Geek Chic: Fashion Inspired by The Lord of the Rings
Since I write the Geek Chic column here at CF, it should come as no surprise that I obsess over a lot of sci-fi/fantasy series. Of all these, though, it’s The Lord of the Rings that will always be my…precious… and the one tale to rule them all.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s story of nine unlikely allies and their epic quest to save Middle-earth is beloved by millions and has been adapted several times. Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed film adaptations starred Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortenson, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and Sir Ian McKellen as the Fellowship of the Ring and won a total of 17 Academy Awards. (The Return of the King won all of its 11 nominations and was the first and only fantasy movie ever to win Best Picture!)
Individual breakdowns for every character would make this post longer than a back-to-back viewing of all three extended editions of the films; instead, I’ve put together looks based on styles from six realms of Middle-earth through which members of the Fellowship travel.
For more sci-fi/fantasy fashion, check out previous Geek Chic posts about looks inspired by Star Trek, looks inspired by Doctor Who, and looks inspired by The Big Bang Theory!
Know Your Geek: About The Lord of the Rings
- The three volumes of the series (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) recount The War of the Ring, which occurred in the Third Age of a land called Middle-earth. Sauron, the deceitful overlord of Mordor, was defeated in an earlier age but his malevolence lives on in the form of the Ring. (It’s like the granddaddy of all Horcruxes.)
- Now, Sauron has risen and again threatens the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. The Ring has fallen into the hands of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit. He and eight companions must embark on a mission to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom and thus vanquish Sauron once and for all.
- Tolkien was an Oxford professor of philology (i.e. literary studies, history, and linguistics); he first created several Elvish languages, then began to weave a mythology behind these constructed tongues, which eventually led to The Hobbit and subsequently The Lord of the Rings. Although we know him best for his stories, Tolkien’s real passion was languages – in his lifetime, he constructed at least twenty of them, each with its own functioning grammar and vocabulary.
- Sweet Valentine’s Day bonus fact: In The Silmarillion, Tolkien’s comprehensive history of Middle-earth, he recounts the epic, undying love between Beren, a mortal Man, and Luthien, an immortal Elf-maiden. Tolkien’s beloved wife Edith was his inspiration for the character Luthien, whom he described as the most beautiful of all living creatures. He passed away just 21 months after Edith’s death in 1971; inscribed below their names on their headstone are the names “Beren” and “Luthien.”
Outfits Inspired by The Lord of the Rings
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, nine for Mortal Men doomed to die, one for the Dark Lord in his dark throne…and six Middle-earth looks for you to try!
The Shire
The journey begins in the Shire, home to a race of people called hobbits. Hobbits are short (on average, three foot six) and have tough, hairy feet. They’re easygoing folk who enjoy the simple pleasures in life: a pint of ale, a festive birthday party, a brace of coneys, some nice taters. Naturally, their garb reflects this playful, pastoral nature.
Ngila Dickson, the trilogy’s Oscar-winning costume designer, dressed the film hobbits in clothing that evoked the 18th century English countryside: Women typically wore puff-sleeve blouses and pinafores with fitted bodices and full skirts, while men wore cotton shirts, waistcoats, and cropped trousers. Hobbits also tend to wear natural fibers in harvest tones.
Product Information: Cardigan, Blouse, Cords, Scarf, Shoes, Backpack, Earrings, Ring
If you’re going to be taken to Isengard, you may as well go in style. This outfit references all four hobbits in the Fellowship: I’ve included a woolen scarf for Pippin and a mustard cardigan for Merry. You can purchase official replicas of the One Ring, but for a subtler homage to Frodo the Ringbearer, go with a golden script ring that also describes the story’s genre. Last but certainly not least, the bow earrings represent Samwise Gamgee and his lady love, Rosie Cotton, who danced with ribbons in her hair.
Add cropped corduroys, tan peep-toe flats (unless you have hobbit feet, going barefoot is not advised) and an airy blouse for a distinctively Shire look. Finally, a canvas knapsack is perfect for toting your books on those long treks across campus.
Rivendell
Next, the journey leads our heroes to the Elven outpost Rivendell, home of Lord Elrond and his daughter Arwen. Rivendell is situated in an idyllic valley, surrounded by waterfalls and gorgeous foliage. It’s here that the Council of Elrond meets and the nine companions — Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf — are declared the Fellowship of the Ring.
The immortal Elves the are fairest and wisest of all beings, and their elegant clothing certainly reflects this high status. Rivendell residents typically wear rich autumn hues and beautifully draped fabrics like silk, velvet, brocade, chiffon, and suede. Elves are very connected to the environment, so their clothing always has an organic quality; medieval style and Art Nouveau also inspired their film look.
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Shoes, Clutch, Tights, Headband, Lipstick
Capture the timeless elegance of Rivendell with this outfit. A structured suede jacket is a nice contrast to the soft drape of a burgundy tiered dress, and velvet platform heels in a regal navy blue look luxurious without being over-the-top. In the films, many of Arwen’s gowns have intricate embroidery and beading, so add some embellishment in the form of a gold beaded clutch and delicate vine tights. Finally, slip on a leaf headband for an ensemble that’s fit for an Elven princess.
Remember to keep your makeup simple to let your natural beauty shine! (If you want a film-accurate look, Liv Tyler [Arwen] wore cult fave Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey onscreen.)
Lothlorien
After passing through the Mines of Moria, the Fellowship arrives at the mysterious realm of Lothlorien, which is governed by the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. The greatest of Elven women, Galadriel possesses one of the three Elven rings of power and uses it to ensure Lothlorien’s safety. The realm is an enchanted place where time slows down and evil cannot linger.
Although Lorien is known as The Golden Wood, the film series portrays it more as a vision of grays and silvers. Galadriel favors shimmering white gowns shot through with silver thread, while her husband Celeborn wears elaborately embroidered silk robes. Other inhabitants of Lorien, such as Haldir, typically wear light layers of wool in muted shades of green and gray.
Product Information: Jacket, Shirt, Skirt, Belt, Shoes, Ring, Earrings
I considered choosing a white lace minidress for this look, but didn’t think that quite captured Lothlorien’s ethereal radiance. Instead, don a knotted jersey shirt, delicate lace jacket, and graceful maxi skirt: Psychic powers and immortality notwithstanding, nothing will make you feel more like Galadriel than the soft drape of flowing chiffon as you glide across campus. Sturdy olive boots keep the look grounded.
This woven metal belt is quite similar to the one that Celeborn wears, and the blossom ring is reminiscent of Nenya, Galadriel’s ring. Wood-elves of Mirkwood (such as Legolas) and Lorien are skilled archers, so reference that talent with arrow earrings. If you like, plait a few fishtail braids into your hair to truly channel the Elves of Lorien. (Pointy ears are definitely optional.)
Rohan
Ruled by King Theoden, Rohan is a grassland realm, populated by Men known as the Rohirrim, who are renowned for their skill as great horse lords. Anglo-Saxon culture (think Beowulf) heavily inspired Tolkien’s imagining of Rohan. This influence is quite apparent in Rohirric attire, which features thick leather chestplates, bulky chainmail, golden horse and sun motifs, and predominantly red, brown, and green colors.
Eowyn, the king’s niece and a shieldmaiden of Rohan, wears beautiful but oppressive gowns of heavy wool, velvet, and jacquard. Although she loves and respects her uncle, she chafes at the restrictions placed on her as a woman and yearns to show great valor in battle; she later disguises herself as a man to achieve this goal.
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Scarf, Boots, Tights, Earrings, Bracelet, Bag
There’d certainly be “neigh-sayers” if horses weren’t somehow included in a Rohan-inspired outfit, so start with a chocolate brown frock in a subtle horse print. Stay warm with a faux shearling jacket and cozy oatmeal scarf. Emerald tights recall Eowyn’s green velvet gown and add some color to an otherwise monochromatic ensemble. To reflect Rohan’s hardy nature, choose substantial jewelry like this chunky gold bracelet.
Now it’s time for accessories: Add more equestrian details with sturdy riding boots, horse earrings, and a cross-body saddle bag. You don’t have to ride with the cavalry or slay the Witch-king of Angmar to prove yourself, but you can certainly stand proud in a look inspired by the valiant Rohirrim.
Gondor
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3
Gondor is the greatest realm of the race of Men. It’s a proud civilization steeped in ancient tradition, but its power is slowly crumbling. The capital Minas Tirith houses the White Tree, which does not flower due to the broken lineage of rulers; Gondor has had no king for centuries and Stewards such as Denethor, father of Boromir and Faramir, rule in their stead. However, as the long-lost Heir of Isildur, the Ranger Aragorn is destined to reclaim the throne and become King of Gondor.
Tolkien based Gondor on the Byzantine Empire, which can be seen in the militant nature of the kingdom and in civilians’ clothing. Gondorian warriors, who always bear the White Tree crest, wear refined chainmail and plate armor inspired by that of 15th century Italian soldiers.
Product Information: Jacket, Shirt, Scarf, Jeans, Boots, Earrings, Ring, Nail polish
Most Gondorian clothing comes in somber shades of black, gray, and white. Use the minimalist color palette to your advantage with a chic ensemble that captures the proud grandeur of The White City. A jet black velvet blazer and ivory blouse convey a no-nonsense attitude, while a gray fur stole adds a touch of opulence. Cool lace-up wedge boots up the style factor.
Wear chainmail-inspired earrings as a nod to Gondor’s militant culture; a sterling silver ring shaped like the White Tree alludes to the kingdom’s heraldry. For a splash of color, paint your nails a deep maroon. While some might contest that Gondor has no king and that Gondor needs no king, there’s no question that you’ll rule the school with this Minas Tirith-inspired look!
Mordor
The Dark Lord Sauron rules over the land of Mordor, an evil place shrouded in shadow. In the form of a Great Eye, he is ever-watchful over his domain. It’s a desolate wasteland populated by orcs, twisted creatures that exist only to carry out the nefarious bidding of their master. The nine Men who were gifted rings of power have since been corrupted into the Nazgul, or Ringwraiths, who are slaves bound to the power of the Ring.
It’s to this foul place that Frodo and Sam must travel in order to cast the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom, the volcano in which Sauron forged his ring of power and the only place where the Ring can be destroyed.
Product Information:Blazer, Shirt, Pants, Earrings, Shoes, Ring, Headband
As Boromir says, one does not simply walk into Mordor; nevertheless, you can take a walk on the bad side with an outfit inspired by Sauron and his minions. This look combines elements of the Dark Lord in both living and disembodied-eye form: A tough knuckle ring and a blazer with bold shoulder detailing resemble his battle armor, while fiery opal earrings reference the Eye of Sauron.
Though you probably have no desire to actually look like an orc, you can channel their ferocity with spiky boots and leather pants. A sheer black shirt evokes the ghostly malevolence of the Nazgul. Finally, a chain and spike headband completes this wickedly villainous look. It’s good to be bad!
What did you think?
Do you love The Lord of the Rings? Would you wear these looks? Which land do you like best? Do you have a favorite character? (Mine’s Boromir!) Are you absolutely dying to see The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in December? And more importantly, will you go in costume? What other geeky inspirations would you like to see? (Next time, we’re visiting the last centurion and the girl who waited!) Let me know in the comments!
P.S. Hope you’re not too disappointed with the lack of a Gollum-inspired look. I tried my best, but a scraggly loincloth does not a school-appropriate outfit make.
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Posted on on February 15, 2012 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Geek Chic, Inspired by, Lord of the Rings, Movie fashion
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Erica
Omg!!! I love that you didn’t do the outfits by charcter but by the realms. All the outfits go perfect with their theme! as a fellow geek, I love this series
Hadeel
The Shire is definitely my favorite look. I literally got excited when I saw this post…I love the movies, and randomly quote them all the time. Good stuff.
Jackie
Oh god this is amazing… I’m obsessed with LOTR and this is perfect! I love the Rivendell and Rohan looks! And I can’t wait till The Hobbits come out!!
Samantha
THIS POST IS PROOF THAT CF IS ACTUALLY FLAWLESS
On a more serious note, I’m really impressed with how well you translated the locations into outfits that look thematic but not overtly costume-y.
Jenna
I laughed out loud at “neigh-sayers.” Good one!
Jennifer
I LOVE THIS POST. I love the outfits you made, too! I know you already did Harry Potter but seriously, Hermione (more like Emma Watson) is such a fashion icon!
Sara
My favorite character is Boromir as well! And I would love to see The Hobbit in costume, haha. I think that an Avengers themed outfit lineup would be awesome! The only problem would be which Avengers to do (the originals or the most notable?) I just know that Thor would have to be done.
sara
i was thinking about this the other day…it’s so perfect i’m about to cry!!XD
Sophia
My favorite land would definitely be the Shire…although I see myself as a Rohirim (and I do love Rohan–it’s definitely a close second to the Shire).
The outfits are definitely excellent. I would definitely wear most of them. I don’t think I’d wear the Mordor inspired one…I just couldn’t ever see myself in any of those–except maybe the shoes–without feeling instantly self-conscious. It’s just not me. All of the outfits, though, are definitely inspired by their respective lands. Great job!
My favorite LotR character from the movies is Aragorn. From the book, Faramir.
Lea
I LOVE this post! LOTR is my favorite, both the books and the films, and I am so glad to see this post! Good job and keep up the good work. :)
Kristina
As a fellow lord of the rings nerd I absolutely love this post, great job!!
pfunk
What a fabulous post!! Those outfits were amazing, as were all of the details! I think it’s time for a LOTR marathon :)
Beck
Amazing post! I loved the Lothlorien outfit the most! And the rings from the Gondor and the Mordor outfits are pretty cool too :)
Natalie
You, Shannon, are a very clever lady. :D
Eliza
Is the website the Gondor shirt came from legitimate? :)
Sara Strauss
This is fantastic! You did a great job on this!! Love it!
~Sara
sarastrauss.blogspot.com
Andrea
This is an AMAZING post! I love this geek chic series since I’m such a nerd! I would love to see you try and do something on Star Wars. Loved all of the outfits and that you didn’t make the obvious choice of doing it by character!
J
This was made of fabulous. I lol’d several times, particularly at a “brace of coneys” and some “nice taters.” Well played, well played.
Rachel
I. Am. In. Love.
Carrie
Oh. My gosh.
Best post ever.
Hands down.
I started to tear up once I hit the Mordor outfit.
You ROCK.
Caitlin
This made me so, so happy :)
Excellent work! (you know your stuff, too!)
Kellan
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this post. so obsessed with these movies. Although I love lothlorien the best, I have to say my favorite look was definitely Rohan. I guess that’s fitting though since Eowyn is probably my favorite of the female characters
Kay
fantastic post! as much as i would have liked seeing outfits inspired by the characters, the way you did it was very creative and the outfits were perfect
Adem11
What an amazing post!
Julz
OMG, I may not be a great fan of the books/movies but I always admire the art adn costume design of the movie. I love how you put together this looks !
Yasmeen
ohh my goodness, when i saw this post on my favorite fashion blog, i literally flipped OUT. i am a HUGE lotr nerd lol. this post made my life.(: i even called my boyfriend and made him look at it.
my style is more like the shire outfit, but my favorite is the mordor outfit. i’m in love with the blazer and the accessories.(: you did an amazing job.
Rachel
Have to give CF some love after seeing this post. FABULOUS job!! Love it! I like how you did it by the places!
Christy
You are amazing.
Anne
Amazing. When I saw these post I Was super excited. One of my favourite bookseries ever. Great post!!
Bonnie
This post blew my mind. What a great idea, Basing outfits based on places instead of characters! Thank you for this!
Moyrahxox
I LOVE!!!!!!!!!! im visualy and to most people the complete opposite of geek but past the heels and makeup, I am such a hard core nerd and LTRs movies-novels are my obsession I know far too much about middle earth and have the characte’rs lines pretty much known off my heart. This the perfect balance for me: fashion+Lord of the rings=my world. The Rohan look is my Favorite!
Erin
Oh my goodness… I LOVE THIS! I would most likely where the outfits from Rohan and The Shire… but the other ones are great too!
Leigh
Please do Legend of Zelda please oh please oh please. Oh and Torchwood and Mass Effect! Star Wars! (cannot be said enough) and Recess!
Kristy
i’m not a big lord of the rings fan but this post is… legit(imate)!
Amelia
Could you do a part 2 with the Ents and the Orcs???
They are kinda BA…the baddies deserve a post too with BA fashion ;)
Katherine
This is perfect.
PERFECT.
Paula*
Love. Love. Love.
That’s really all I can say.
Morgan
This. Is. Awesome. More More More!!!
Cristina
*FLAIL* I’ve been waiting for 10 years for someone to do this!!!
Larissa
Love it!
Rachel T.
OMG, I am sending this to all my fellow LOTR nerds. You did it justice! I love it!!! :D
Ashley
Oh my God, I am DYING for that Rohan outfit!
C
My favorite is Lothlorien! Great post!
C
Next post should be Harry Potter :)
Kristen
This is awesome! I’m not even a LOTR fan, but this was a really cool post. Love the outfits! They fit with each theme very well.
Katey
I love this!!! The Mordor outfit is badass
Maryum
You rock!!!!!!! “Grandaddy of all horcruxes”, way to bring Harry Potter and LOTR together. You can love both people!!!! This is super awesome and you’re the best!!!!!!!!!! And my faves are the Shire and Lothlorien. Mordor was really awesome. I wish I was ballsy enough to wear something like that.
Mariam
STAR WARS! STAR WARS! STAR WARS! STAR WARS!! please =)
Emily
Impeccable. Just…impeccable. You captured the outfits and the different realms perfectly…truly well done.
Abbi
This has to be the best fashion inspiration idea I’ve ever seen/heard! The outfits are wonderful and such a creative theme.
Katarina
My favourite character is Samwise, I love him! And I am so excited for the Hobbit. Also, I love all of these nerdy posts that you’ve been doing recently, I always look forwards to them!
Alissa
My boyfriend had the honor of witnessing me read this post for the first time and he is highly amused by the amount of squealing I did. This post is going to be a permanent fixture in my bookmarks forever. Excellent job! I especially like that it wasn’t based entirely on characters.
Tiffany
Wow! This is wonderful! Thank you so much for this post.
cate
never have I loved a blog more in my life, thank you.
Lauren Elizabeth
First Doctor Who, now Lord of The Rings? My two favorite fantasies of all time — do you know me? Are you following me?
I absolutely ADORE this. I have the movies memorized, and I’ve read the books about a million times. I always wanted to be a hobbit. :D My favorite character… I’d say it’s a tie between Frodo and Galadriel. Eowyn and Merry tie for a very close second. My favorite outfits are the Shire-inspired one and the Rohan-inspired one. Just LOVE them. Thank you sooo much for doing these, I’m a total fan-girl when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy, so these completely make my day when I see them. :D
Shelby
This is fantastic! Loved the Shire outfit especially :) This is probably my favorite of all the series on CF; I cannot wait for more Doctor Who and I’m hoping for Torchwood, Firefly, Buffy, Harry Potter (more!), Star Wars…
Neve
BEST. POST. EVER! (Seriously, it’s like all my childhood geekdom wishes coming true!)
Jules
fantastic article! one of the best I’ve seen on this site!! interesting and informative, this article has a great historical and film background, lovely trivia bits for the LOTR obsessed, and spot on clothing choices. thanks so much!
Elin
Awesome! I want to live in Middle-earth.
estella
wow!! amazing post!!!!
Eve
Please do Grey’s anatomy!!! :))
Simo
I think this is awesome! LOTR are some of my favourite books and I thought the movies were excellent, as your post is now.
You’ve captured the essence of each realm in a modern and fantastic way. Please, keep doing these “Geek chic” posts: they’re my favourite
Tiffany
Amazing! I loved this Geek Chic post the most! Please do a Star Wars one soon :)
By the way, I noticed this:
“but a scraggly loincloth does not a school-appropriate outfit make.”
Isn’t it supposed to be “but a scraggly loincloth does not make a school-appropriate outfit.”
Haha :)
Rania
Thanks! Loved this! I was really hoping you’d write a piece on LOTR!!!
Emily
May I hug you? A lot?
Shannon - Boston University
Thanks, guys! I’m so glad that Rings love is still going strong…so hard to believe it’s been over 10 years since the first movie came out!
Now it’s just a seemingly endless wait until December for The Hobbit! (Ngila Dickson’s not doing the costumes, though, which makes me quite sad.)
@Eliza: I’ve never actually ordered from that site, so I can’t really give you a definitive answer. Sorry :(
P.S. There will definitely be a post (or two!) about Star Wars!
Emily
Ohmygosh, I almost screamed when I saw this title. I LOVE Lord of the Rings! This article is so well written too! Thank you so much! You’ve made my LIFE!
Caitlyn - FIDM
This is brilliant.
Elise
This is probably the best post I’ve ever seen on the site, bar none, absolute favorite. Keep the nerd stuff rolling– who says guys get to have all the geeky fun?
(of course if you want to do more LotR stuff I’ll just be over here shaking and crying with happiness)
Evanne
I love this! This is great especially since The Hobbit is coming out next year! :) Thank you so much!
Alyssa
This is awesome!!! These are my favorite movies of all time, and I LOVE your choice to choose locations instead of individual characters. Cannot wait for the Amy and Rory post next!!! This series is amazing.
jacqueline
BEST
POST
EVER.
i’m sad about ngila too!! my favorite look is the shire outfit, but i absolutely love all the angular pieces in the mordor look–very intersting. december can’t come soon enough, flawless casting of bilbo is flawless. (one does not simply choose a favorite lotr character o.O )
Heather
Hey! I LOVE THIS! I love both of the elvish outfits and the Shire one. I can really see me in the Shire one especially though the Mordor one reminds me of my emo high school years! (no hate peoples!) Though I probably could never pull off those boots! they look dangerous to everyone including myself when matched with my clumseyness!
C.
You did AMAZING! I love the Rivendell and Mordor (<- perfect accessories!) outfits. :)
Bryn
YES.
I first read LotR in 5th grade, watched the movies as they came out… and this post did not disappoint. college fashion, I think I love you. All of these outfits really did capture the essence of their inspiration (and it’s supercool that you choose locations instead of characters, as so many people have said.) I would totally wear all of these, ESPECIALLY Gondor’s and the Shire’s outfits.
Favorite character? Samwise Gamgee, always and forever. And I am so so so hyped for the Hobbit in December. My love for Martin Freeman gushes. He will be the PERFECT Bilbo. (and Amy and Rory next? my love for you gushes as well, collegefashion.)
Vanessa
AWESOME. Love them all!
allison goertz
This is the greatest post ever. Thank you.
Hazel
AHHHH <3
Melanie
I’ve never had the need to buy clothing more. I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting for the day where it was acceptable to step out of my house and say that my outfit is inspired by LOTR.
Megan
thankyouthankyouthankyouuu Shannon! Absolutely best combination, LOTR on CF <3 I definitely back up all the votes on more LOTR postings, although I really loved your creative idea of basing your outfits on the locations. The Elvish and Shire outfits were my favorites, and the accessories used throughout, like the Rivendell headband and the four rings were beautiful! Please feel free to do more content on LOTR because this was my favorite post ever :) I also am really looking forward to the Star Wars post. You rock Shannon!
Lucy
Finally a post for those of us with dark styles! Everything on cf has been so girly lately im glad to you going back to old roots and including variety.
Kristin
I love the Geek Chic! I am not even a LotR fan, but this was fantastic! I’m sooo excited to hear that there is a Star Wars post in the making! :D :D
Can you please try and work on an X men themed post too?
Kristin
Simply enough you are my hero. This post was amazing, and I am SO EXCITED for the Hobbit and Martin Freeman!!!
Monica
:) love the idea!
Angie
LOVE! These are my all time favorite books and movies and I am so excited to see a post on them. I especially love the shire outfit. You did a great job!
Sonya
I’m taking a class this semester called Fantasy and Folklore: From Middle-Earth to Hogwarts, we started with Lord of the Rings and I definitely have a renewed appreciation for it so this was perfect timing! I love it!
Katelyn Faulks
I would buy ALL of these looks. Seriously. These are fantastic. :) Well-done. :)
Amrit
This seriously just made my day…
Fran
This is truly awesome. It would be really cool to have a similar post for men’s clothing — one of my friends would love it.
Sophie
omg, thank you so much for doing this!!! it`s so great, i just LOVE it!! well done!!
Alex@Fatcow
I adore the Lord of the Rings and this things are truly Beautiful! Loving the maxi? skirt and the accessories are awesome !! Gothic Romanticism never fails.
Paulette
Officially my favorite post ever !!!!! I’m such a LOTR geek and the outfits were so precise and adorable +1000000000000000000000000000000000 GREAT JOB!!!
Gracie
Absolutely love this!!! LOTR has been my #1 obsession for over 8 years!
Zoë
This post is absolutely awesome! And everyone’s gonna hate me for this, but I loved the Mordor outfit the most and come on, walking the dark side is the way to have fun (;
Phidias
Bahahahaha This is so awesome!!!!
I love the ring in the Mordor outfit!
:D Made my day!!
Chelsea
This is by far my favorite “inspired by” page. I have read them all and seen all of the looks and this one was perfect. I love each outfit, which surprised me. I usually only like one or two in a page, but never all three and here there are five. I appreciate that each item adds something to the look that fits with the theme. I also appreciate that each look has a different color scheme. One could easily get stuck on green or black, because there is so much of it in the movies, but you added yellow, red, orange.
I also just want to add that I am really enjoying the “geek chic” spin on the “inspired by” pages. I think that many of us try to ignore our inner geek when really we should let it shine. Thanks for showing all the ways one can be fashionable with your inner geek.
Carissa
Let me preface this by saying that I’ve been a follower of CF for years and have very rarely ever commented. I’ve got to say that this is one of the most well-written, informative articles I’ve read here. Even though this one focuses on fashion, your in-depth overview of LOTR and its corresponding areas is outstanding, with cute clothes picked to boot. Well done, Shannon!
Lauren
I love to see a part 2 of this post. LOTR is awesome.
K Schmaus
I quite enjoy the outfits and the manner in how you categorized them. I just have a correction on your commentary. You say that “Tolkien” was influenced by different areas of europe which pertains to what the characters wear. Unfortunately this is a common misconception. What the characters wear is influenced by what the wardrobe team for the movies thought and decided. More what Peter Jackson decided really. Tolkien didn’t use influences to describe the clothes because that didn’t really matter in the books. But good job on the rest of the synopsis. Again I really enjoyed this post! Keep up the fantastic work.
Ashley
YES! I have nothing but good things to say about this!
great for nerd girls such as myself :P
LOVE!
Antoinette
best post ever
E C Schmitt
I’m such a huge lord of the rings fan and I absolutely loved this! I really liked that you used each place as the inspiration but I’m wondering if you’ll do another based on the characters? Probably wishful thinking…either way really appreciate all the geek chic posts!
Ashleigh Maynes
This is amazing Love it! i love the mordor and rivendel :-)
Bridget
These look so great, I really love the Rohan outfit. Can you please please continue with the fantasy theme and do Fashion Inspired by the HBO show Game of Thrones?
Cass
You are amazing! I <3 your blog. And your outfits are just out of this world I don't have words for there genius and beauty.
KA
Rim Hennaid– this is genius.
Divya
Aww there’s none based off of orcs and Uruk-hai? Ahahaha I crack myself up!
Roma
This is the one entry to rule them all. Thank you for doing this. Lord of The Rings is my precious too… my favorite thing in the whole world. CF is just so flawless.
Helen
Great post! Lord of the Rings is incredible. Please make a post about “The Hobbit!”
carla
OMG THIS IS THE BEST POST EVER! I love The Lord of The Rings, thank you for doing this! I especially like Rohan , Gondor and Rivendell!
Jenna
This was great! Make one with some of the characters!! :)
marty
Can you add clothing inspired the dwarves in lieu with The Hobbit! Big thanks. I am actually going to get clothes that you suggested and I posted your link on my facebook LOTR geek page :)
Katie
Seconding the request for Dwarf-inspired outfits. I’d be curious to see what you come up with. Great outfits here, and I might take some of your ideas as inspiration for my own look. Great site.
Alex
perfect!
Carla
Rohan and Gondor are great.