How to Dress Like Norma Bates

Norma Bates is the loving, albeit overprotective, mother of Norman Bates in the television series Bates Motel.  We realize very early on in the series that Norma has had a complicated life. While her childhood and previous failed marriages shape who she is, they also have an extreme impact on Norman.

Norma is very charismatic and she uses that characteristic to manipulate many people throughout the series to her advantage. Her main goal in life is to keep Norman safe and at home by her side. While Norma always has Norman’s best interests at heart, it is her unyielding love for him that will eventually be her undoing.

Norma’s style is very feminine and classic. Although the show is set in a modern era, Norma dresses as if she lives in the 50’s. She wears many floral patterns and pastel colors to give off the perfect mother/housewife appearance in order to mask her many dark secrets.

According to Monique Prudhomme, the costume designer for Bates Motel, much of Norma’s wardrobe is custom designed for her, so many items found will be close, but not exact matches. Here is a link to the interview for some more inside information on Norma and Norman’s style.