Dressing With The Essence Of Fairytales

[ 2 October 2007 ]

“I was wondering if you could help me out. I really want to redefine my style so that I can dress ‘with the essence of fairytales’, but I don’t really know where to start. I sort of have a vague idea, but if you have any suggestions that would be great.”

A few years ago (2003 if I recall correctly), Eugenio Recuenco did a photoshoot for Vogue which was based around fairytales. The pictures were gorgeous, as you will see in a moment. Look at them closely & think about how you could imbue a little of that vibe into your daily outfits…

Red Riding Hood

Snow White

Beauty & The Beast

Cinderella

Princess & The Pea

Puss In Boots

Pied Piper

I think that when it comes to fairytales, or dressing on any kind of theme, you don’t want to be too obvious about it. You don’t want to look like you have just come from a Renaissance fair (probably), so wearing re-enactment costumes & their ilk is not the way to go.

You might find that it’s easiest to pick one fairytale & use that as a starting point1. Maybe you like the rags-to-riches story of Cinderella, or the teeny tiny friends of Snow White. Read a few different versions of the story & observe the small details. Make a list of them, if you like. This will help you cultivate an aesthetic.

However, if you don’t want to do that, you can just work the fairytale look in other, small ways. I don’t think most fairytale characters had tans, so stay as pale as you can. You might like to use a vibrant cheek or lip stain, to give yourself a wintry flush. Try wearing an antique key around your neck — not one of those “new antique key necklaces”, but an actual antique key from an actual antique shop, on a string. Perspex shoes are in at the moment, so they would make a nice substitute for glass slippers (& there are a lot of sequinned flats around if you feel more Dorothy than Cinderella). Try buying vintage slips & dyeing them beautiful colours, like deep blue or green or scarlet. Start collecting full petticoats & clothing in strange, otherworldly fabrics. Wear glitter by your eyes. Crimp & colour your hair (white or deep red or raven black). Grow your hair long & put tiny braids in it. Wear a little tiara all the time, or an earring of a crown. Search Ebay for a vintage t-shirt with an airbrushed unicorn on the front (you know the sort!).

Make something your signature — red apples, beds, pumpkins or even porridge! Seek out anything that has this motif & wear it with gay abandon.

When it comes to fairytale-esque clothing, I think the best way to go is the homemade route, or at least go for things which look handmade. Contrasting stitching, ragged edges & a loose drapey feel will go a long way towards making it look right. Accessories, however, are a different story.

Disney has put out a range of high-end jewellery which is fairytale (& Disney) themed. If you had a couple of their pieces, you could work a whimsical theme into any outfit, whether you were wearing a sun dress or jeans & a t-shirt.

Slingshot

This Peter Pan slingshot necklace is fantastic. It’s a little bit Bart Simpson, & a little bit Never Never Land. You could always wear it with a little clock around your neck & a Lacoste t-shirt to work the Captain Hook angle!

Hand Mirror


These Snow White hand mirror earrings are awesome & of course, with them dangling from your lobes, you would be the fairest of them all.

Magic Castle


I am actually in love with this gold-plated magic castle pendant. No further explanation needed.

There are a lot of other options at 80’s Purple (including Alice in Wonderland & Bambi-themed jewellery)!

Snow White bag


Having a fairytale-themed bag is another way to work the look in a relatively easy way. Hot Topic sells these Snow White apple tote bags, & I like them very much.

Cute but tragic


Finally, if you love your dog but are also kind of cruel, why not dress it up as Tinker Bell, Snow White or Peter Pan?! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)

I hope you have fun creating & playing with your new look! I imagine that a whimsical-looking girl crouched over a big book by Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm would be very appealing to a lot of people. Good luck!

[1] Note! Choosing Sleeping Beauty as your theme does not mean you can sleep all winter! Shame on you for even thinking it!


Hyper-love & bunny kisses,


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Comment

  1. god, i LOVE that photoshoot! so gorgeous. & the castle necklace is so cute

    <3 grace lightning · Oct 2, 01:42 PM · #

  2. You know I was just thinking about this the other day. Dressing with the essence of fairytales. Especially Snow White, she’s my favorite.

    Thank you! Lovely post.

    <3 Lilly · Oct 2, 01:43 PM · #

  3. Oh my god, this is one of my favourite ways to dress! I have a necklace of a crown and plait my hair and leave it overnight so it looks crimped the next day on a regular basis! You have given me so much inspiration I’m going to be rocking this look for at least week! Just as well, I needed to use up some of the massive amount of glitter that I possess ;)

    For this look I recommend UK readers visit Monsoon and the Per Una section in M&S – during the sales I stock up on pretty floaty things there. And everybody should get Bourjois’ Suivez Mon Regard eyeshadow, the white shade is amazing.

    I can’t believe I never saw that photoshoot before! Beautiful!

    <3 Lady Julianne Eternity · Oct 2, 01:45 PM · #

  4. gorgeous! I have no defined style, just plenty of different ones logged away in my head for me to pick and choose from (example: tomorrow is chic environmentalist day), this is such an awesome new style to work with! I love my princess movies (Snow White!) so I’ll be definetly buying some of that Disney Jewellry, dream.come.true!
    yay =)

    <3 Zainab · Oct 2, 01:51 PM · #

  5. OMG!!! The photos are just so beautiful. I feel like buying a tiara inmediatly!!!

    <3 Juls · Oct 2, 01:51 PM · #

  6. Great article! I really love dressing with something in mind, and similarly will dress for a week or so at a time as my own interpretation of Alice [less Disney, more Svankmajer.]

    Have you read Bill Willingham’s Fables? It is one of my favourite comics. I think one could take tonnes of inspiration from it, particularly James Jean’s amazing cover art.

    I think one key point is not to go sugary sweet with it, but to keep the darkness [but not gothness!] of the original stories in your dress. It’s a fine line to walk, whimsical, ethereal, and macabre!

    <3 valuska · Oct 2, 01:53 PM · #

  7. that photo shoot is amazing!
    and to valuska – i’ve read most of fables, it’s much too good.

    <3 bluebird · Oct 2, 02:04 PM · #

  8. Wheeee, I love dressing all fairy-tale-esque! Thank you for writing about one of my favorite things :)

    One point of conflict, though, is that this style is perfectly do-able with a tan. I’m pretty much irreversibly tan and love to dress this way, and I like to think I look good!

    Anyone who wants to dress like that and hasn’t read anything by Francesca Lia Block should get to it, stat. She always has gorgeous descriptions of otherworldly costume. Especially her retold fairy tales collection, ‘The Rose and the Beast.’ I like the idea of Beauty living wild with the Beast instead of retiring to a domestic castle-bound life, and I try to incorporate that aesthetic into my life and wardrobe.

    <3 Batopus · Oct 2, 02:07 PM · #

  9. Thank you Gala, this is just what I’ve been looking for!

    I’ve always loved fairytales, and have been wanting some style inspiration for ages but haven’t known where to look.

    Thanks :)

    <3 Bridey · Oct 2, 02:29 PM · #

  10. hey, what’s wrong with gothness, valuska? I forgot to mention in my previous comment that I have “light” fairytale days where I dress like a pretty princess and “dark” fairytale days where I aim to invoke the spirit of Angela Carter fairy tales. They are both immensely fun.

    <3 Lady Julianne Eternity · Oct 2, 02:29 PM · #

  11. I love the photos – I would go for long skirts, long hair, boots, and hoods (at least one red, obviously). The whole peasant-girl-about-to-be-plucked-from-obscurity angle really resonates with me.

    <3 Nadine · Oct 2, 02:37 PM · #

  12. a few months ago i spent weeks buying alice in wonderland themed jewellery. i even found dirty old hot topic had some cute and cheap pieces.

    <3 sarah · Oct 2, 02:39 PM · #

  13. OMG! This post is awesome. You surprise me more every time Miss Darling.

    <3 D! · Oct 2, 02:41 PM · #

  14. LOL! I like the dog costumes, so funny. Our dog likes clothing, but I don’t think she would go for fairytale attire. ;)

    Those Vogue photos are very inspiring.

    <3 Aimee · Oct 2, 03:01 PM · #

  15. Wonderful article, thanks Gala! I’m such a fairytale geek, I think this is going to be a new clothes theme for me now. I love that photoshoot so much, especially the Red Riding Hood shot. Time to find a red cloak!

    <3 Miss M · Oct 2, 03:38 PM · #

  16. Ah! Those pictures are amazing!
    And I just had a laughing fit at the thought of my dogs staying still long enough to actually be put in a costume, let alone keeping it on ;]

    <3 Miri · Oct 2, 03:40 PM · #

  17. Gala

    I have long been inspired by the dark undertones and decadence found in the origins of fairie stories.

    I feel that with Greek mythology and the Bible, fairy tales are part of the foundation to be found in much of Western literature and the arts – including fasion.

    It’s great to have a tiara (or several on hand). I have about five and love to wear them at unexpected times. But be prepared for “the looks”.

    If you want some more good, slightly wicked fairie tale inspiration check out the Snow White, Blood Red anthologies.

    If you want much more wickedness read the Beauty series by Anne Rice writing as A.N. Roquelaure.

    It’s funny though! I think you (or I) must be psychic. I had just written this – http://shoedaydreams.blogspot.com/2007/10/darkness-and-light.html, and then came and read your post.

    By the way – thanks for the gorgous pics. I’m going to treasure them. Now I want a “red-riding hood” to wear this winter!

    Luv
    Poochie
    shoedaydreams.blogspot.com

    <3 Poochie · Oct 2, 03:45 PM · #

  18. I swear you read my mind sometimes!! My goal this fall/winter is to go with a neo-Victorian/Enchanted Forest look. I’ve been amassing bits and pieces of jewelry that look “fairytalish”, long antique petticoats and slips, shoes that are more girlish/fairytale than my regular assortment, and even a couple of vintage blouses that just scream “make believe!”. :) I just love the idea of dressing with a more focused fairytale theme… I’m going to take some of your suggestions and use them!

    Oh, and as for fairytale themed jewelry, don’t forget Etsy.com! There are gobs of beautiful, quirky and just plain fun fairytale type jewelry on there (its quite scary to do a search… lol!!). :)

    Thanks for the inspiration!!

    <3 Casey · Oct 2, 03:52 PM · #

  19. These photo are amazing! I have just started reading through all your articles and your ideas are inspiring. I am definately going to be channeling Alice in Wonderland.

    <3 Mandy · Oct 2, 03:59 PM · #

  20. love it love it love it! nice work my sweet… yet another totally inspiring piece!

    <3 rosie · Oct 2, 04:29 PM · #

  21. I was listening to PJ Harvey’s White Chalk as I read this entry and realized that it’s the perfect album for this kind of look.

    <3 Dorothy · Oct 2, 04:59 PM · #

  22. Batopus- i lovelovelove francesca lia block.Check out flb angels on livejournal.
    http://community.livejournal.com/flb_angels/profile

    <3 MiStY · Oct 2, 06:02 PM · #

  23. I simply adore fantasy based fashion, its like what we dreamed of being as children but can actually afford (sometimes) and go out and purchase as adults (being grownup has it’s perks).
    I have to tell you of two of my favourite sites, even if you don’t buy from them, they will definitely inspire!!

    1) www.gypsymoon.com
    (so lush I can’t tell you, they even have inspired pirate wear too!!)
    2) www.parrishrelics.com
    (her jewelry is beyond divine)

    thanks for the post, I’m off to crimp my new blonde hair and to apply some glitter!! Weeee

    <3 selchi · Oct 2, 07:10 PM · #

  24. oh yay! fairytales are the best. dressing like them is even better.
    i love that slingshot necklace more than i can say :)

    <3 nico · Oct 2, 07:10 PM · #

  25. LOL. Heaps kool post. I’m going through a massive Alice phase at the moment, so the fairytale koolness was really helpful.

    Even though, Alice isn’t strictly… fairytale…

    <3 Damsel · Oct 2, 09:54 PM · #

  26. This is awesome! Now, to find cool, cheap stuff in New York…

    Oh, and this post reminds me – what is good body/face glitter??

    P.S. I am so jealous of your Australian weather right now.

    <3 weily · Oct 2, 10:11 PM · #

  27. The first image reminds me: for those of us heading for colder weather, capes are a fantastic head-turner.

    They are very dressy, sophisticated and unique, they come in all sorts of colours if you’re worried that black seems too goth, and if you buy a woolen one, it will keep you warm even if the temperature is below zero! I always wear mine to special winter events, and I always get tons of compliments on it!

    Anne Larochelle is a great designer if you’re going for fairytale-inspired look.

    <3 Katoo · Oct 3, 01:47 AM · #

  28. Awesome article! I love fairytale style but going to gung-ho with it can lead to disaster! You always know how to do it up just right

    love ya

    <3 audrey · Oct 3, 05:30 AM · #

  29. Thank you for posting this! I just found your site through a post at Feminissima (http://community.livejournal.com/_feminissima_). I really like these tips and I’m wondering what I should take into account for my own style. :D

    <3 Mandy · Oct 3, 05:56 AM · #

  30. This is so full of amazing ideas! Katoo, I love my cape and plan to wear it lots this winter. I’m going to print this article out and have a think about which tips I could work into my own style.

    I think the very idea of “dressing with the essence of fairytales” is a wonderful one.

    <3 Alice · Oct 3, 07:01 AM · #

  31. what an incredible photoshoot.

    <3 [a} · Oct 3, 07:13 AM · #

  32. I was thinking about this the wother day….sneaking themes into your outfit everyday.

    I’m absolutley in LOVE with those mirror earings!

    <3 Christine · Oct 3, 07:49 AM · #

  33. gahh, i love this idea!

    <3 smellerbee · Oct 3, 08:43 AM · #

  34. Ah, you’ve typefied my style to a T! I’m always somewhere in between dazed Scottish princess and rock and roll woodland heroine. I’ve just got so much trouble growing my damn hair out!

    I’ve found that personally, this is also a really fantastic style for those of us who don’t go running around with our buttcracks and boobies hanging out.

    While I love a good Vargas-girl romp on my off days, I don’t love flagrant skin-showing either. I feel a hundred times more feminine when I’m barefoot in a decrepit 1940s prom dress and teased hair with silk birds stuck in it than I do in a miniskirt and heels!

    <3 Meredith · Oct 3, 09:30 AM · #

  35. Oh! I’ve been looking for the rest of that Eugenio Recuenco series for like my whole life! It’s love.

    <3 mahantas · Oct 3, 09:40 AM · #

  36. this just made me so happy!

    i’ve had a really realllyyyy tough week (two close friends passed away at the ages of 20 + 21) so to cheer up i decided to walk downstairs to the cafe and check up on icing. after the funeral today everything felt like a fresh start…a new life, or a new direction in my life. i don’t want to be afraid of anything, i want to be me, i don’t want to waste time….

    POINT BEING: i’ve wanted to dress more like a fairytale character for a long time and this article cheered me up and gave me ideas for creating a new look out of old materials. today i’m wearing seashells in my hair. :)

    i recommend this community on livejournal: http://community.livejournal.com/pearlsandtea/ for inspiration.

    <3 rachel · Oct 3, 10:27 AM · #

  37. white stockings and mary-janes :D
    http://mothmust.livejournal.com/ this lady makes amazing clothes!

    <3 Zoe · Oct 3, 10:55 AM · #

  38. Last summer I bought the most amazingly beautiful hand-dyed antique slips from this girl: http://www.myspace.com/seradayeslittlebirdsslips
    They are all vintage, hand-dyed, and one-of-a-kind. I chose two, one in deep blue and the other in a dark rich purple with hints of turquoise and gold… They are amazing and make me feel elegant and delicate.

    <3 Amy · Oct 3, 04:12 PM · #

  39. I love this article, it would have to be my favorite one yet!. Anything to do with fairy tales, sweets and dress ups will get my attention. xxxxx

    <3 Ellashaye' · Oct 3, 08:48 PM · #

  40. I love this. Amazing photo shoot, the princess and the pea – that is me!

    For fairytale inspiration Lula magazine is a good resource, everything is like a fairytale in there!

    <3 TP · Oct 4, 01:46 AM · #

  41. I absolutely love this! But, although I do not want to sound ignorant, I can’t truly recognize all fairytales,so please help me fill in the blanks.
    1-little red riding hood
    2-snow white
    3- ? (The picture of Dorian Gray? Im pretty sure thats not a fairytale)
    4-Cinderella
    5-The Princess and the Pea
    6-Puss in boots
    7- ?
    Am I right?
    Thank you Gala for being the best and most inspiring person ever!

    <3 Camila · Oct 4, 01:23 PM · #

  42. when you think about western fairytales, then are generally about thin, pale, white girls, something very hard for tan (puerto rican), curvy girls like me to do. this has always bothered me. as much as i would like to dress like fairytale/FLB characters, it just doesn’t look as good on girls like me.

    <3 Natali · Oct 5, 02:44 AM · #

  43. Love this post, you nail this look. Blogged on my take and mentioned you. Thanks for the inspiration!

    <3 Shay · Oct 6, 06:45 AM · #

  44. I know I’m a bit late with this, but I just made the connection now: this website wwww.surlalunefairytales.com is amazing and I love it and it should give you lots of ideas.

    <3 Roo · Oct 17, 04:13 AM · #

  45. Harper’s magazine also did a similar photoshoot, i couldn’t tell you what issue because for the life of me, i can’t remember, but i do however remember that it was absolutely stunning.

    i completely love this idea, i used to wear shells in my hair and strings of tiny beads accross my forehead all the time, when i had long hair. this has inspired me to try again now, even with my new pixi haircut (inspired by gala darling of course and THANKYOU, it looks awesome)!

    faithfully riotous
    MJ

    <3 MJ · Oct 18, 01:20 PM · #

  46. Check out this site… they have some great ideas for DIY jewelry!

    http://www.craftbits.com

    <3 Amy · Nov 20, 05:44 AM · #

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