Find Out Why The Good Wife's Alicia Florrick Dressed In Neutrals in Season 5, Episode 8 From Costume Designer, Daniel Lawson

By Sharon Clott Kanter
Updated Nov 18, 2013 @ 5:13 pm
David Giesbrecht/CBS

The Good Wife's Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) is one month into launching her law firm after leaving Lockhart Gardner (or after last night, The LG) and she is maintaining her bold exterior throughout the tumultuous transition. "I don't think she's quite confident yet," costume designer Daniel Lawson told InStyle.com today. That's why he's keeping her in neutrals until she really gets on her feet, like a gray floral Rena Lange jacket with black Gucci pants, or the black gold zip-front L'Agence jacket with an Alexander McQueen pencil skirt that he dressed her in for last night's episode. "I really think the neutral tones this season are working well for us," Lawson added. "As we move along, we might see a lot more color starting to peek in, but not quite yet." Flip through the gallery to find out what else she wore—including her roomy, versatile black bag.

[wrn_button url="https://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20689923_20743089,00.html" text="Good Wife Fashion" title="Good Wife Fashion"]

MORE:See Julianna Margulies’s Best LooksDaniel Lawson’s New Line, 35·DLEverything You Need To Know About The Good Wife

Start Slideshow

1 of 63

Season 5, Episode 22: Style Paris Jacket, Armani Skirt and Boss Blouse

Courtesy CBS

"For the season finale, Alicia wore one look: a custom-made houndstooth suit," says Lawson. "We styled the peplum jacket and pencil skirt with a deep brown blouse that sat in the neckline of the jacket perfectly. The goal was to make Alicia to look perfectly in control and elegant—a look that was completely at odds with what was happening in her personal and business life in the episode."

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 63

Season 5, Episode 21: Boss Hugo Boss Dress

Courtesy CBS

"This dress also had wonderful style seams at the side waist that really helped give the seemingly simple shift dress a nice shape," Lawsons says. "I needed several copies of this dress for the events that took place in the scene, namely Alicia getting hit with part of a cream pie by a protester."

3 of 63

Season 5, Episode 21: Andrew Gn Jacket and Dress

Courtesy CBS

"This was a total black and white look all by the same designer," states Lawson.

Advertisement

4 of 63

Season 5, Episode 21: Akris Jacket

Courtesy CBS

"This light blue wool jacket has an asymmetrical exaggerated stand collar which was great for this close-up scene," he says. "I love the way the collar frames Alicia's face!"

5 of 63

Season 5, Episode 21: Reed Krakoff Sweater

Courtesy CBS

"This cream and tan chunky knit wool sweater paired perfectly with a pair of dark washed skinny jeans by Hudson," Lawson states.

6 of 63

Season 5, Episode 21: Style Paris Suit

Courtesy CBS

"The eggplant cashmere and wool suit was custom made just for this episode," says Lawson. "The jacket had a boat neck with a slight stand to it and 3/4 sleeves, and we paired it with a matching eggplant pencil skirt."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 63

Season 5, Episode 21: Armani Jacket

Courtesy CBS

"This tweed collarless jacket stood out because of the pattern, yet still worked for the courtroom," Lawson tells us. "The gray novelty woven geometric print looked great on Alicia."

8 of 63

Season 5, Episode 20: Narciso Rodriguez Jacket

Courtesy

"Alicia wore one outfit throughout this whole episode," says Lawson. "This color block linen jacket was perfect, as it was comfortable enough to be worn for eight straight days of shooting and it carried her character from day to evening very well."

9 of 63

Season 5, Episode 20: Cinzia Rocca Coat

Courtesy

"This green wool coat was the only addition to her outfit during this episode," Lawson states.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 63

Season 5, Episode 19: Red Valentino Jacket

Courtesy

"This black, cream, and gold metallic novelty houndstooth knit zip features a black bow at the nape of the neck and has black edging along the neck center front and bottom," says Lawson. "The jacket also features a double peplum."

11 of 63

Season 5, Episode 19: Vince Sweater

Courtesy

"This was a more casual look for Alicia," Lawson says. "The beige cashmere cardigan sweater features a shawl collar and she wore it with a pair of AG skinny stretch blue jeans."

12 of 63

Season 5, Episode 19: Akris Jacket and Michael Kors Blouse

Courtesy

"This forest green jacket is cashmere. It is double breasted at the top, and then finishes as a single breasted jacket at the waist. The top underneath features pin tucks at the neckline," Lawson shares. "I wanted Alicia to be in color for the scenes at the black-and-white party, but not one that was too strong for business reasons."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 63

Season 5, Episode 19: Elie Tahari Coat

Courtesy

"This tan Elie Tahari single breasted snap front coat had an exaggerated notched lapel and wrist belts," he states.

14 of 63

Season 5, Episode 19: Akris Jacket

Courtesy

"The asymmetric front and stand collar in the back of this tan tweed jacket really brings the focus to her face," Lawson states.

15 of 63

Season 5, Episode 19: Number 35 Dress

Courtesy

"She looked very chic wearing this lavender-raisin colored wool dress," he says. "The boatneck, 3/4 sleeves, and double side vents in the back made the fit of this dress on Julianna simply outstanding."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 63

Season 5, Episode 18: Armani Jacket

Courtesy CBS

"At the start of this episode, her clothing is more comfort wear even though she uses it as work wear. The pieces are all in shades of very neutral grays made of comforting knit fabrics, like this zip-front jacket," says Lawson.

17 of 63

Season 5, Episode 18: Burberry Blouse

Courtesy CBS

"In this episode Alicia begins to pull out of her deep grief, and her wardrobe reflects this," Lawson says. "She starts wearing a little color once she becomes passionate about the major issue she's facing at work, and wears this brighter hued top with epaulets and a self-tie at the front."

18 of 63

Season 5, Episode 18: Akris Jacket

Courtesy CBS

"I liked her color progression in this episode, going from the dark gray to the bright blue and finally to this cream and tan patterned jacket," he states. "It was a sort of rebirth, and the wonderful assymetrical collar really framed her face."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 63

Season 5, Episode 17: Lafayette 148 Jacket

CBS via Getty Images

"This look was all about keeping her simple and somber, but still stylish, as she has just experienced something so traumatic," says Lawson of the black and maroon woven jacket with black leather trim.

20 of 63

Season 5, Episode 17: Max Mara Coat

Courtesy CBS

"This Max Mara gray cashmere winter coat has a beautiful dark brown mink collar," said Lawson. "I wanted Alicia to look like she was playing the part of the politician's wife in this piece. Plus, she really needed something warm as it was very cold outside that day!"

21 of 63

Season 5, Episode 17: Nina Ricci Suit

Courtesy CBS

"Again, I wanted to keep her in somber colors and simple shapes, as not much time since Will's death has passed," Lawson said of the boucle wool suit with grosgrain trim. "She is still quite in mourning."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 63

Season 5, Episode 17: Number35 Dress

CBS via Getty Images

"Since Alicia is sitting throughout these scenes, I wanted there to be some interest at the neck without being too eye-catching," states Lawson of the asymmetrical neckline frock. "I thought it was appropriate to have Alicia in a dress for Will's funeral. It seemed more wife-like and more intimate than a suit."

23 of 63

Season 5, Episode 15: Calvin Klein jacket

Courtesy CBS

"This is such a beautiful white for her to start the episode," Lawson said of the topper, which had crisp architectural lines. "And she just looks so innocent."

24 of 63

Season 5, Episode 15: Elie Tahari coat

Courtesy CBS

"I loved the way she looked in this overcoat with a shawl collar," he said. "We thought originally that the collar was too big, so we were going to cut it down, but decided to keep it big and oversize at the last minute."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 63

Season 5, Episode 15: Alexander McQueen pantsuit

Courtesy CBS

"This is one of my favorite suits she's ever worn on the show," said Lawson. "She doesn't wear ruffles, but when she put it on, it looked so carefree and had this beautiful feminine quality to it. It set everything apart for her. It draws so much attention to her face. It's gorgeous." He layered a black Theory tank underneath for extra coverage.

26 of 63

Season 5, Episode 15: Karolina Zmarlak Jacket and Skirt

Courtesy CBS

This is a pivotal look, as it's the outfit she wears when she finds out about Will's death. He had it custom made by the New York designer specifically for this moment of the show. "Alicia was at a fundraiser being the politician's wife, so it was important that she look like she's in her armor," explained Lawson. "It read very buttoned-up and elegant. Then to contrast it with having her find out about Will's death, it showed that no matter how put together and armored you are, the bad stuff is still going to get through."

27 of 63

Season 5, Episode 14: Akris Jacket and Cartier Watch

Courtesy Photo

"I love the brick red color of this jacket, and the brass hook and eye closures are a nice detail," said Lawson. "But my favorite thing about the jacket is the cuff. They are lined in black, so it's a nice complement when you roll your sleeves up."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 63

Season 5, Episode 14: L.K. Bennett Jacket

Courtesy Photo

Lawson calls this jacket "smart." "It punches with a little color, but it's not overwhelming. I am so glad I get her to try new things."

29 of 63

Season 5, Episode 14: Style Paris Suit

Courtesy Photo

"When Julianna put this on, she said it made her feel strong and in control of the room, and I loved that," said Lawson. "That is very much about what I do and that is how I think clothes should make you feel."

30 of 63

Season 5, Episode 14: Max Mara Dress

Courtesy Photo

"I used this dress for a flashback scene where I wanted her to be a little sexier for the office," said Lawson. "Because of how slim the arms are, it's really sexy in a sophisticated way. I wish I could have her wear this all the time in the future!"

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 63

Season 5, Episode 13: Burberry

Courtesy Photo

"This suit jacket has black panels on the side," said Lawson. "I love how the black tank pulls out the color of the jacket. This is something that would work on anybody who has to go to court or a business meeting. It's so slimming, too!"

32 of 63

Season 5, Episode 13: Nina Ricci Jacket

Courtesy Photo

Lawson loved how there was shine to this jacket. "This was like a novelty fabric with pink and cream wool going through it," he said. "There was also a bow at the neck, which was unexpected for her—it's almost too ladylike."

33 of 63

Season 5, Episode 13: Akris Jacket

Courtesy Photo

"The collar is fleece but it looks like real fur," explained Lawson. "It looks so chic. What a jacket to make an impression!"

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 63

Season 5, Episode 13: Style Paris Suit, George Simonton Coat and Furla bag

Courtesy Photo

This wool cashmere jacket with fabric-covered buttons and a pencil skirt was custom made for the character. "It's a little Dior New Look," said Lawson. "I love how it's a feminine take on a masculine fabric." To finish the look, he added a coat "that followed the line of the neck beautifully," he said. "It speaks volumes, and you know she's luxurious!"

35 of 63