In a neighborhood filled with secrets, first impressions matter.
For Peacock’s The ‘Burbs, costume designer Trayce Gigi Field and showrunner Celeste Hughey approached fashion as an extension of character, using clothing to establish identity, hint at backstory and help populate the series’ colorful cul-de-sac with a cast of memorable suspects. Inspired by Joe Dante’s 1989 film of the same name that starred Tom Hanks, the series follows Samira (Keke Palmer) and her husband Rob (Jack Whitehall) as they settle into Rob’s childhood home in “the safest town in America,” but appearances aren’t always what they seem. Samira quickly becomes intrigued with the old, Victorian-esque house across the street, which is supposedly haunted. With the help of her new neighbors (Julia Duffy, Paula Pell and Mark Proksch), she investigates the mystery behind the home and its new tenant. Meanwhile, Rob appears to know more about the mysterious residence than he lets on.
Talking on Deadline’s The Process, Hughey and Field unravel how costumes became a storytelling tool throughout Season 1, from preserving Samira’s city roots after her move to the suburbs to creating distinct visual signatures for the neighborhood’s eccentric residents.
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“Samira is still holding onto her identity even in the midst of being in the suburbs,” Hughey says. “And it was really important to show that through clothes.”
The creative team wanted Palmer’s character to stand apart from her neighbors, reflecting both her background as a successful lawyer and her confidence through patterns, accessories and silhouettes. Field described Samira as “the coolest one,” noting that the character immediately established her own visual identity. “She had a vibe,” the costume designer tells us.
That approach extended to even the smallest details. Hughey pointed to Samira’s bonnets and head scarves as an authentic reflection of Black hair care, while a Princess Diana-inspired Howard University sweatshirt look became what she called “a prime example of visual storytelling,” instantly communicating where the character came from and who she had become.
Elsewhere on the block, costumes helped define the neighborhood’s growing list of suspects and oddballs. Tod’s, the most paranoid and diligent member of the group, (Proksch) wardrobe leaned heavily into purples and plums, giving the quirky resident an unexpected fashion-forward edge. “It was an instant read,” Field said. “You always knew it was Tod, and he looked chic.”
Dana’s (Pell) straightforward personality was reflected in practical, utilitarian clothing that also showcased her military background, while Agnes’ (Danielle Kennedy) quirky and carefully curated wardrobe subtly foreshadowed her eventual reveal as the season’s villain. Field says the team wanted Agnes to feel like she was always in control. Looking back on the character’s costumes, the designer noted that Agnes carried “a first lady vibe” and was “always put together.”
“It was really important to have Tracy help us build [these] look[s] and create these characters through the clothes that they wear, the accessories that they wear, and really define their personality through their fashion.” Hughey adds.
That philosophy carried across every department, from production design to cinematography, helping create a cohesive visual language for a series where every neighbor tells a story and every outfit might be a clue.
To discover more clues about the behind-the-scenes costume and storytelling design of The ‘Burbs, check out the video above.