also evokes the blue of FANTASTIC FOUR and also spreads a soothing aura to the crowd that is essentially a mob about to storm the Baxter Building. The speech is largely shot from the waist up, so its really the coat that is of most importance in this moment.
3. SUE’S TAN CARDIGAN – AKA “SUE CAN ACCESSORIZE ANYTHING”
Prior to wearing that trench coat, Sue is wearing this even more memorable tan cardigan. On its own, the cardigan is really high quality. It is thick, the buttons are well placed, and the coloration is sort of a blend that subconsciously evokes a textural quality. This may be a wild choice for #3. But the cardigan is so noticeable upon my re-watches. Furthermore, this type of cardigan is really having a revival right now in our own world, so maybe that is why it is so noticeable.
Remember the blue scarf from earlier? Well the tan cardigan puts it to shame in terms of a quick and easy accessory that completely changes an outfit (while also being character and period appropriate). And while the “tan cardigan” is not an outfit per se on its own, it is used to accessorize to separate outfits in the film that appear sequentially. The cardigan sweater is also indicative of the “mod” styles of the era.
In terms of how the sweater is used, first, upon returning from space, the team brainstorms about crafting a response to the coming Galactus attack. Here, Sue wears the cardigan paired with black striped pants. Later she uses it with burgundy sweats with a white stripe. The latter bottoms are super casual (and a little unorthodox) for Sue and raise an eyebrow when the viewer is REALLY looking for them – but can be explained away as she has been looking after a crying sleepless Franklin.
She is also at her wit’s end wearing the sweats and gets into a rather affecting argument with Reed at that point – which eventually leads her to her going out and giving the Galactus SPEECH in front of the Baxter Building (and wearing the aqua blue leather trench coat featured at #4). But the tan cardigan sweater can really level any outfit up. This is a classic, warm, Sue. And the tan wool cardigan in a straightforward but era appropriate design is a little miracle of character and comfort for Sue.
2. SUE STORM’S FIRST STEPS MOVIE-ERA SUIT – AKA THE REINVENTED CLASSIC AND A TRIBUTE TO 1970’S TV
I almost did not want to include her prime “movie suit” on this list because it is kind of obvious. But it deserves to be here. All of the Fantastic Four’s “prime” suits are great but it is Sue’s suit that really highlights the intersection of integrating a classic superhero costume into not just an era, but a very specific version of an era. Like I don’t even know if this suit works in the grounded reality of Earth 616 during the 1960s (think of Sue working with Isaiah Bradley in those boots). But in the stylized Earth 828, it REALLY works.
It begins with the integration of that white turtleneck sewn into a more traditional suit material. And again, we can assume this is a hand stitched work, per Alexandra Byrne’s comments during the press tour. And I want to highlight here that this suit is doing something different from other outfits in the film in that it is not evoking the real-world fashions of the era, but rather the superhero costumes of the era. Let me explain.
This coloration echoes not only classic silver era Fantastic Four suits, but also the Corman era Fantastic Four.
The suit is complimented by white gloves and white mid-calf HEELED boots, add to that a “utility belt” complete with nobs and buckles – and for any Gen Xer, you get immediate flashbacks to the 1970s era CBS Marvel live-action shows.
And specifically the reference would be the Nicholas Hammond Spider-Man, which these suits undeniably echo. Take a look at his utility belt. The Hammond Spider-Man even had a memorable action sequence on a very similar structure to where the Four fight Red Ghost and the Super Apes. And take a look at the height of Spider-Man’s boots in that photo below!
The suit also echoes live-action sci-fi TV shows of the time like SPACE 1999, which had characters sporting similar accessories (see below) and matching toned outfits.
It’s tempting – but I’m not going to completely go down this rabbit hole at this time but let me just say that the outfits of the Earth 828 Fantastic Four point to a shared past and aesthetic for superhero and science fiction TV shows in OUR own reality, and it is indicative of a commendable level of cultural literacy – and commitment to it. This is not at all surprising to see from Matt Shakman, the director of WANDAVISION.
1. SUE’S MATERNITY SMOCK FANTASTIC FOUR SUIT – AKA WHEN AN OUTFIT IS THE MOVIE
This is hands-down my favorite outfit in the film and exactly why I wanted to write this essay. This outfit is a level of commitment from a filmmaker that signals exactly what kind of world and tone that this film exists within. That Sue would either make or have a maternity smock uniform designed for her speaks to a level of reality that really was heretofore unseen in the MCU Canon.
Maternity wear became a fashion statement in the 1950’s and 1960’s due to the baby boom. From Lucille Ball in “I Love Lucy” to Samantha in “Bewitched” (see photos below – and both of which are huge influences on Shakman and which he featured prominently in WANDAVISION), maternity and pregnancy were not just acknowledged but celebrated and showcased, for the first time in popular culture.
Again, Shakman here is not just evoking the styles of the 1950’s and 1960’s of our world, but the television styles of the 1950’s and 1960’s in our reality. Even the baby-proofing the Baxter Building montage that follows Sue’s pregnancy announcement feels like a plot element from “I Love Lucy” or “Bewitched”.
Now, I get that idea. And I get that the world of Earth 828 is this retro-futuristic reboot of our own world. But the idea that Sue Storm would have a custom made maternity smock outfit is really something that nails the level of commitment by the filmmakers to this stylized and heightened reality per se. I mean the maternity smock is eschewing a razor thin margin that could easily fall over and into parody with this outfit. And yet, it does not it becomes parody. Rather the maternity smock is just a part of the reality that we accept. It is just a massive reinforcement of Shakman and the costume design department’s commitment to tone for this film. And I love it. And I commend it. And Vanessa Kirby looks incredible (as she does in all of her outfits).
In conclusion, I think Matt Shakman and his costume design team headed by Alexandra Byrne do an incredible job not only establishing the retro-futuristic tone and era of the world of Earth 828 through the costuming generally, but they do an incredible job establishing Sue Storm’s character, emotional journey, and mental state throughout the film through the use of costume. It really is an incredible feat and I am glad I had a chance to discuss it here.
Which one is your favorite outfit? Let me know what you think of my rankings. And let me know your favorite Sue Storm outfit in the comments below.
No Scoops Club 