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Costume research

 

 Costume Research (Mental Health Comparison with My MV)

 Use of Normal, Everyday Clothing

In many music videos that portray mental health struggles, the character is dressed in ordinary, casual clothing. This is done to create realism and relatability. Mental illness does not have a specific “look,” and people who struggle often appear completely normal on the outside.

In my music video, the character wears simple, everyday clothes. This reflects how mental health issues are internal and invisible. The costume does not exaggerate the condition but instead presents the character as an ordinary person experiencing internal conflict.

This links strongly to the theme of Numb Little Bug, where the lyrics suggest functioning normally while feeling emotionally detached.

Mental Health Link:
Hidden struggles, internalised emotions, realism.



 Muted / Neutral Colours

Mental health-based music videos often use muted tones such as black, grey, white, or soft colours. These colours symbolize emptiness, numbness, or emotional dullness.

In my MV, the costume avoids bright, vibrant colours. The neutral clothing enhances the feeling of emotional flatness and supports the overall tone of the video. It helps maintain visual consistency with the themes of isolation and mental exhaustion.

The simplicity of colour reflects the character’s emotional state — drained and disconnected.

Mental Health Link:
Emotional numbness, lack of excitement, detachment.

                                                      

Minimal Styling

In many representations of depression or anxiety, the character’s styling is natural and minimal. Heavy makeup, bold fashion, or dramatic styling are usually avoided because the focus is on authenticity rather than glamour.

In my MV, the character’s appearance is kept simple. This reinforces the idea that the struggle is internal rather than performative. The lack of dramatic costume shifts keeps the attention on facial expressions and body language, which communicate the emotional narrative.

This aligns with conventions seen in mental health music videos where realism is prioritised.

Mental Health Link:
Authenticity, vulnerability, subtle suffering.




 Comparison with Typical Mental Health Music Videos

Many artists use simple costuming to reflect emotional themes. For example, in Numb Little Bug by Em Beihold, the styling is relatable and casual rather than stylised or exaggerated.

My MV follows similar conventions by:

  • Using normal clothing

  • Avoiding bright, distracting fashion

  • Keeping the look natural and realistic

However, my interpretation focuses more on stillness and emotional restraint through costume consistency, reinforcing the idea of being “stuck” in a mental state.

 Conclusion

Overall, the costume in my music video supports the representation of mental health by maintaining realism and subtlety. The use of everyday clothing emphasizes that mental illness is not always visible and can affect anyone.

By avoiding dramatic or exaggerated styling, the MV communicates authenticity and aligns with the themes of emotional numbness and hidden struggle portrayed in Numb Little Bug.

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