Fashion Inspiration: ABC’s Once Upon a Time
ABC’s new hit TV show Once Upon a Time hooked me in from the very beginning! It’s a fairy tale told with a twist, and a show that you have to watch from the beginning to grasp every single nuance. It’s also a great source of fashion inspiration.
If you haven’t seen it, it’s basically a story about Snow White. It begins when Snow White and Prince charming are about to get married and the Evil Queen curses them (and everyone else living in Snow White’s fairy tale) back to a modern day town, where the characters don’t remember who they are or why they live in a small town called Storybrook. Only the Evil Queen (who becomes the modern day Mayor named Regina) knows who each character really is.
Henry (Regina’s little boy) is given a very important story book by his teacher, Mary Margaret, and he begins to figure out this mystery with the help of his biological mother, Emma. The Evil Queen’s inner workings begin to unravel and things begin to change for good.
Confusing, I know, but once you start watching it you won’t be able to stop! Trust me.
Characters
For this post on fashion inspired by the show, I focused on three main characters. Here is a little cheat sheet to remember what the character’s modern name is, and what their storybook character really is.
- Mary Margaret – Henry’s teacher – actually is Snow White
- Emma Swan – Henry’s biological mother – actually is Snow White’s Daughter
- Henry - Mayor Regina’s adopted son/Emma’s real son – named after the Evil Queen’s Father
Now that you are thoroughly confused, or maybe you’re following along… here’s the information you really came here for - Heigh ho heigh ho… it’s off to fashion we go!
Mary Margaret
{Top} {Cardigan} {Skirt} {Shoes} {Necklace} {Bag}
Mary Margaret (Snow White) is an endearing soul who loves to wear soft colors and lots of skirts with whimsical patterns.
For this outfit, I chose a lace top that can be layered with a navy blue cardigan with bow details. Next, I chose a floral skirt and beige/pink flats. When accessorized with an apple necklace and a leather satchel, you’ll be ready to start singing with the animals in the forest and hanging out with your favorite seven dwarf friends. Feel free to add tights/leggings or more layers if you’re wanting to wear this in cold weather!
Emma Swan
{Shirt} {Jacket} {Jeans} {Scarf} {Shoes} {Ring} {Necklace} {Earrings}
Emma Swan (Snow White’s Daughter) plays the savior in this show. She also becomes the Deputy for Storybrook. As such, her wardrobe is simple: She usually wears her trusty leather jacket, a white t-shirt/tank, and a nice pair of jeans. Don’t be fooled by the simple pieces, though – her style isn’t boring! Accessories make all the difference here: I used a green scarf, watch necklace, ring, and star earrings to spruce up this look. Then, for your hair, just curl it all over and tousle. You’ll have the perfect Emma Swan look!
Henry
{Shirt} {Coat} {Jeans} {Scarf} {Boots} {Bracelets} {Ring} {Necklace}
Henry is Regina’s adopted son and Emma’s real son. (Confusing, I know.) He is very trendy for someone so young, and I thought I would capture his youthful look in a way that would be wearable for college women everywhere.
I chose a plaid button up, and a black peacoat for the top. Then, I paired that with some straight legged jeans and black boots. For the accessories, I chose to go with a chunky knit scarf as well as braided bracelets, a “Believe” ring, and a key necklace. All of these whimsical accessories add to the “Henry” look and capture this motivated child’s style perfectly.
Comments
Which outfit is your favorite? Which characters are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below. I know there are a lot of Once Upon a Time fans out there!
Posted on on February 5, 2012 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Fairy Tale, Featured, Once Upon a Time, Snow White, TV Show
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Carri
LOVE THIS SHOW!!! And these outfits are AWESOME! I would love to see Regina outfits and maybe more characters, too!
Sara
Love the post but just wanted to point out that Henry isn’t actually the evil queen’s father. He was just named after her father. After all, Emma was taken from the fairytale world and thrown into ours where she became ‘normal/average’. The baby she had and subsequently gave up was normal as well since he wasn’t born in the fairytale world and therefore would have had his memory erased and given a new persona due to the nature of the Evil Queen’s curse. Just wanted to point that out! :)
Kaci Campbell
Henry is Snow White and Prince Charming’s grandson, or their daughter’s son. not the evil queen’s father.
Samantha
I’m not sure “real” son is the correct term here. Perhaps biological son? Adopted parents are just that – parents.
Holly
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I’ve been trying to replicate Mary Margaret’s style since I started watching the show, and I finally have a set of instructions on how to do it.
<3
B.S.
“Mary Margaret – Henry’s teacher – actually is Snow White
Emma Swan – Henry’s biological mother – actually is Snow White’s Daughter
Henry – Mayor Regina’s adopted son/Emma’s real son – actually is the Evil Queen’s Father”
So, let me get this straight, Snow White is actually the Evil Queen’s great-grandmother? (The mother of the mother of the Evil Queen’s father).
I must be missing something, because that makes absolutely no sense from a continuity standpoint.
On the plus side, the outfits in this article are gorgeous! I would definitely wear the 2nd & 3rd ones.
Shannon - Boston University
I haven’t watched the show (though apparently lots of people from Lost are in it, so I should probably check it out) but I would totally wear all of these outfits…they’re all adorable! Plus, I just got a cashmere cardigan yesterday that looks exactly like Mary Margaret’s, so even more reason to try out her look :)
Lulu
I love this show so much!!! you should do Ruby and Regina!
Rose
I swear you’re reading my mind. First TBBT and now OUAT: two of my favorite shows! Hint: I like White Collar and Psych too :D
jessica(jemo 7)
Have not seen the show per say,but I love the clothes and will love to see more inspired clothes,from other characters
Sarah
I love this show. The outfits are gorgeous.
The comment that is about Henry:
“Henry – Mayor Regina’s adopted son/Emma’s real son – actually is the Evil Queen’s Father”………………………….
It is wrong. Henry was named after the Evil Queen’s Father.
Natasha Fatah
Super cute post! :)
xoxo
Natasha
Kay
SO excited about this post – this is one of my favorite shows and a great source of fashion inspiration! i think it would be really cool if you did more of the characters though, both their fairytale flashback fashion and their modern day fashion. the outfits on this show are fabulous and i think there’s enough inspiration for there to be a mini-series on it!
Lyndsay
Woohoo cute outfits! I love this show.
Lyndsay
I wish you would have done Regina though, she has the best clothes in the show!
Jing
Loooove Mary Margaret’s classic looks <3
nyeasmina
I LOVE THIS SHOW! I think there should definitely be a part 2 to this show. There are so many characters with unique, individual, inspirational styles!
Beck
I’ve always loved Mary Margaret’s and Emma’s fashion. Mary Margaret’s outfit is awesome! I would definitely wear it. Emma’s is great too…but it’s missing boots! Emma ALWAYS wears a pair of completely awesome boots. My favorite pair were brown, lace-up, knee-high boots.
melissa.c
thank you thank you! i love this show. :) especially the styles of mary margaret and emma swan – they both have incredibly cute and chic looks.
Beck
PS… and thanks for doing UOAT post! I love this show :)
Beck
*OUAT
Chloe
Loving these outfits! I must be missing out by not watching this show! Everyone loves it!
Paige - Oregon State University
I’m glad you all like the outfits!! :) This is an amazing show, and I was excited to create different looks for a few of the characters. It’s confusing figuring out each person’s role since they are living double lives, in a way. Hopefully you can overlook that and enjoy the awesome outfits though!
@Beck: You’re right! Emma does tend to wear boots! I went with flats to dress up the outfit a little, but boots would definitely be more fitting.
Keep the comments coming. I love to hear your feedback! :D
Paige - Oregon State University
Ohh and! Thank you for pointing out that Henry was just named after Regina’s Father. I had no idea! That makes so much more sense now.
Lalaland
Awesome picks! I love the one for Henry. I hope next you’ll do a set for the baddies: Regina and Mr. Gold. ^o^
Katie
Never seen the show, but I love Emma Swan’s outfit!!
C
Henrys look is my favorite!!!! I LoVE Once Upon A Time it’s such a great show! You should do more characters though!!!! Great post :)
Cat
I’d love to see a post on the Mayor! She has the most fabulous lip colorsand style, even though she’s evil! You could do like a villains post!
E.D.
I absolutely LOVE this show. I got really excited when I saw that this post was about the show. Love the outfits. cant wait to do a lil shopping now.
Nicole
Perfect, perfect, perfect! The outfits perfectly represent their characters and they’re all so beautiful.
Ama
the first time i watched the show i didnt really like it. after seeing this post, i decided to give the show another try and im hooked! oh nd btw, mary margaret is my style icon in the show. her outfits are so cute:)
Jordan
YES! I was hoping there’d be a F.I. on Once Upon A Time :) Please do another on the fairy-tale interpretations of each character!
Stari
I just gotta say I love Mary Maragret/Snow Whites outfit! The character is always so super sweet and so is her outfit! It’s so sweet and girly and I love the little apple pendant since she is Snow White, after all ;)
Kim
I agree with the comments above: REGINA. I know the story supposedly started as revolving around Snow White, but it really is Emma/Henry/Regina. Just sayin.
estella
love the outftis!! I don’t know this show but it looks amazing!!
Steph
I would love to see a follow up post featuring the fairytale characters. I love all of the Snow White outfits and I think it would be really interesting to see some modern day outfits based on the medieval ones.
WUAS
such a cute post, love it!
Kelly
LOVE THIS!!! I’d love to see a Mr. Gold/Rumpelstiltskin outfit, because he dresses so elegantly but also he wears a lot of dark colors.
I can’t wait for the next episode, it’s supposed to be Beauty and the Beast, the beast being Rumpelstiltskin. It looks super sad, but I’m excited. :)
Michela
So cute!! Mary Margaret’s dress is adorable <3
Michelle
I love the skirt in the first outfit, but it’s not available! :(
Jenny in Jacquard
Everyone keeps telling me to watch this show! I’ve heard so many good things about it. As for the fashion, I’m not too impressed. I like the brown leather jacket for Emma, but everything else seems pretty ordinary. Nice choice of inspiration though!
Whitney
I was wondering where you found the brown leather moto jacket for Emma Swan bc the jacket link takes you to a different jacket? Thanks!
Paige - Oregon State University
The Skirt from Mary Margaret’s outfit is now sold out :(
Here are some alternatives:
http://oork.com/4kyx9
http://oork.com/cp1jj
http://oork.com/l4l19
http://oork.com/e57r6
http://oork.com/4vwuu
http://oork.com/mf52z
Check out all of those skirts because they are equally as adorable and would work perfectly!!
I’m looking for an alternative for Emma’s Leather Jacket which is also sold out now.
Thanks for the comments! :D
Nicky
CF ladies, thank you for this post!!! Prior to reading this, I didnt even know such a show existed… But i just started watching and i already love it!!! ?
Lydia
Nice, but I would have really liked to see the evil queens wardrobe! In fairyland, she has the most amazing outfits!
memee
lo. lo. lo… love this show
elizabeth
I love this show!! U have to do Regina and Ruby they both have great style!
Sarah
Hey, I love this post!
You guys should do more ABC series fashion posts…
I would love, love, LOVE to see a Grey’s Anatomy post….with Meredith, Cristina, style and tips…
Who’s with me?
KP
This post is so great. OUAT is such a fascinating show and it’s nice to see that so many people are into it. Please, please, please do one on Regina’s (The evil Queen) style. I’d love to see what you come up with. And I think one for Mr. Gold’s (Rumplestiltskin) style would be cool too! Keep up the great work!
Becky
Do you have the link to the jacket in emma’s outfit? The one listed isn’t right and I really want that jacket!! :)
Gabrielle
Umm…Henry’s not Regina’s father. She just named him after her father. :| But I totally love this show and I love these outfits?
Pauline
OMGOMG thankkkkk you for doing a post on ONCE! :)) I love love this show and the fashion is adoring too!
Annie
Once I read the character list I was thoroughly confused – and intrigued. Must start watching this show ASAP!
Potc_pirate
The Marry Margaret outfit is perfect! Please make some more based on this show! :)
Karissa - Elms College
These outfits are inspiring! Please do a continuation with other characters!
Whitney
@Paige from Oregon who put together these outfits: where is Emma Swan’s brown moto jacket from? The link is faulty.
Paige - Oregon State University
The moto/bomber jacket was from: http://www.shopgarageonline.com
BUT unfortunately they sold out!!
Here are some great alternatives:
http://oork.com/nod5y
http://oork.com/jpmww
http://us.missselfridge.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=34080&storeId=13069&productId=4418319&langId=-1&cmpid=af_ls_us&_$ja=tsid:35811%7Cprd:Hy3bqNL2jtQ&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-JIywpM_SR38EzN.zSjOS2A
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/baguda-ruched-collar-leather-moto-jacket/3223489?cm_ite=baguda_ruched_collar_leather_moto_jacket:390926&cm_pla=jacket/sportcoat:women:jacket&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-8xsF4Sub9MyFSkNymsVRIQ&url=http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3223489?cm_cat=datafeed
http://us.missselfridge.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=34080&storeId=13069&productId=4418319&langId=-1&cmpid=af_ls_us&_$ja=tsid:35811%7Cprd:Hy3bqNL2jtQ&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-CmR41a.NYQhXQyx9PyVrGA
Carly
Love this show/post, but please feature Regina’s style next!
Radley
love it!
Jennifer
Awesome!! Love the show! And your outfits are right on! I’d love to see you expand on this and do a more in depth article on each of the characters, particularly Mary Margaret and Emma. It would also be cool to see some of the other characters :) Keep up the awesome work :)
Danielle
This is cute, I really love the outfits and the pictures of the characters that you have included. Just when I thought I completely understood the show, I find out that Henry is the Evil Queen’s father—which has left me really confused. If this is the case, is Henry and Emma the only ones who will age, who the curse will not affect. It seems like if not Emma, Henry must age for it all to make sense. Can anyone clear this up?
AlexaKate
Never watched the show but these outfits are SO cute! The first one is my favorite :D Ill have to give this show a gander….
M
So excited to see a post featuring my new favorite show!! But I’d love to see a follow-up post with fashion inspiration from some of the fairytale world outfits. You could do Snow White when she still lived with her father and the Evil Queen, when she’s hiding in the forest, and at her wedding. Or take inspiration from the Evil Queen’s outfits. Or Cinderella and Belle’s outfits (Belle is going to be in tonight’s episode). And don’t leave out the guys – I’m sure Prince Charming’s attire could be inspriing.
Sophie
I ADORE the second outfit!! so thrown-on and still, it`s really stylish!
nancy
Is THERE anyone Who can e-mail me a picture of the cape laura parilla was wearingas the evil QUEEN Refinar when eje crashed Años Quité’s wedding? PLEASE i’m desperate thank-you so very very much
Jane
I want to see a much more detailed and specific breakdown of Emma Swan’s wardrobe, hair and makeup as well as Ruby/ Red Riding Hood’s.