In a dystopian society where kids are being forced to kill one another, fashion is probably the furthest thing from most people's minds (excluding those in the Capitol, of course). Still, that didn't stop The Hunger Games movies from delivering some seriously interesting looks — some for the better, and some not so much.
Katniss in particular had some unique onscreen outfits, many intended to make her look fierce, while others were meant to capture the true personality of the girl readers knew and loved from District 12.
Best: Her Hunting Attire
Fans of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games novels likely appreciated the hunting attire Katniss wore in the first film, which just feels very Katniss. In the books, our leading lady is said to wear her father’s old leather jacket when she goes beyond the District 12 fence to hunt, and her clothing is described as casual and efficient.
While Katniss’ jacket and boots in the first film aren’t as worn as one might imagine after reading about her background, they fit the original description of her otherwise. And Jennifer Lawrence wears the look well, making it stand out as both fashionable and true to character. It's a great look to start the series with.
Worst: Her Reaping Dress
The Capitol forces the Districts to treat the reaping as some sort of twisted holiday, and that involves everyone dressing up for the occasion. In the first film, Katniss dons a blue dress for the reaping ceremony that changes her life — and truthfully, it’s not one of her better looks.
Not only does this blue dress not match Katniss' personality at all, but it's incredibly plain -- which is likely the point. Those in District 12 can't afford trendy clothes, and that fact is made clearer with this piece. It's not Katniss' fault, but it's also not making a Top 10 fashion list anytime soon.
Best: The Girl On Fire
During Catcing Fire, Cinna decides to dress Katniss and Peeta fiercely for their chariot ride through the Capitol. With most of Katniss' team upset that she's been pulled back into the arena once more, they're not trying to get people to like the District 12 tributes with their looks -- and that's clearer than ever when the two arrive quite literally on fire.
It's not just the blazing clothing that makes Katniss look stunning here, either. Even her hair and makeup are designed to give her an intimidating appearance, and the combination works well. The girl on fire, indeed.
Worst: Her Interview Dress
When Katniss meets Caesar Flickerman during the first Hunger Games film, she dresses to make the Capitol fall for her. And although her red gown is a stunning piece on its own, it's not very Katniss. Between the dress and the bun, it's hard to tell which our main character seems more uncomfortable in -- and Katniss almost always looks best when she's looking and acting like herself.
To be fair, this piece does get some brownie points for sparking fire at the bottom. But compared to Cinna's other designs, it's still a bit ordinary.
Best: Her Wedding Dress
Speaking of looks that catch fire, Katniss' wedding dress is undoubtedly one of her best outfits from the entire Hunger Games trilogy. She wears it at President Snow's request during Catching Fire, but Cinna makes sure Snow isn't in complete control of the situation. What initially appears to be an average, white wedding dress lights up and turns into a Mockingjay gown when Katniss spins.
Not only is this one of the more meaningful wardrobe choices in the series, but the dress really is gorgeous, whether you're looking at it pre- or post-turn. It makes exactly the statement Cinna was hoping for -- though, unfortunately, he is executed for creating it.
Worst: Her Capitol Look
When Katniss and Peeta visit the Capitol on their Victory Tour, Katniss wears a gown that's likely intended to look fierce. Unfortunately, if we're being honest, it winds up looking just as bizarre and out of place as the rest of the Capitol's designs -- it's just a bit darker than their usual colors.
Not only does the sheer bottom portion of the dress appear off compared to the top, but Katniss' hairstyle gives her a look that's a bit too bold. The weird shoulder pieces don't really help, either.
Best: Back To The Arena
Entering the arena is never pleasant, but at least the Tributes do it in style during Catching Fire. The body suits they're forced to wear heading into the 75th Hunger Games aren't all that hideous -- and they actually look good on most of the Tributes, particularly Katniss, who has a tendency to shine when she's at her most casual.
This bodysuit, combined with Katniss' signature braid and her bow and arrow, makes her look like a warrior. And she needs to embody that during the rest of Catching Fire, so it's certainly a fitting design.
Worst: Her District 13 Uniform
Given that District 13 remained hidden from the other 12 Districts and the Capitol for years, it's not surprising that its denizens don't have a superior sense of style. That said, the uniforms those residing in District 13 are forced to wear are downright ugly -- and it doesn't help that they blend together, making everyone in the area look like a lifeless grey blob.
To be fair, Katniss isn't exactly trying to dress to impress when she wears the uniform -- and she doesn't have much say in the matter since District 13's rules are so strict. Still, viewers were happy to see her don some new clothing for her appearances as the symbol of the rebellion. She certainly couldn't inspire people wearing this garb.
Best: The Mockingjay
It's hard to pinpoint Katniss' number-one best look from the Hunger Games films, but her final Mockingjay outfit is a definite contender. The girl on fire looks stunningly fierce as she marches to execute President Snow -- and even if she doesn't wind up finishing the job the way she's supposed to, her look has the intended impact. (We all know President Coin would have wound up being another tyrant anyway.)
The black leather boots and shoulder pieces, in particular, make Katniss look like she's marching into battle. The dark colors and makeup also make her look intimidating, as she should -- she is about to end an age of corruption after all.
Worst: Her Capitol Disguise
During the second Mockingjay installment, Katniss and Gale are forced to go undercover to make their way through the Capitol. Unfortunately, that means wearing styles that are popular among those living in the most elite area of Panem -- and anyone who has seen a Hunger Games film knows the people in the Capitol have some seriously questionable taste in clothing.
Katniss opts for a turquoise robe that looks more like a quilt, likely because its huge hood will hide her face. The piece does the job of keeping her covered, but viewers really have to wonder why anyone would have this outfit in their wardrobe in the first place.