I read Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla recently and there was a quote that I particularly liked: “I may mention, in passing, that the deadly pallor attributed to that sort of revenants, is a mere melodramatic fiction. They present, in the grave, and when they show themselves in human society, the appearance of healthy life.”
Now, I understand why there are certain characteristics and aesthetics associated with vampires. In film and TV, it helps to highlight who’s who. On social media, it helps vampire fans to recognise and find each other.
Yet it makes a lot of sense that vampires would look pretty much like humans. They’re predators and hunters and need to get close to their victims. In order to do that, they either need to be really fast or gain their trust. Also, having very distinctive looks is not very practical for a quick getaway and living in the shadows.
One of my favourite TV shows that features these mythical creatures is BBC’s Being Human, in which vampire characters were virtually indistinguishable from humans. By the time they revealed their true nature, it was too late. I also liked that no-one seemed to be stuck in the past fashion wise. Mitchell, one of the protagonists, was over a hundred years old but always wore whatever styles were available in each decade he lived. You couldn’t tell by looking at him that he was born on July 29, 1893 (no, I didn’t plan this post especially to mark the occasion, it was a pure coincidence!).
Journals of the Undead 