A chef’s uniform is armour in The Bear. The kitchen is an animal of its own kind—and the recently released Season 3 is bonafide proof of its bestiality. Fires of all tempers rage on, C-folds and forks get lost in inventory, and well, every second counts. To best it as best as one possibly can, they don particular garments. Some wear their uniforms like proof of identity, whilst others, a procured sense of belonging. Carmy has his unmistakable grease-stained white tee. Sydney’s got her own growing rotation of eclectic bandanas, just like Marcus has got his own line-up of cuffed-up beanies. Likewise, Richie wears suits, since discovering his purpose from a week of staging at Ever. A similar sentiment is gleaned in the Ayo Edebiri-directed episode dedicated to Tina’s past; the simple comforts of her new work attire—The Beef’s classic cobalt blue tee—fraught with significance and promise.
For a rough-around-the-edges crew who are meant to grow and hurt and grow together again, the scorching realities of the kitchen are not only reflected in the show’s script and characterisation, but also in its impeccable wardrobe curation. Utility is the name of the game, and the kitchen naturally excels in it. That’s one explanation for how the titillating chef drama has been lauded for its stealthy sartorial choices since its inception, ranging from heated discussions about Carmy’s selvedge denim collection (yes, the one he stores in his oven) to the streetwear cred Marcus has racked up for the numerous New Balance grails and pre-owned Carhatt he owns.
But beyond the desired nuances of Thom Browne sets gifted by Carmy to Sydney or the continued obsession over the show’s vintage menswear picks, the wardrobe situation speaks volumes about the characters and their individual realities, some more so than others. If The Bear’s second season visibly accommodated Richie’s growth, then there’s no mistaking that Season 3 has been holding space for Sydney in the same way.
Beyond her fascinating array of colourful bandanas, the new chef de cuisine and Carmy’s supposed partner has begun to reach for more well-appointed denim outerwear and fem-core outfits that allow more of her personality to shine through. One ensemble in particular—which Carmy himself compliments her for—stands out. Think a trendy Comme des Garçons sailor jacket paired with flowy shorts, some loafers and a statement bow in her hair, all to receive a tempting offer from chef Adam Shapiro. As if to hint at what life might look like when she’s not swept up in Carmy’s inescapable whims.
Bear or no bear, Sydney must eventually decide. In the meantime, a retrospective of Sydney’s sartorial journey through Season 3, all telling of a chef who might have to release herself from the shackles of the very person she admires, and learn what it feels like to truly dish out her own menu.
1 / 7
That pre-Carmy glow
In the first episode of Season 3 ‘Tomorrow’, it ends poignantly with pre-The Beef Carmy sending out a dish for a fennel allergy—which happens to belong to Sydney. Here, we get a glimpse into her eye for elegance—one communicated through her choice of evening garb: a now sold-out printed midi dress from Dries Van Noten’s fall/winter 2018 collection.
2 / 7
Wear your stripes
Like an ode to the crisp white shirting she wears in previous seasons, Sydney’s one constant uniform throughout Season 3 would most definitely be her scintillating Thom Browne jacket-apron set—one that Carmy gifted her with towards the end of the previous season. Whilst the get-up definitely avows her a certain air of command in the kitchen as the new chef de cuisine, it can also be seen as a metaphor for the continued attachment she will only have if she stays on at The Bear with Carmy.
3 / 7
Polishing up
As Sydney moves out of her father’s apartment, a new sense of identity slowly starts to take shape. Whilst true vintage separates–the sort one could pull out from their parents’ wardrobes—still make up a large part of her everyday wear, she’s begun to make more considered choices, with more structured outerwear, softer layers of printed shirts and graphic tees that no longer look like they have holes in them.
4 / 7
Beanies galore
No shortage of the now-cult accessory on Sydney. Throughout the season, she secures her long tresses with a statement bandana—each one more colourful and ebullient than the next. Between patchwork paisley designs from Japanese cult brand Kapital to eclectic handmade pieces from smaller boutiques, her fabrics run the gamut and play a constant role in showing her personality despite the kitchen’s constraints.
5 / 7
Girlhood reigns
Dressed to impress, this particular outfit seems most unlike Sydney. But she wears this to a meeting with Adam Shapiro, a chef who’s trying to poach her to become his new chef de cuisine. It’s a stately offer and a second glance at her outfit leans symbolic. Flowy shorts from Alice and Olivia neatly complements the Comme des Garçons Girl sailor jacket and loafer pairing, but it is the huge statement bow she wears in her mane that truly brightens her look and makes her shine—like she was meant for bigger things. Yet right after Carmy compliments her for her outfit, Sydney is visibly nervous–proceeding to remove the bow, as if she has to shed some part of herself to fit into her current role at The Bear.
6 / 7
Piling on the layers
Her structured outerwear gets a denim update—and there’s a notable sense of purpose that Sydney seems to adorn with it. Re-wearing it constantly throughout the season (the way outerwear should be worn), this vintage Haiks denim jacket, with its contrast collar and playful detailing, isn’t just a means of keeping toasty for the chef de cuisine. Like a true chef, it demonstrates her discerning eye, be it for a refreshing new scallop dish or for a chic closet separate.
7 / 7
In her zone
From her gait alone, anyone can tell that Sydney isn’t used to the statuesque setting of Ever and its throng of famous chefs. But her outfit is far from out of place. She holds her own in a sleek satin top and skirt silhouette, which pairs well with a chunky silver necklace and a Ganni Bou bag. Everything about her teems with subtle sophistication and as she slowly finds her voice at the table of other esteemed chefs, there’s a sense that so much lies in waiting for Sydney should she decide to leave The Bear. The only question remains: will Carmy be able to handle it if she does?
