Looks from Books: Where the Wild Things Are
Looks from Books is a new biweekly column offering solid proof that you can look smart, while still being book-smart as well.
Fashion inspiration can be found between the lines of your favorite stories, well-designed book covers, and awesome characters… if you read closely enough. Classic literature, fun chic lit, YA novels, sci-fi, childhood faves, graphic novels, fairy tales, Shakespeare — if the book is in print, then there’s a good chance I’ll be covering outfits inspired by the letters on the page! Suggestions and feedback are always welcome. Enjoy, and read on!
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak — $11.14 at Amazon
(For more posts in the Looks from Books category, check out earlier posts on The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and The Fault in Our Stars!)
Where the Wild Things Are is basically childhood and imagination in picture book form. Who doesn’t remember reading this at their elementary school library, or snuggled up in bed before mom turned out the lights? Maurice Sendak’s charming illustrations and simple prose are the perfect starting points for outfits so cute, you’ll eat them up you’ll love them so!
Bookworm Basics
- Where the Wild Things Are is a children’s classic. While at first it was banned from many children’s libraries in the country, over time it won multiple awards such as the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award and the Caldecott Medal. The beloved picture book has also been adapted into an opera, and most recently, a live-action film directed by Spike Jonze. Maurice Sendak sadly passed away this year at the age of 83, but Where the Wild Things Are will always be one of his most remembered works.
- In the quick story (it’s only nine sentences), Max gets into trouble with his mother who then sends him to his room without supper. During his grounding, he imagines a world in his room filled with mysterious creatures and fun. After taming and befriending the monsters, he realizes that he wants to go home to the one who loves him most of all, so he returns to his mother and his dinner. All is well!
- Mulberry’s new Autumn/Winter campaign for 2012 draws heavily on this book with a whimsical forrest and rich textures and furs all over the place. However, if you don’t feel like shelling out more than 2000 dollars for a really cute sheepskin jacket, then read on for tips on how to create your own outfit inspiration from one of the most beloved children’s books of all time!
She’s A Wild Thing
Clutch, Skirt, Blouse, Sunglasses, Boots
This look is a little rebellious and rock ‘n roll-inspired. Inside all of us is a wild thing!
There are no leopards in the story book, but this animal print skirt is a play on the word “wild.” If you’re feeling a little flirtatious, you can tie this cool printed blouse up into a knotted crop top. Or, you can let it flow loosely the way it was was made. Either way you choose to wear it, with velevet Dr. Martens and a furry clutch full of attitude, you’ll be wanting to make a little mischief of your own.
Woodsy Wild Rumpus
Sweater, Gloves, Sneakers, Hat, Rucksack, Jeans
This look is both practical and fun – it’d be great for adventuring around the woods, or just trekking to class in the fall.
To start, the furry trapper hat is a subtle nod towards Max’s costume (because no matter how cold it gets outside, or how wild you might be feeling, you will get weird looks if you’re walking around in an adult-sized wolf getup). A roomy rucksack is the perfect bag to carry any school books or supplies for when class commences in the fall! The warm woodsy and autumn-like colors of the sweater and gloves make this outfit as close to nature as Max is when he gathers around the fire with his furry, fiesty friends.
The Queen of All Wild Things
Halter Dress, Statement Necklace, Headband, Platform Booties, Triple Ring, Earrings
This look is the dressiest of the three, and utilizes metallic accents to incorporate Max’s trademark golden crown into an outfit that’s ready for a night out with your friends.
To start, this flowy creme-colored dress has pretty gold accenting on the waist, while these Jeffery Campbell ankle platform booties are beyond sparkly, and totally fierce! Now it’s time to finish with accessories – a studded headband and bold jewelry let everyone know that you’re not one to be messed with. Silence any fashion haters with a stern “be still,” just like Max did!
What do You Think?
Did you read Where the Wild Things Are as a child? Which of these outfits is your favorite? Do you have any suggestions for the next installment of Looks From Books? Leave any thoughts in the comments below!
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Posted on on August 1, 2012 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Books, Inspiration, Looks From Books, Maurice Sendak, Mulberry, Where the Wild Things Are
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Shannon - Boston University
Ah, so cute! The second look is my favorite–so perfect for an autumn day outdoors. (And I love saying “let the wild rumpus begin!” No one ever gets the reference, but it amuses me to no end.) I adored this book as a kid–my favorite part was the end when his supper is still hot :)
RIP Maurice Sendak!
Denny
that question mark is a heart 8D
M
where are the jeans from the second outfit from? They’re gorgeous, but the link doesn’t work :(
Mia
I did “Where the Wild things Are” for the theme of my 20th birthday, and I actually wore a cream colored dress to be “Queen of the Wild Things”. It was my favorite party theme, and I absolutely wish I could do it again. R.I.P King of the Wild Things. :(
Luba
Where are the jeans from in the second outfit?! Link doesn’t work!
http://marilynmonwoah.tumblr.com/
I love the 3rd one! Its so me :)
Kaitlin
you should do a style post on lost in translation! Charlottes style is so cool
Leslie
As a language arts teacher, I LOVE this idea!!
Monica - Harvard University
The link to the high waisted jeans in Woodsy Wild Rumpus look works on my computer, but the jeans sold out! : ) They’re just too cute!
Here are some alternatives:
A Light Wash for under 50 dollars
Light Wash High Waisted Jeans for 74 dollars
Faded Light Blue Washed Out Cigerette High Waisted Jeans from Urban Outfitters
Colbalt Blue High Waisted Jeans
Sorry about the broken link! I’m not sure why that happened. I’m glad you guys are liking this post :) @Shannon, I say wild rumpus too! Whenever I hang out with my friends I call it a wild rumpus and they think I’m just being my usual nerdy crazy self :) Kindred spirits
Fashionfreak
I love the 3rd outfit. Could you guys do a look for the statistical probability of love at first sight?
Emelie
Hey! PLEASE where can I get a pair of black Lita lookalikes!? I really want a pair for fall (I can think of countless outfits to wear them with) but I don’t want to pay the big bucks. Help!
Rayna
I LOVE this article. Makes me want fall to come as soon as possible!! Bookmarked.
Chinea
I love this column already!
Brynn Snow
I love the Jefferey Campbell boots, they are actually really comfortable too!
<3,
Brynn Snow of The Runway by D2G Apparel
Julia
I adore this column and this post! Great outfits from one of my favourite books of all time. Kudos!
Evanna
Love this!
I think a good book next would be A Walk to Remember or Thirteen Reasons Why ^,^
Anne
These.outfits.are.AMAZING! And that is all I have to say…
Antoinette
I love those looks! They’re awesome. : )
What about “A Series Of Unfortunate Events” for next Looks From Books, this is my favourite book series from childhood. : )
Kim West
I love the first look. It looks chic and simple! The boots are adorable! You should post some other looks from books soon
Katherine
The third look is so pretty and feminine, with kind of a rough edge. I love it! Maybe in the future, Dr. Seuss could be added to the lineup? His books are all so colorful and quirky; I imagine the wardrobe possibilities would be nigh endless!
Jenny
I like the second outfit :)
Ashleigh Maynes
wow all i have to say this is my favorite post love all the outfits
Julia Borchers
Very clever and very stylish. I never would have thought that you could use that as an inspiration but I guess that just shows how creative I am.
Lara - University of British Columbia
I’m obsessed with these outfits! Great job :)
Holly
Where the Wild Things Are was one of my absolute favorite books as a kid~ along with The Owl and the Pussycat and a giant book of Mother Goose rhymes~ I think I mostly loved things with cool illustrations~~
Lenu
The first and the third outfits are awesome. They look so nice, I’d love to own all of the pieces and wear them now.
Kenzie
I live this series! Can you do one on the Baby-sitter’s club or Pride and Prejudice? I think it would be interesting to have an outfit for each Bennet sister. And I’d live to see an outfit inspired by Claudia Kishi.