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Vast leg-of-mutton sleeves, yellow bloomers, a rubber cape and a wardrobe built without a single corset.
Holly Waddington designed the film and made the central decision explicit: for the Paris section, "we took away the corsets and made all of these bodices instead." On the much-discussed rubber cape: "For me, it looks like an early condom. If you've ever seen the original condoms, they're made of rubber, basically."
Scene: The House
01
Leg-of-Mutton Sleeve Blouse
Vast gathered shoulder. The single element that carries the whole reference.
Women Victorian Renaissance Pirate Shirt Gothic Vampire Medieval Tops
★ 4.4 · 245 reviews
$40–45
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02
Visible Bloomers
Yellow or cream, ruffled hem, worn to be seen.
Women's High Waist Mesh Slip Shorts - Soft Breathable Anti Chafing Underwear for Dresses Skirts Daily Travel Party
★ 4.2 · 448 reviews
$10–15
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Womens Victorian Ruffle Bloomers Lace Trim Long Pumpkin Pants
★ 5 · 3 reviews
$30–35
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03
Soft Bodice Top
Structured without corsetry. Shape, not restriction.
NUFIWI Women Mesh Strapless Bustier Boned Overbust Corset Top
★ 3.7 · 90 reviews
under $10
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JBQ Women's Florence Top
$475–480
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04
Ruffled Petticoat Skirt
Layered, tiered, showing under everything.
Women's 50s Vintage Petticoat A-line Underskirt Crinoline Rockabilly Tutu Skirt S-3XL
★ 4.2 · 392 reviews
under $10
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WDPL Women’s High Low Ruffled Tulle Skirt, Long Back Hem for Party Evening
★ 4.5 · 2,717 reviews
$40–45
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Scene: Lisbon and Paris
05
Acid Pastel Coat
Lemon or powder blue, oversized shoulder. Muddy Victorian brown is the wrong film.
JiXiang Womens Puffer Jacket Oversized Quilted Lightweight Pullover Soft Comfy Winter Warm Coat Button Down Lapel
$20–25
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Levi's Women's Cloud Puff Extra Long Puffer Jacket Coat
★ 4.4 · 44 reviews
$145–150
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06
Sheer Ruffled Cape
Transparent, gathered, worn over everything.
Chiffon Cape for Women Mesh Sheer Poncho Top Summer Beach Cover Ups Tops
★ 4 · 26 reviews
under $10
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Carpet Cape Floral Wedding Cape 3D Rose Flower Bridal Wraps Detachable Shawl Cloak for Photoshoot
$85–90
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07
Lace-Up Ankle Boot
Victorian shape, heeled, in a pale leather.
Women Vintage Victorian Boots 70s Lace up Ankle Boots Mid Heel Witch Granny Booties Mid-Calf Costume Shoes Retro Cone
★ 4.3 · 51 reviews
$15–20
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Uniquelly Women Vintage Victorian Boots Lace Up Ankle Boots
★ 4.4 · 56 reviews
$20–25
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08
Ribbon Choker
Velvet or satin, tied at the throat.
Black Bow Choker Necklace for Women Sexy Velvet Bow Knot Collar Necklaces Goth Satin Ribbon Chokers Necklaces Vintage
★ 2.3 · 3 reviews
under $10
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Velvet Choker Necklace for Women Goth Halloween Y2K Ribbon Collar Set
★ 4 · 317 reviews
$10–15
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Why it works
The sleeve is everything. Leg-of-mutton, balloon, or heavily gathered at the shoulder — that single element carries the whole reference and works on a modern blouse. Volume goes on top and at the leg, and the waist stays soft. No corsetry, no cinching. Waddington's entire point was removing restriction. Colour is acidic rather than period: lemon, chartreuse, powder blue, oxblood. Muddy Victorian browns are the wrong film. And let the underlayer show. Visible bloomers, a ruffled hem under a skirt, a slip poking out. The clothing being incomplete is deliberate.
Questions people actually ask
What style is Bella Baxter in Poor Things?
Victorian pieces worn wrong on purpose — leg-of-mutton sleeves, visible bloomers, acid-pastel coats. Costume history filtered through a mind discovering the world.
How do I make this wearable day to day?
Pick one statement — the big-sleeve blouse or a ruffled skirt — and ground everything else in plain modern basics. Two Bella pieces at once is theatre.
What should I avoid?
Tidy coordination. Bella's outfits clash by design; if the colours agree too politely it stops being her.