Books offer us so much more than just the stories that unfold on their pages. As we delve deep into the fictional lives of characters, songs, and stories, they provide us with new inspiration and ideas that we can apply to our own lives in so many ways. One unique way to apply your literary inspirations is to manifest them through fashion — by creating ensembles inspired by your favorite books. Using your favorite storylines, characters, and eras as your guide, you can craft tasteful, stylish, and transformative looks that express your passion for certain works of literature. Read on to explore how to use your books as an inspiration for crafting unique and stunning looks.
1. Exploring the Literary-Fashion Connection
Throughout history, literature and fashion have gone hand-in-hand. From early kings and queens dressing to honor a favorite poem or author, to modern-day high-fashion catwalks inspired by unknown tomes, the relationship between clothing and words has remained strong.
Take, for example, the writer Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein, which was recently featured in the 2020 runway show of fashion label Rodarte. Designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy warped designs inspired from Shelley’s career and her own life experiences to transport us into her macabre world. The show also paid homage to the Victorian era in general, where corsets and long skirts reigned. All this to create an ensemble of kind-of-eerie, kind-of-dreamy, high-fashion looks.
The literary-fashion connection is also found in the world of hip-hop. Take the rapper Kendrick Lamar and his latest album, DAMN., which dropped in 2017. While his dystopian beats are what make the album so recognizable, its music videos feature fashion from the designer label Christopher Raeburn as a direct reference to Mary Shelley’s aforementioned work. Shoes and other garments from the label acted as metaphors to extended motifs found in Frankenstein. From the thigh-high boots — fit for a mad scientist — to the shredded sweaters — likely inspiring a story of human-stitching — Lamar created a cross-disciplinary work of art for a contemporary audience.
The fundamental connection between literature and fashion is clear. Both have a common purpose: to push the boundaries of human creativity. By joining forces, they spark a dialogue between two distinct, yet cohesive worlds.
- Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Rodarte’s 2020 runway show
- Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. music videos featuring Christopher Raeburn
2. Crafting the Perfect Literary-Inspired Outfit
There is something romantic and mysterious about the fashion of a literary character. Have you ever wanted to emulate the style of Jane Eyre, Donna Tartt, or one of your other favorite book characters? You can capture the same feelings of mystery and adventure in your wardrobe with a few carefully chosen pieces.
The best way to pull off a literary-inspired look is to mix modern pieces with timeless fabrics and cuts. Start by finding a classic silhouette for your outfit. A coat in a warm ochre-brown color or a dress with puffed sleeves can both work to capture the feeling of a literary heroine. To add a modern twist to this timeless look, choose a bold print. Think a floral or graphic that makes a statement while also standing out.
To create an outfit that looks like it fell out of a classic novel, accessories can make all the difference. A floppy hat, ruffled scarf, leather satchel, or detailed belt are all timeless pieces. Add a pair of classic lace-up ankle boots or a pair of sensible flats to top off the look.
- Choose a timeless piece like a coat in a warm ochre-brown color or a dress with puffed sleeves.
- Mix classic and modern with a bold print to set the look apart.
- Accessorise with timeless items like a floppy hat, ruffled scarf, leather satchel, or detailed belt.
Creating a literary-inspired outfit can feel intimidating, but with the right pieces it can be a fun way to explore new fashion options. Next time you go shopping, think of a classic novel or try to capture the unique style of a renowned writer. With a few imaginative touches, you can put together an outfit that will make your favorite characters proud.
3. Mixing & Matching to Express the Character
When it comes to expressing the character, mixing and matching items can create some of the best styles. To ensure an expression that truly stands out, try selecting and wearing pieces that bring the vibes of the character into focus.
- Accessorize with Flair – A smart way to give any look that extra oomph is to add a few accessories. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top, but adding accessories with the purpose of conveying character is an easy way to pack some personality in a look.
- Create an Unexpected Look – Don’t be afraid to mix varying patterns and colors. Combining out-there pieces in an unexpected way can be a great way to show the character contained in a costume. Just remember to keep it tasteful. Evaluating the style from a third-party perspective will give a much better idea of how the costume will appear to the public.
- Engage the Senses – For elaborate occasions such as conventions, consider upping the game by engaging other senses. For example, wearing a specific scent is a great way to add to the look. You can also use texture to create a more dimensional look, perfect for cosplayers looking to stand out from the crowd.
So if you are looking to truly express the character you are bringing to life, look for ways to wear more than just the outfit. Don’t shy away from bright items, as many of these can add an additional spark that is often missed. Put together a strong look, and let the character truly come alive.
Having a few friends was also useful for the pre-made thoughts on how the character is portrayed. Talking high and low points of the outfit will help to further refine the expression and create a space for considerable growth.
4. Unleash the Inner Bookworm with Literary Style!
Fashion enthusiasts will no longer be consigned to boring looks and standard wear. Instead, they can start smartening up their style with a combo of literature and literature-inspired clothing. Take in the intellectual atmosphere while wearing a T-shirt featuring quotes from a favorite book or author, a witty phrase from a play, or a slogan from a beloved character. Let literature enter the wardrobe with creative designs.
Expand the literary style further with the right accessories. Pick jewelry that proudly showcases one’s favorite author’s words or a book cover accessory and adorn it for a modest, but meaningful effect. Supplementary items like backpacks, hats, and scarves featuring iconic characters can only enhance the overall look. There are infinite ways to accessorize in a literary-friendly way.
Of course, there’s no need to restrict bookworm dressing to clothing alone. Play around with the beauty look by indulging in graphic novels, illustrations, and bookish makeup tutorials. Create an ode to a favorite character with an eye look. Put together full-on avant-garde looks with both clothing and makeup that draw inspiration from literature. For literary enthusiasts, the look can be taken to the next level.
For a final ‘literary flourish’ it’s all about the details. Take some time to find interesting pins and patches bearing bookish quotes or designs, plus hair accessories like book-shaped clips, hair ties, and many more. There are so many possible incorporations of literary items that style connoisseurs won’t have any difficulty finding the one that expresses their personality the most. Literature is the ultimate key to reorienting and personalizing fashion with a unique twist.
With books available in a wide variety of styles and genres, your choices and possibilities for creating one-of-a-kind outfits are practically limitless. Have fun and explore the world of fashion— and books— to create stylish, unique looks!
