Amy Parris Unveils ‘Stranger Things’ Final Season Wardrobe Vision

The final season of Netflix’s acclaimed series “Stranger Things” has arrived, with Part One now available for streaming. Costume designer Amy Parris has played a crucial role in shaping the visual narrative of the show, emphasizing that costume design is a form of storytelling. “We tell our version of the characters’ story; at times the story can be very obvious and other times it’s told subliminally through fabric type, how well clothing fits or how well the clothing is made,” Parris explained.

As she took on the challenge of curating the wardrobe for Season Five, Parris brought a fresh perspective to the established aesthetic of the series. Despite the strong visual identity developed in the first two seasons, she arrived with inspiration boards, acknowledging that this season would take place during summer, a year later in the timeline. “I had so much fun going through old family photos and magazines from the ’80s,” she added, noting that both she and the producers were excited about introducing a brighter tone.

The evolution of “Stranger Things” has seen a shift towards a darker visual language since the vibrant, neon-infused attire of Season Three. This final season, which is being released in three parts, presents unique challenges for the costume department. Parris mentioned, “This season finds less costume changes for all of the cast.”

Maintaining visual continuity while ensuring the outfits are engaging and comfortable for the actors is a delicate balance. The costumes must also withstand the elements, as filming takes place in Atlanta, alongside practical considerations for stunts and other physical demands. Parris elaborated, “The challenge in that is making sure the outfit is something telling their story, while being pleasing to watch, comfortable for the actors to wear for all weather in Atlanta.”

The action-packed nature of Season Five has increased the demand for costume multiples, as Parris noted, “The final installment of ‘Stranger Things’ has a lot of action, so many, many multiples were needed for all that the cast goes through this season.”

The series’ appeal is deeply rooted in its nostalgic references to 1980s pop culture, which have shaped Parris’s approach to costume design. “I was looking at movies with school bullies in 1987,” she stated, referencing films such as “Three O’Clock High” as inspiration for new character Derek, played by Jake Connelly. Parris continues to draw from various 1980s films, including “Adventures in Babysitting” and “Red Dawn,” to inform her designs.

Reflecting on her journey throughout the series, Parris expressed pride in how the characters have evolved. She specifically mentioned Joseph Quinn‘s portrayal of Eddie Munson from Season Four, stating, “I’m really happy with how he turned out because he feels so authentic to the wizard metal music dude of the ’80s.”

As the characters transition from adolescence to young adulthood, their clothing reflects this maturation. “You’ll see patterns and silhouettes change and become more mature. You’ll find a person’s disposition can be conveyed from lighter to darker colors if they are feeling angsty, like Dustin this season,” Parris explained.

This season’s wardrobe not only serves as a visual element but also complements each character’s journey. From the protective attire worn by David Harbour‘s Hopper to the training gear donned by Millie Bobby Brown‘s Eleven, the clothing is integral to the narrative. Parris noted, “Much will be revealed in the finale but I don’t want to spoil it for you!”

“Stranger Things” continues to capture audiences with its rich storytelling and dynamic character arcs. Following the telekinetic teen Eleven and her friends as they confront the malevolent Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, the series remains a cultural touchstone. Part Two will debut on December 25, 2025, with the series finale set to release on December 31, 2025.