The Rebellion Underground

Away from the city center, life is much less the glitz and glamour of the obscenely wealthy and much more the daily grind of doing thankless work to survive. From birth, the odds are stacked against those born into the wrong locale; there is no escape, no upward mobility and often not even the means to live comfortably from day to day. It’s little surprise that the determined few have taken it upon themselves to stage a rebellion, intent on turning the dystopia’s harsh measures and cruel politics upside down.

UNDERGROUND PALETTE

For this palette, select colors from the natural world, ranging from the off-whites of cotton, wool and linen to dyes from plants and minerals. Do a little research to see what’s available; nature provides a wider range of colors than you’d expect.

MADE BY HAND

In contrast to the sleek, manufactured look of clothing in the city center, here on the outskirts try to include more homemade garments. Knitted, crocheted or homespun fabric will lend your characters a touch of seeming self-sufficiency.

PRACTICAL IS FASHIONABLE

When designing your style, keep in mind everyday use. Characters here can’t afford tailored clothes, so belts can help with pants or skirts that don’t fit perfectly. Some people may prefer dresses, but they get worn to work, not a night out on the town. Try adding large pockets to provide convenient storage and make them more practical for the wearer.

SHOES

Away from the city center, shoes are designed to handle wear and tear, not to turn heads. A sturdy pair of work boots will last the owner years. Galoshes can be slipped over footwear to preserve them from more unsavory tasks.

TOGS FOR TOTS

When you’re dressing kids in a setting like this, make the garments a bit worn. Children are rough on their clothes, and people keep hand-me-downs or share among neighbors when a new baby arrives.