Movie Inspiration: Fashion Inspired by Dead Poets Society
You asked, and we delivered! Classes have started for many of us, and something about reading 5-page long syllabi, buying fresh new school supplies, and perusing new text books makes me want to put on a plaid skirt, penny loafers, and peter pan blouse – which is where today’s movie inspiration comes in.
Dead Poets Society might strike you as a strange movie to draw fashion inspiration from — after all, its cast is practically all-male and its private school setting means the characters essentially wear the same thing throughout the whole film. But fear not, gentle readers — there is sartorial value to be found in this film.
If you haven’t caught Dead Poets Society yet, here’s a little bit about the film: a new teacher (Robin Williams) comes to a strict boys’ boarding school, and using non-traditional teaching methods, he introduces the boys to a new way to approach life. Inspired by poetry and literature, the boys restart a secret society where they express themselves and talk about their aspirations. It’s a great coming-of-age film that’s not only inspirational, but also full of eye candy. :)
Ready to bring a little school-girl prep into your wardrobe? Read on!
Carpe Diem — Make Your Lives Extraordinary
Tailored blazers, crisp oxford shirts, khaki pants, and ties comprise the bulk of the wardrobe for Dead Poets Society. While the guys are required to wear school uniforms, I love the androgynous look of “uniform”-inspired pieces for everyday wear. Also, the uniforms in the film are navy, red, and white, colors that form a classic palette that can work for both college classes and business casual occasions.
Blazer, Dress, Scarf, Ring, Pearls, Shoes
If you don’t already own a tan blazer, it’s a fantastic investment piece — all you have to do is throw it on over any dress, and you’ll be ready for school, church, a nice dinner, or any semi-conservative occasion. Pair your blazer with a classically tailored dress, and add lace-up oxford heels for a little bit of style. Finish your look with pearls, a signet ring, and a lightweight red scarf.
Oh Captain, My Captain!
Even the buttoned-up boys in Dead Poets Society had a little bit of leisure time. Granted, most of that time was spent frolicking through the woods, acting in Shakespearian plays, and writing love poems. (Ah, what dream boats.) Steal a bit of their east coast-preppy style and work it into a casual outfit perfect for class, running errands, or a little frolicking through the woods with a special boy yourself!
Cardigan, Tank, Pants, Shoes, Bracelet
I love the look of these classic cuffed trousers — the cuffs give the otherwise-polished khaki chinos a laid back, adventurous vibe. Pair them with a striped tank top, a light cardigan, and your trusty pair of Sperry’s. Finish with a simple charm bracelet.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Spoiler alert: Knox Overstreet falls for Chris, the only girl in the entire film. As the film was set in the 1950s, her girlish style reflects the trends of the time. Chris is seen rocking full skirts, fuzzy sweater sets, simple jewelry, and her signature headband.
Take a tip from Chris and pair a delicate cardigan with a full skirt — the combo will look perfect for casual interviews, a date, or meeting the boyfriend’s parents.
Dress, Cardigan, Watch, Shoes, Headband, Earrings
I can’t get over how adorable this dress is — it makes me want to eat cotton candy and walk up and down a boardwalk! Throw a girly cardigan over your dress, and add red Mary Janes to keep with the color scheme from the film. Finish your look with classic accessories, like pearl studs, a mens watch, and, of course, a headband!
What Do You Think?
Have you seen Dead Poets Society? What are your favorite parts? Which look is your favorite? Which boy in the film did you have a crush on? What other movies inspire your sense of style? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think!
Posted on on August 25, 2011 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Movie Inspiration, Movies, Preppy
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Michelle
I love all three outfits! I have always been drawn to the preppy style, and you really incorporated it well into today’s fashions.
ally
love this! I feel so inspired to wear those outfits and watch that movie!
Stacy
I remember having to watch this in English class, it made me cry so much…
ANYWAYS, I don’t exactly have a preppy kind of style, so I’m not 100% sure if I’ll be wearing these outfits; however, they look really cute!
Dayana
I watched this movie twice this week! What a coincidence. I wish Knox Overstreet actually existed. Josh Charles is just so dreamy.
Lizzy
I love your outfit picks! Especially the first one, oh and those red pumps *must have*! :)
Karissa - Elms College
AH! I looooove this movie. I might have to watch this again. Great outfit inspirations Chelsea!
mir
I wish the pants in the second outfit (Maison Scotch) weren’t out of stock, really love em.
Sam
I love these!
Next you should do one inspired by the Kings Speech!
Kaesi
This is one of my top favorite movies, so excited to see these outfits!
jacquie
one of my favorite movies! good outfits too!
Sarah - Southeastern Louisiana University
I love this movie! I remember wearing penny loafers and sweaters for a week after the first time I saw it. When it cools down, I’m definitely recreating these looks!
And Chelsea, I love your writing style! I feel like I’m back in my British lit class my sophomore year entranced with talking about the relationship between Cher and Lord Byron. Seriously though, I love it!
Margaret
I remember being extremely reluctant to watch this (since I was forced to) and it ended up being one of my most favorite movies ever :)
Dee
YES! I literally screamed when I saw this. It’s such an inspiring movie
m
i love preppy style – so this was right up my alley – thanx!
& an interesting tidbit – robert sean leonard is my high school sophomore english teacher’s brother. :)
Kelsey
omg i love this movie!! robert sean leonard was/is sooooo adorable!!! thanks for the preppy outfit ideas!!
Jess
We are watching this in english class at the moment so I was so excited when I saw the post on the film :D I love Robert Sean Leonard he is sooo cute!! Such an inspiring film
Chip
oh my god! I LOVE this movie and I practically squealed when I saw this article! I love the dresses!
Demmy
I love the movie and I really dig the polka dotted dress. It’s really cute
Re
I love you SO much right now. First it was Breakfast club, and now Dead Poet’s Society?! You have definitely have taste.
I just love Robin Williams, and while everyone thinks he’s a great comedy actor or children’s movie voice talent, this definitely shows his more serious side and really makes him stand out as an actor-actor. :) ~If that makes any sense. A sad movie, but SO worth it!
As for the outfits, I definitely love the first and last one. They’re fun and girly!
Paula*
This is absolutely on of my favorite movies (I’m such an English major)! Preppy isn’t my style but I’m still glad you guys covered this movie, I love it so much.
Lauren
I love how you’re covering old movies! These are great :] I’d love to see Top Gun, Mission Impossible, etc covered!
SL
I would love to see the little girls from Despicable Me done on here!
Jessie Oryall
This is my favourite movie of all time and these are such great inspirational outfit ideas! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love College Fashion so much <3
Nina
Lovely outfits :)
How about a Brideshead Revisited inspired article next?
Jordan
Such a fabulous film.
Diedre
Needed a cute outfit for an outing with friends next weekend, and happened across this article. Seeing as DPS is my favorite movie, I think I know what I’ll be wearing! Thanks!
Carly
I absolutly LOVE this movie!! One of my top five favourites of all time!! I am defiantly using the ‘oh captain my captain’ look~ <3