How to Dress Like Spencer from Pretty Little Liars
Spencer Hastings, from ABC’s hit TV show Pretty Little Liars, has lots to envy — killer grades, head-turning looks, fierce athleticism, a privileged upbringing — but the girl who seemingly has it all is neither arrogant nor stuck-up about her charmed life.
She may be an overachiever who always pushes herself for excellence, but Spencer is never one to look down on others, let bullies (like former friend Ali) push people around, or forget her loyalty to her girls. She’s the kind of friend that will have your back when you’re traipsing through the woods in the middle of the night in pursuit of a possible murderer (sound familiar?) and let you raid her closet. And trust me, you’ll want to steal everything in this girl’s wardrobe.
In this post, the fourth in my series on Pretty Little Liars fashion, (In case you missed them, see my posts on Hanna’s style, Emily’s style, and the Pretty Little Liars cast style.) we’ll take a look at Spencer Hastings’ style and offer up some tips so you can look as East Coast-cool as she does.
Who is Spencer Hastings?
Spencer is the youngest daughter in a prominent Rosewood family. She’s spent most of her life striving to live up to her pretentious parents’ high expectations while yearning to step out of her perfect older sister’s shadow. She’s the definition of a high school overachiever, a go-getter with a blemish-free record and Ivy League dreams. While on the surface it appears that Spencer is the prim and proper daughter every parent dreams of, the truth is she’s got some not-so-innocent indiscretions on her rap-sheet… like kissing her sister’s much older boyfriends…. not once, but twice!
How to Dress Like Spencer Hastings
Spencer Hastings’ style is preppy, but she’s not rocking pastel polos and pearls on the tennis court; her style is a modern take (with some vintage inspiration) on the classic East Coast prep look.
Spencer is known to take fashion cues from Annie Hall, rocking menswear-inspired ensembles. She also loves to do the unexpected, like putting a spin on ladylike lace tights by pairing them with roughed-up leather oxfords. Her use of layering, plus her color and texture choices suggest the influence of classic All-American design, like ’70s Ralph Lauren or the iconic Ali MacGraw in Love Story. Spencer always looks professional and parent-appropriate, but with a youthful edge that alludes to what’s beneath her squeaky-clean surface.
Here are some tips for adding Spencer Hastings’ style to your own wardrobe:
- Mix up the masculinity and femininity in your closet. Try pairing a dainty printed dress with a structured menswear-inspired blazer, or match a mini and textured tights with Oxford shoes or loafers. Juxtaposing soft silhouettes against structured ones adds subtle but compelling interest to your outfit.
- Stick to muted and neutral colors. Spencer’s wardrobe is full of neutral, muted, or earth tones. Her palette is perfect for fall: chocolate brown, mustard yellow, cognac, navy blue, and burgundy are some of her favorite hues.
- Layer up and play with texture. Just because Spencer prefers muted hues doesn’t mean her look is dull. By layering and using different textures in her looks, Spencer adds attention-getting dimension to every outfit. So make blazers, jackets, long cardis, knee-high socks, and textured tights your best friends. Not sure how to layer and add texture? Start with a foundation, like the denim dress Spencer is wearing in the above picture. Wear knit, sweater or lace tights under the dress. Add a cardigan or jacket. Belt your waist. If you’re wearing boots, layer over-the-knee socks on top of tights.
- Throw in preppy classics. Oxford button-down shirts, bows, plaid, loafers, and nautical stripes are all preppy touches seen in Spencer’s wardrobe.
- When the occasion calls, go glam. Spencer’s everyday look is never flashy, but when Homecoming rolled around, she knew it was time to go glam. But even in her silver party dress and chunky necklace, she didn’t betray her style: her look was structured, yet feminine, with interesting textural fabric and jewelry that mixed pearls and chains.
Spencer-Inspired Outfits for Inspiration
Product Info — Blazer, Shirt, Cropped Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters, Purse: Miss Selfridge, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Forever 21
Product Info — Dress/Tunic: Aeropostale, Boyfriend Cardigan: American Eagle Outfitters, Tights: Forever 21, Bag: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Steven by Steve Madden
Product Info — Dress: ModCloth, Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Clutch: Jessica McClintock, Heels: AMI Clubwear
Get Spencer Hastings’ Makeup and Hair
Spencer accentuates her youthful natural beauty with an easygoing make-up routine that’s free of heavy layers and bright colors. Here are some beauty suggestions in step with Spencer’s natural, fresh look:
- Flaunt flawless, mostly-bare skin. Spencer’s face always looks fresh and clean, as if some tinted moisturizer and a touch of blush is all she needs. Of course, not all of us are blessed with such perfect skin, so fake the look with a pore-refining, sheer, and/or light-reflecting foundation.
- Focus on your eyes. Like most girls, Spencer lines her eyes and plumps up her lashes with mascara, but the rest of her look is minimal. Keeping the rest of your facial makeup simple offers an opportunity to play up your eyes; they’ll pop more against a barely-there canvas.
- Try matte lips and nails in rich, dark colors. When Spencer does wear lipstick — like to Homecoming or to the country club to visit Alex — she favors deep, matte burgundy hues that play up her warm skin and dark hair. She’s also been seen sporting nails in the same dark crimson. So try this yourself – look for a rich color for fall that flatters your complexion.
- Let your waves fall down. If you’re blessed with naturally wavy hair like Spencer, let your wavy locks flow! Try a serum or mousse made for waves post-shower, comb through your damp hair, and let it dry naturally. If your hair’s straight, try wrapping sections around a curling iron (without using the clamp) to achieve the same look.
Product Info — Sally Hershberger Style Primer for Wavy Hair, CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara, Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner, CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain, Revlon Matte Lipstick, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer, bareMinerals Original Foundation, Conair Curling Iron, OPI Nail Laquer in Mrs. O’Leary’s BBQ
What do you think?
Did you enjoy this post? Who is your favorite of the Pretty Little Liars? What do you think of Spencer’s style and the suggestions here? Please leave a comment!
 |
Posted on on September 8, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Celeb Style, Fashion Inspiration, How To, Pretty Little Liars, TV
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Melissa
I LOVE the way Spencer dresses and this is DEAD on. Her and Aria are my favorite. I get so many fashion tips from the way they dress. I cannot wait until next season so I can see more of their amazing style!
Milana S.
Those outfits are exactly Spencer’s style. I could see her in every outfit! Great job!
korri
I loved this. Aria is my favorite and I’m really excited for her week (: I’m short/ petite like her so I hope I can get tips on how to not look so short ;)
Yvonne
I haven’t had the chance to watch this show yet, but I just might after seeing so many cute style inspirations!
Noah
Thank you so much for doing this:) S. is my favorite pll.. thank you again.. xx
Nikita
I am so glad you guys finally did Spencer! Woo. I swear, every episode of Pretty Little Liars, I was like, “I NEED SPENCER’S OUTFIT!!” She dresses so cute! :D
Thanks for this! :)
Julie
I’ve been waiting for this post ever since you started the series and I can say that you didn’t disappoint.
I like the menswear with a feminine twist and also being preppy with an edge. Good job!
Sarah
I like Spencer the most :) Thanks for this!
Lexie
I love Spenders style, but favorite is totally Aria. I can not wait for when you do an stule profile on her. I’ve been looking forword to it for ages <3
Isabelle
I adore Spencer’s style! Her and Hanna are my faves
Sari
You did such a great job with this post! Like the other girls commented, this was dead on! And Spencer’s look is perfect for fall :)
Megan
Um, WOW. This is lovely!!! I am loving the first look and all the looks. This girl can dress. This is by far my favorite post. You are doing amazing! Can’t wait to see more! =)
Mika
I love Spencer! And I love her nose even more… it’s so refreshing to see someone who hasn’t gotten a nose job, she’s such a good role model for young girls.
Rin
Wow, this is spot on. Spenser’s style isn’t really my style, but you did a great job. You put together some really nice outfits.
Lyra
I can’t say I’d wear her style, but you really picked some great pieces. There are some good ideas with her makeup, too. Another awesome post!
Nisha
I love Spencer’s style from Pretty Little Liars. When i was thinking of a new look for fall, she came to my mind first. Good job and thanks for this. [:
Lauren
omg love this! She and Aria are my favorites in terms of style and I’ve been waiting for this post for what seems like forever!!!!!
Heather
One of your best posts! I’ve been waiting for a PLL spotlight on Spencer and I love the outfits you all put together. Definitely her style and great inspiration for the rest of us. Thanks!
Lorraine
At first, sorry for my english but I’m french :)
I just wanna say that I’ve actually liked that post!!! After reading it I watched five episode ^^ it is just so cool :D
I think it would be great if you wrote a post about Aria…I think her look is really original and personal . Thanks :)
Amrita
All the outfits look superb!!
Mariecarz David
spencer is the best :)
Sara
I love her style ! (and Aria’s too)
In one episode she is wearing a Zara dress with a cute cat print (inspired by Miu Miu) : http://www3.images.coolspotters.com/photos/361974/pretty-little-liars-gallery.png
Chasiddy
i love this show and spence!! my friends always make fun of me for always being like her “twin” haha. I am soo preppy its not funny! i think these style choices are perrrfect! spence would be soo proud! hehe!
xoxo
thanks again
Chass
Leyah
Me and my mates went to a party dressed as the PLL girls. I was Spencer so this helped ALOT!!! THANKIES!
jJoana
I love Spencers style, but i absolutly ADORE Emily’s!!!!!!!
Joanna
please post some more of emilys style!!!!
b_l_i_ss
hey…can anyone tell me where i can get a similiar style to the outfit Spencer wears in episode 16 of season one. i love that top <3
Saskia Elena
Hey! :)
I am DYING to know where the blouse that spencer wore in 1×16 is from…
here is a picture: http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgdv8pC9gw1qal8z4o1_500.jpg
if anyone knows please tell me, I’m loving it so much but I can’t find anything about it on the internet :/
Ali - University of Missouri
Saskia, unfortunately that top’s no longer available. It was called the “Draped Lion Head Tunic” and it’s from Foley + Corinna.
Source: http://www.possessionista.com/2011/02/pretty-little-liars-fashion-spencers.html
Aspen
Oh my gosh! I have been looking for Spencer’s look and none of them were as PERFECT as this one! My favorite style is Aria, but I am most like Spencer. This is so helpful! Thank you!
Ali
Hi everyone! I’m Ali, the author of this post.
This series was written almost A YEAR AGO. Please keep that in mind when you criticize it or leave comments. I’m sorry the information is now outdated, but there are many resources on the web for “Pretty Little Liars” fashion. One place to look is Possessionista.com.
I no longer write for College Fashion, so I don’t have control over new “Pretty Little Liars” posts. Perhaps if you request it, they might do more on the show or do an updated series.
Thank you,
Ali
Emma
I found this extremely helpful no matter what other people may say :)
I
I love spencer! Her style is the best! I hate Aria’s style and I also like Hannah! Thanks so much
Ashley
Me and spencer dress the same!!!… i could totally see spencer n myself in every outfit..lol
Carrie
do u know the brand of spencer’s watch? I love it a lot!
Sophie
I love Spencer’s look- I like how preppy it is and I absolutely adore her makeup and hair look- with the natural waves and barely there makeup. I also love Troian Bellisario’s face, she has a really prominent nose, and I pray that she never gets a nose job, because I absolutely love her nose. I think it’s one of her nicest features :)
Kelly
I know Spencer’s style well from religiously watching the show ( ha ha) and you hit it dead on. Your examples were perfect and you described her to the T! Great job and thanks for such a great post. xx
Alyssa
WOW! i LOVE this! i really have been wanting to learn to dress like Spencer and you’ve nailed this spot on! THANKS!
Rania
I absolutly love spencer’s look, her style is great. Spencer and Aria are my two favorites.:)
daiana jijavadze
i really liked it but u could make some changes and listen to smart people like me
Audri
I love this website. Every time I google “how to dress like…”, you always have advice!
Vivian
this is so much like spencer!
lexi
omg great outfit they are spot on . i can just see spencer in that clothing i have been looking for a brand new style and i pretty sure this one is it .my favorite is spencer but i also love arias style it is very origanal so aria is going have to be pretty amazing to top spencer in my mind.
you should really make an aria one
-L
hanna
i love spencer because she goes for the type of looks that are old fashion and i love that i love all of there outfits when i go to school i am going to do each and everyone of there outfits and my friends are going to ask me were i get my clothes from daaaaa
forever21
my mac up is going to be from mac
and i am going to shop at th
MALLLLLLLLL
Unknown
Love her!!!!!!!