OOTD on TV: Syd Barrett from Legion

If you'd like to hear the featurette that goes along with this blog post, click the play button above. Thanks for listening!

The sophomore season of Legion has already taken us to places unknown. The stakes are higher, the surrealism is even more disorienting, and characters are being taken to new limits. This includes Syd Barrett, my favorite mutant in the show - next to Aubrey Plaza's Lenny, of course.

Syd Barrett is the lover and partner of the show's main character David Haller. David (also known as the title character, Legion) is the mutant son of Professor Xavier. Yes, that Professor Xavier. Syd's powers are a little less intense than David's, but still as damaging. She cannot engage in skin-to-skin contact with anyone because that engages her bodyswapping abilities. This power can leave her in some uncomfortable situations - so much so that she describes a traumatic event in her past, which occurred when her ability began to manifest. After hearing this story, it's not hard for the audience to see why Syd keeps herself distanced from others. A physical element to this distance is demonstrated in her wardrobe including many pairs of gloves. (I elaborate on this below.) For "Chapter 9" (that's the title of the first episode of the second season), Syd does not stray from her usual balance of vintage and modern style. Because of the show's anachronistic nature, the set design and costuming of the show often displays a balance between these aspects. However, Syd's looks always stray more towards the vintage side than any of the other characters we see on screen; with David arguably being the most modern-looking character of them all.

Below, I break down the key aspects of Syd's look from "Chapter 9" - just in case you're like me and always want to add a vintage flavor to your modern look. This would also double for an incredibly comfortable cosplay that would look excellent on many body types.

Where as Syd's top looks more like something you found by taking a casual trip to the thrift store, this one from Urban Outfitters isn't too far off in it's casual cut and vintage look.

When looking for a decent trouser alt, I made sure to take note of the paradoxical cut of the pants Syd sports in this episode. The fit at the top is carefully tailored while the bottoms are flared and loose. This pair from Target fit the bill nicely. Bonus: They are under $35 and have the added touch of a slit towards the bottom. A perfect meeting of vintage and modern that appears throughout the show itself.

If you're a loyal follower of this show, you know why Syd often wears gloves or keeps them within easy reach. If you're new to this universe, I'll explain. Syd's mutant power is body swapping. Touching bare skin enables her to switch places with another person for a short time. Because of this (and some past trauma mentioned in season one), Syd is touch-averse. Her gloves not only convey a strong fashion statement, but they also protect herself and those around her. These gloves are just one of many vintage, mesh pairs available on Etsy that bear a close resemblance to those she wears throughout this episode. Though they aren't elbow-length, they're slightly more wearable and still fit in with her overall look. I think it's more than an appropriate trade-off.

If you're thinking about including this outfit in your convention rotation, let me know! Syd is one of my favorite characters to cosplay (see this site page for pictures), and I am happy to talk all things wigs and makeup looks to complete this cosplay. You can always e-mail at tmariad88@gmail.com or find me on Instagram at theyseekherthere.