Want to add more joy to your day without adding more to your to-do list? Here’s a little secret: you don’t need a packed calendar to bring more fun into your life—you just need to make the everyday things a little more magical. And what’s more everyday than getting dressed?
Since you’re already choosing an outfit each morning, why not make it something that sparks your imagination? Whether you’re headed to work, running errands, or chasing a toddler around the house, these six fiction-inspired outfit formulas bring a bit of storybook magic to real life.
Let’s channel your inner heroine—starting with your closet.
Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
Aesthetic: Soft, feminine, and elegant with a slightly vintage touch.
To translate Lizzy Bennet’s style into 2025 fashion, we’ll start by using Allison Bornstein’s three word method. Basically, we’ll distill Lizzy’s style into three words: one realistic, one aspirational, and one emotional. I’d say that Lizzy’s words are relaxed, because she’s a pretty down to earth person; refined, because she’s ready to thrive in any social situation, and poetic, because she loves reading and because only the deepest love will persuade her into matrimony!
What does that look like for actual clothing items? Here’s what to look for in your closet:
Key Pieces:
- Empire waist or midi dresses in soft florals, pastels, or neutrals.
- High-neck blouses with lace or ruffled details.
- Lightweight cardigans or fitted blazers for a polished touch.
- Delicate accessories like pearl earrings and ribbon-tied hairstyles.
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Simple ballet flats or heeled boots for a refined yet practical look.
Modern Outfit Idea: The Bridget Embroidered Flower Dress in Green, a structured but feminine blazer, practical boots, and pearl earrings for a subtly vintage but elegant look.
Daisy Buchanan (The Great Gatsby)
Aesthetic: Luxe, playful, and slightly theatrical with vintage 1920s influences.
Let’s use Allison Bornstein’s three-word method to define Daisy’s aesthetic. Daisy’s words are:
- Effortless – She always looks put together, but there’s an air of lightness to her style, as if she never tries too hard.
- Opulent – Her style is luxurious, full of rich textures and vintage glamour.
- Magnetic – Daisy’s presence is captivating, and her wardrobe enhances her ability to draw people in.
What does that look like in actual clothing items?
Key Pieces:
- Slip dresses or structured mini dresses with beaded, sequin, or velvet textures.
- Faux fur coats or feathered shawls for an opulent touch.
- Strappy heels or Mary Janes in metallics or soft pastels.
- Long pearl necklaces and vintage-inspired jewelry.
- Soft curls or finger waves for a retro hairstyle.
Modern Outfit Idea:
The Madonna Sequin Fringe Dress, paired with elegant strappy heels, a faux fur stole, and simple silver jewelry to let the dress shine. This isn’t an everyday look, of course, but it’s all the more fun to take inspiration from a literary character when you’re dressing up for an event!
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
Aesthetic: Practical and rugged, with a touch of rebellion.
To bring Katniss Everdeen’s style into 2025, let’s define her aesthetic using the three-word method:
- Functional – Every piece in her wardrobe has a purpose. She needs clothing that’s practical and easy to move in.
- Fearless – Her style is strong, slightly rebellious, and never fussy.
- Independent – She dresses for herself, prioritizing confidence and capability over trends.
What does that look like in actual clothing items?
Key Pieces:
- Fitted jackets, structured leather or utility-style coats.
- Cargo pants or black slim jeans for a sleek yet functional look.
- Sturdy sneakers or lace-up boots.
- Neutral, earthy tones (black, olive, brown, gray).
- Minimalist jewelry and practical layering for all-weather versatility.
Modern Outfit Idea:
The Dashia Black Ribbed Bodysuit, paired with the Washed Denim Cargo Pants, practical sneakers, and a utility-style jacket for an effortlessly cool and practical look that’s ready for anything.
Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)
Aesthetic: Whimsical, nostalgic, and nature-inspired with vintage flair.
Anne’s three words are:
- Comfortable – Anne’s always chasing dreams or climbing through windows, so her clothes need to move with her.
- Whimsical – Her romantic, imaginative nature shines through in vintage-inspired patterns and charming details.
- Sentimental – She values beauty, nostalgia, and pieces that feel full of story and heart.
What does that look like in actual clothing items?
Key Pieces:
- Flowing dresses in floral prints, gingham, or soft earth tones.
- Peter Pan collars or lace-trimmed blouses.
- Cozy knit cardigans or longline coats.
- Soft leather boots, Mary Janes, or lace-up flats.
- Straw hats, ribbon hair ties, and other nature-loving accessories.
Modern Outfit Idea:
The Willow Floral Dress in French Blue, styled with lace-up boots, a cozy cardigan, and a velvet ribbon in your hair, creates a look that’s sweet, storybook-inspired, and still wearable for everyday life.
Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family)
Aesthetic: Dark, structured, and slightly eerie with a schoolgirl-meets-gothic edge.
The princess of all things goth provides such interesting inspiration for personal style! Her three words are:
- Structured – Her silhouettes are clean, sharp, and deliberate—no frills, no fluff.
- Unapologetic – She doesn’t follow trends or soften her edges; her style is confidently her own.
- Mysterious – There’s always an air of intrigue in how she dresses—dark, composed, and captivating.
What does that look like in actual clothing items?
Key Pieces:
- Monochrome outfits, especially black and white pairings.
- Crisp button-downs, structured tops, and tailored pieces.
- Pleated skirts or straight-leg trousers.
- Chunky boots or classic Mary Janes.
- Statement silver jewelry and sleek braids or center-parted hair.
Modern Outfit Idea:
The Belle Black Top paired with the Cami Cropped White Pants creates a look that combines stark contrast with a youthful goth aesthetic. Add a black leather jacket, platform boots, silver rings, and a sharp center part for an outfit that’s smart, cool, and just a little spooky.
Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)
Aesthetic: Preppy, layered, and bookish with a hint of magic.
To bring Hermione Granger’s signature style into 2025, we’ll again use Allison Bornstein’s three-word method to decode her wardrobe. Hermione’s words are:
- Layered – She’s practical and prepared, always ready for changing weather or a long library session.
- Intellectual – Her clothes are thoughtful and put-together, reflecting her sharp mind and love for learning.
- Grounded – She dresses to feel capable, calm, and in control—never flashy, always functional.
What does that look like in actual clothing items?
Key Pieces:
- Plaid skirts, wool trousers, and tailored layers.
- Cozy turtlenecks and neutral-toned knitwear.
- Structured blazers or trench coats for that studious edge.
- Loafers or ankle boots that are both comfortable and classic.
- Satchels, minimal jewelry, and understated accessories.
Modern Outfit Idea:
The Petersburg Sweater Skirt Set in its warm knit texture offers the perfect blend of polish and comfort. Pair it with Mary Jane flats, a long coat, and a structured tote for a bookish, modern take on classic Hermione energy.
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These characters have stood the test of time not just because of their stories, but because of the way they make us feel. Whether it’s Daisy’s glamour, Katniss’s strength, or Anne’s sweet optimism, there’s a version of each heroine’s style that can work in your real, everyday life.
So next time you’re standing in front of your closet, remember—you don’t need a costume to feel like the main character. You just need a look that captures who you are (or who you want to be that day).