The Map of Tiny Perfect Things: Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen Wear Levi's, Vans, Madewell, and More

Actors Kathryn Newton [1] and Kyle Allen star as Margaret and Mark in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things [2], an Amazon Original film directed by Ian Samuels. It's absolutely worth watching if you love a romantic but slightly far-fetched comedy (think Palm Springs for teens) and an onscreen wardrobe [3] that's down to earth and so incredibly easy to re-create. Costume designer Abby O'Sullivan really leaned into iconic themes for inspiration: "So much of mine and Ian [Samuel]'s inspiration came from movies and characters from our childhood, like Say Anything, Back to The Future, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off [4], which I think gives it a real vintage feel. We needed to pair that vibe with a contemporary script with lots of doubles. Even though the look is vintage inspired, the majority of it was created through ageing, dyeing, sanding, and recutting," Abby shared with POPSUGAR.

Even though, at first glance, you'll probably think Margaret and Mark kind of dress the same, Abby wove in unique little outfit details that match up to their personalities, and Kathryn and Kyle were definitely involved. "Collaboration is key with actors. I find that coming in with strong visuals for yourself and the cast sets a great tone. By developing certain backstories with each actor, you stretch yourself and build what is on the page . . . it's a dance of holding onto your vision with the director and collaborating with your actors to create a unique character. I think we really accomplished that here with Mark and Margaret," Abby said of the costume design process, in which Kathryn (of Big Little Lies, Freaky [5], and Lady Bird) is well-versed.

Ahead, Abby breaks down each and every element of the looks she created for Margaret and Mark, pointing out specific references you may miss while watching the film. Scroll through to digest some quick fashion facts, and don't forget to shop some of the standout, affordable pieces Margaret and Mark would call essentials.

Dressing Margaret

"Kathryn Newton and I were on quite a tear creating Margaret. The majority of the clothes we created or purchased in Alabama. As we ran into some limitations with COVID-19 reshoots and limited shopping based on location, Kathryn was incredible and she added a pant here or a belt there. Her Topshop Star sweater at the airport for example — that scene was shot in LA during lockdown, so we FaceTimed a fitting. I had a wonderful time working with Kathryn. She has a fabulous fashion knowledge and has been doing this for a long time. She really delivers, coming in with a solid concept, giving you room to try a few directions, and then selling the look in photos. We spoke from socks to barrettes every day."

Dressing Mark

"Kyle Allen's look was so specific and we had to prep so many doubles for the more physical sequences. He did not wear his own clothing at all. We vibed more on the drawings, ageing, and his wonderfully weird socks. Kyle is a dancer, so he has this fabulous ability to move. Initially, it was about trying to find Mark's looks while making sure his clothing didn't hide his physicality. Once we nailed that, it was the details — the drawings, the ink on his cuffs."

Margaret's Pins

"For Margaret, the devil is in the details. Early on, the layering of pins was a look we wanted to stick with. Since her character is a Manga fan, we commissioned a local artist named Randolf Dixon [7] to create Manga paintings, and we then made them into her hero pins. I did dig in quite a bit on Margaret's love of maths. Her Red t-shirt has HYPATIA printed on it. Hypatia is a 4-5 century astronomer and mathematician from Alexandria. It's a small detail, but these are the kind of pieces that come out of having the freedom to riff with characters."

Mark's Levi's Jacket

"Margaret and Mark's closets are a mix of what would make up many teens' closets From Urban Outfitters to Levi's and Madewell. Once we had the pieces in house, we customised the majority of it. For example Mark's hero 'Mcfly' Jacket is actually recut."

Margaret's Madewell Camera Bag

"I got lots of DMs about specific items Margaret and Mark wear, specifically the Madewell Camera Purse, Mark's red jacket, and Margaret's incredible leather cuff, which is sadly a vintage piece from my incredible costumer Stephanie's collection."

Mark's T-Shirts

"The shirts are all custom drawings by me. Kyle and I discussed his character doodling on his clothing and from there we started riffing. The pig t-shirt is a nod to Time Bandits. Kyle and his sister are acrobats, so we have the flipping figures on Mark's sweatshirts as an homage."