Scent of a Woman: More Than Just the Tango (Costume Deep Dive)

Okay, so I just rewatched "Scent of a Woman" and while everyone always talks about Pacino's performance (and yeah, it's good!), I couldn't help but get super fixated on the clothes. Hear me out – they're saying something! Charlie, the poor scholarship kid, is always in these really basic, almost bland outfits. Boxy sweaters, ill-fitting chinos… it's subtle, but it visually screams 'outsider' at that fancy prep school. It's like, they could have easily dressed him in something nicer, but the costume design deliberately keeps him looking...ordinary. Then you have all the rich kids. Think preppy sweaters tied around their necks, crisp button-downs, everything perfectly tailored. They're practically drowning in their privilege, and their clothes totally reflect that. It's a really effective contrast, and it makes Charlie's moral dilemma feel even more intense. He's literally standing between two worlds, and his wardrobe is a constant reminder of where he doesn't belong. And obviously, there's Frank Slade. The man is blind, yet he has impeccable style. His suits are sharp, his ties are bold, and even his bathrobe has a certain je ne sais quoi. I think it's supposed to tell us that even without sight, he maintains a strong sense of self and control. The clothes are just another way for him to project that power. His clothing never betrays how vulnerable he actually is. Does that make sense? Finally, is the costume design trying to tell us more about the scandal that Charlie witnesses? So much is implied but never stated. Anyway, I could probably write a whole thesis on Pacino's cologne choices alone (kidding... mostly). What did you all think? Did anyone else notice the details in the clothing? I'd love to know if I am crazy (probably). lol