Great Expectations is based on a novel written by Charles Dickens, directed by David Lean. The story follows the development of a blacksmith's apprentice named Pip into a fine young gentleman. Due to the efforts of an unknown benefactor, young Pip is taken from his working-class roots and set on a course of social advancement in London. All the while, he dreams of marrying the man-hating Miss Havisham's adopted daughter, the beautiful Estella.

The costumes in this movie were used very symbolically. We can follow young Pip's transformation from working-class to young gentleman simply by the clothing worn. When he was a young boy, he wore more meager clothing, such as beat-up pants and secondhand shirts. Then as he was just becoming a gentleman he wore excessively elaborate clothing, such as that big, ugly bow-tie, so much so that he actually looked ridiculous. As we...