4 On-Trend Outfits Inspired by Favorite Characters from Literature
March not only marks the start of spring, but it’s also National Reading Month! In celebration of one of our favorite pastimes, we’ve pulled together four chic, on-trend outfits that channel some of our top literary ladies. So now you can step out in style like Katniss or Alice without having to don a costume (or elicit questioning looks from your cubicle mate).
You don’t have to be in Wonderland to get Alice’s pretty, feminine style. This pale blue ruffled shift dress is a modern twist on her signature frock and is perfect for spring. A gold collar necklace offers a grown-up version of Alice’s fanciful Peter Pan collar, while a blinged out watch with a feline-inspired dial is a nod to the infamous Cheshire Cat. Keeping with the wacky spirit of the book’s setting, tack on a few colorful or printed add-ons, like a lavender doctor’s bag and trippy striped sunglasses.
Cynthia Rowley Exaggerated Flounce Dress ($395), Zara Ankle Strap Flats ($60), New Look Navy and Pink Pineapple Print Headscarves ($6), illesteva Leonard II Stripes Sunglasses ($290), Koshka Lavender Bag ($65), Marc by Marc Jacobs Foil Gem Collar Necklace ($69), Betsey Johnson Gold Tone and Black Watch with Cat Dial ($175)
Elizabeth Bennet
Between Elizabeth Bennet’s feisty attitude, Mrs. Bennet’s hilarious commentary and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s roller coaster of a relationship, Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice never ceases to make us swoon. Though the book’s leading lady was more concerned with books than fashion, we think she’d appreciate the stylish upgrades we’ve made to her go-to getup. The sleek leather waist cincher, chunky-heeled boots and a luxe cashmere coat scream Victorian-chic. A saddle bag is simple and practical (which we know Ms. Bennet would love), with plenty of space to hold all of her books, which in modern times are conveniently stored on a pint-size Kindle.
For Love & Lemons Mint Rose Montana Dress ($215), & Other Stories Leather Belt ($55), J.Crew Floppy Hat ($50), N’Damus London Saddle Bag ($120), Amazon Kindle ($79), M by Maggnolia Wing Spear Ring ($43), Cheap Monday Layered Booties ($130); Zara Long Cashmere Coat ($299)
Scout
Nab Scout’s tomboy style from To Kill a Mockingbird with classy denim overalls and an arsenal of stylish accessories. A frilly feminine top softens the look and metal-embellished leather kicks, plus a pale pink backpack, add a luxe touch. This is an outfit that you’ll want to wear to everything from Sunday brunch to catching your favorite band’s latest gig. A tweed oversized blazer adds a menswear-inspired polish touch to tie it all together.
A&F Allie Boyfriend Overalls ($29), Tang and Song Silver Love Birds Ring ($65), Komono Lulu Pale Blush Sunglasses ($49), Mango Flecked Wool Blend Blazer ($65), Aldo Portus Sneakers ($60), New Look Stone Flip Lock Backpack ($38), Topshop Pintuck Lace Trim Blouse ($72)
Katniss
Katniss Everdeen kind of has the whole badass/independent woman thing down, between her “don’t mess” attitude, crazy hunting skills and killer style. Simple versatile separates in muted colors are essential to her look, with rugged lace-up boots and a black leather jacket bringing in that edginess we love. And since you can’t really walk around with a quiver strapped onto your back (for practicality’s sake anyway), a brown leather backpack makes for a spot-on substitute.
Black Leather Look Splice Hem Biker Jacket With Zipper Detail ($61), Wanderlust & Co. Arrow Split Ring ($29), Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Ankle Jeans ($40), H&M Henley Shirt ($18), Steve Madden Troopa Boots ($99), Fray Hem Long Scarf ($81), Lulu Frost Aviary Stud Earrings ($240), Patricia Nash Vasto Leather Backpack ($248)
How will you be celebrating National Reading Month? Tell us about your favorite character or book in the comments!