Bachelorette Wardrobe Secrets

The Bachelorette wardrobe is some of the best on television.  Everything from beachwear, to gowns, to casual wear — the Bachelorette wardrobe covers it all. Cary Fetman, the costume designer for the Bachelorette, takes great time in thinking about how wardrobe fits with each woman’s personality– whether she is the one choosing, or one of the ones chosen.

Bachelorette Wardobe: What to Wear on a First Date: 

Cary Fetman, the visionary behind the Bachelorette wardrobe, says it’s how you feel in an outfit.  You should feel sexy and amazing in your first date outfit, no matter what it is.  Pick a part of your body that you like (shoulders, leg) and show it off.

Bachelorette Wardrobe: What to Wear on a First Date (if you’re a guy)

Fetman has no control over what the guys wear on the Bachelorette– that’s part of the fun, figuring out what the guys will show up in!  He suggests erring on the side of dressy — since women put so much time into getting ready.  And make sure your clothes are tailored!

Bachelorette Wardrobe: What Brands He Uses on the Show: 

Fetman uses everything from high end, to low end, to everything in between.  He has used Zara, Old Navy, H&M, Alice + Olivia, Randi Rahm gowns, Burberry, Theyskens Theory, Helmut Lang and Elizabeth + James.  Real women blend high end and low end (and middle-of-the-road), so this is pretty practical.  Some of the Bachelorettes have favorite designers and looks, and Fetman tries to incorporate them.  For example, Emily from the 2012 season was inspired by Carrie Underwood — lots of sequins, bugle beads, and tight, sexy dresses.  She doesn’t like flats, so she always wore high heels — even with a white jumpsuit, which was a divergence from her normal dresses.

Bachelorette Wardrobe: What Makes Low End Clothes Look Better: 

Tailoring. The clothing, whether it’s Dolce and Gabbana or Forever 21, needs to be tailored. Taking in a boxy shirt or shortening a hem or sleeve makes the difference between looking average and looking exceptional, even if the shirt or jacket cost $10.  In real life, look at spending less on trendy items (a top in a hot color or with on-trend adornment, a pair of trendy shoes) and spend more on items that are timeless (classic black heels, jeans, trousers, classic dresses).  Then mix and match for an on-trend look without breaking the bank.

Bachelorette Wardrobe: Bachelorettes Reuse Clothes Just Like You Do: 

Particularly outerwear.  LA gets cold at night, as do many of the locations that the Bachelorette travels to for dates.  In 2013, the Bachelorette Desiree wore one leather jacket over and over, as it was a great look, fit her style, and kept her from freezing in cold evenings.

Bachelorette Wardrobe: Do the Bachelorettes Get To Keep their Clothes? 

Sometimes!  It depends on the item, who provided it, whether or not they were altered, and whether the Bachelorette wants the item (or if the Bachelorette wardrobe department can part with it!).  Having the items tailored makes it more likely that they’ll be kept– and Dana from The Possessionista, who covers the Bachelorette extensively, thinks that Andi, the 2014 Bachelorette, will get to keep her wardrobe.  If she doesn’t take them, I will!