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Winter is the best time for binging new shows, and with multiple streaming services vying for our attention these days, the content is plentiful lately. Apple TV+’s release of Lessons In Chemistry in October 2023 was heavily anticipated—partially because it starred both Brie Larson and Aja Naomi King, and partially because it was already a beloved book before the show was made.
The adaptation of Bonnie Garmus’ best-selling novel follows the somewhat tragic love story of two chemists, Elizabeth Zott (Larson) and Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman), and without getting too spoiler-y, the quest of their daughter to help uncover a mystery in her father’s past. Focused primarily on Zott, a female scientist working in Los Angeles during the 1960s when there were no female scientists, a more welcoming venue for her precision and experimentation pops up in a nightly cooking show. Intrigued yet? Did I mention all this is unfolding while Zott’s neighbor, Harriet Sloane (King), is fighting against a discriminatory motion to build a freeway through the historic Black neighborhood of West Adams? Oh, and there’s a rowing subplot, too.
But even without the excellent storyline, the outfits are so good that the show could be gibberish for all I care—it’s worth drinking in for the clothes alone. Striking the perfect balance between period pieces that evoke that retro ‘60s feel and a hint of contemporary cool, every single character in this show gets a chance to shine with the most compelling outfit in the scene at one time or another. Costume designer Mirren Gordon-Crozier, who has been working with Brie Larson for a decade, landed the gig because Larson herself recommended she come onboard—and as in most other things in life, Larson’s instincts were dead on.
Obviously it’s the big three characters Elizabeth, Calvin, and Harriet, who have the best duds, so we’ll give you some recs for how to nail their looks, along with a few extra styles that were too good not to include.
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Elizabeth Zott
Stylish, poised, and more than ready to stick it to the man, Elizabeth Zott makes ‘60s chic seem like it’s the only chic. Peter Pan collars and sweater vests, cigarette and high-waisted trousers paired with fitted tops, and slouchy sweaters with long silky skirts are just a few of the outfit styles she readily employs throughout the season. Channel her patriarchy-busting power with this collared top from Reformation ($168) or a silk necktie blouse from Quince ($80), each of them a feminist statement just by the fact that they’re being paired with pants.
Feeling more dressy? Go elegant with a midi fit and flared dress ($2,590) that looks just as fabulous under a lab coat as it does on a dinner date. Everyday looks are simple too, just pair a satin paneled slip skirt ($395) with a smart but practical heel, or embody efficiency in a very mod pair of cigarette trousers ($345). Don’t forget a camel-colored wool sweater vest ($250) to top off any outfit, and a long, structured trench coat ($305) to keep warm on your commute to work. Elizabeth had a tailored and monogrammed lab coat handy by the time she landed her TV show gig, but you’ll do just fine with this classic straight coat from Vince ($795).
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Calvin Evans
Though he isn’t featured as prominently in the series as Elizabeth or Harriet, there’s an unmistakable swag to the polished looks that Calvin Evans wears throughout the show. A reclusive but brilliant chemist who is brought out of his shell by Elizabeth’s candor, eventually we learn that Calvin is guarded for a reason.
But take the look above, for instance, a light blue oxford button down ($148) like this one from Todd Snyder, which is equal parts classic and contemporary. Paired with twill slacks ($128) and a statement watch, his outfit is decidedly masculine but just as measured and impactful as his burgeoning DNA research. When he’s even deeper into work mode, a heavy corduroy coat ($279) and a muted brown button down ($228) help this scientist keep things professional and poised in the lab—which is especially useful if overwhelming emotions might be a play.
It’s Calvin who introduces Elizabeth to rowing, the exercise he uses to blow off steam while working out tough equations, and some of their most romantic moments happen when he’s rescuing her from an overturned boat, or carefully teaching her how to breathe underwater. For these sportier moments, his classic white t-shirt ($68) and light-colored chino shorts ($148) project confidence and are versatile enough for movement and rescue efforts, as needed.
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Harriet Sloane
While Elizabeth’s experience showcases the way women were discriminated against during the ‘60s, it’s imperative to have a character like Harriet to spotlight just how necessary the Civil Rights movement was, too. At a certain point, Harriet even calls out Elizabeth on her white feminism, asking for the solidarity and intersectionality she knows she deserves, and to her credit, Elizabeth listens.
But it’s Harriet who fights tirelessly to protect her neighborhood’s history and sanctity from a greedy developer’s freeway construction, offers Elizabeth support when she’s a new mother, and supports Calvin when he first moves into the house across the street from her.
Raising two kids of her own while her husband is away at war, working in a law office, and functioning as a pillar in the community? What else would she be wearing while holding everyone down than a printed shirt dress ($119) that’s both demure and bold, a cheeky nautical look with an oversized collar ($228), or a tailored, menswear-inspired blazer ($550) that’s perfect for objecting in court… or, you know, presenting that deck your boss requested.
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Though this is just a handful of looks inspired by the show, watching the whole series will get your own ideas flowing about how to bring some of that classic ‘60s vintage flair into your own closet. Plus, shows that actually work to help showcase the work of feminist pioneers and help a modern woman add pieces to her wardrobe? That’s just good science.
