Create your own storyline with these trendy takes on Gen-Z’s current favorite “booktok” novels.
Throughout my life, I’ve always been “the one who reads.” I carry around books with me everywhere I go, and can’t fall asleep at night without reading at least 100 pages. And now, everyone is reading! BookTok and Bookstagram are quickly becoming the coolest things to be a part of and I LOVE it. People who have never been readers before are picking up books by authors like Colleen Hoover, Sally Rooney, and Emily Henry, and falling in love. Reading is finally trending. BookTok accounts are gaining hundreds of thousands of followers, and frankly, I’m living for it. Personally, I’m obsessed with the entire aura of some of the books that I read. I idolize characters and fall in love with the worlds they are a part of. Here are eight of TikTok’s most adored novels and how you can get the look of your favorite characters.
1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s beautifully written novel puts you right in the middle of the Trojan War. While not quite historically accurate, this outfit channels the Greek Heroic Age in a fashion-forward way. Miller follows the story of Patroclus, a boy exiled by his family, sent to live with a family, where another boy, Achilles, lives. Patroclus and Achilles’ journey together leads them on dangerous and heartwrenching adventures, where they manage to find love and happiness in the brutal world of battle and gore.
Dance Into Your Heart White Scoop Neck Sleeveless Midi Dress
This drop-waist dress is a modern take on how Grecian women dressed during this time. $59.
Belly Waist Chain
A great substitute for a sword sheath. Just as practical too! Plus, it goes perfectly with your shoes. $13.
Lafayette Ankle Tie High Heel Sandals
Strap up your shoes to galavant right into…battle? A date night? $76.
AQUA Chain Drop Earrings
Chain earrings to coordinate with your waist chain, and bind up your enemies. $31.
2. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This next outfit is perfect for seducing your best friend on vacation and looking really good while doing it. Poppy managed to accidentally do just that with her best friend Alex on one of their annual summer getaways. Since college, they went on a trip every year, until an extended hiatus due to an accidental kiss separated them for many years. They come back together and find their relationship evolving from what it was years ago. An out-and-about look for shopping, mid-afternoon coffee, or a local bar with nothing impressive about it other than your company, wear this fit to ensure your own personal friends to lovers.
First Class Skirt and Crop Top
Colorful floral prints are great for a vacation to catch the eye of that special someone. $130 total.
Sam Edelman Ainslie Slide Sandal
Platform sandals like these are very trendy this summer, and super comfy for exploring new places. $80.
Ray-Ban David Sunglasses
Simple and stylish Ray-Bans to make sure your love interest can’t see you checking them out. $163.
3. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The iconic cover of this Taylor Jenkins Reid masterpiece is the inspiration for outfit #3. Evelyn Hugo’s style, charisma, and story are all sure to leave you in awe. Her life is told from a first-hand account via interview within the novel, giving you the heart-wrenching details of love and loss and glitz and glam in the public’s eye. All of this, wrapped up in a pretty green dress and pearls.
ASOS LUXE satin Bardot body-conscious dress with puff sleeves
Evelyn Hugo’s dress, but make it for a special occasion in 2022. $82.
SB-Rider Gold Pearl and Rhinestone High Heel Sandals
These shoes specifically are so fun and different, but Evelyn Hugo would support anything that made you look unique. $79.
Freshwater Multicolor Pearl Necklace
Absolutely obsessed with these pearls and the unconventional twist they have. $229.
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
This summer read is now one of my favorite series ever. The novels tell the story of human girl Fayre who is taken from her home and brought to live with faeries across a border otherwise uncrossed. Without spoiling too much, Fayre finds love in the most unlikely of creatures and will do anything to save it. This outfit is loosely inspired by what she has to wear “Under the Mountain” and the Night Court’s occasional attire in later books.
Lyla Two Piece Set
Sexy and shimmery, quintessential for seducing a High Lord or two. $74.
Lilah Black Sandal
Under the Mountain, there were bigger things to worry about than the perfect heel to wear, but that’s not real life. So here’s the perfect heel to wear. $70.
5. The Duke and I: Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Everyone knows the popular Netflix original Bridgerton, but did you know it was a book too? The early 1800s was a wonderful time for fashion, as according to this romantic story of Daphne and the Duke and their trials and tribulations during a courting season full of drama. The color schemes, patterns, shapes, and auras of their attire are easily replicable even over two centuries later.
Chelsea Dress
A babydoll dress with puff sleeves is uniform. $64.
Pearl Women's Wedding Gloves
Not very practical for everyday wear, but gloves can turn your regular outfit into something suitable for courting. $12.
Rosa Pearl Headband
All of the Bridgertons and their acquaintances seem to have headpieces in at any given moment. $16.
Ted Baker Hemmina Platform Sandal
Something simple and color-coordinating. Make sure you can dance the night away. $225.
6. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
What seems to be this summer’s most talked about show, The Summer I Turned Pretty was originally a YA romance novel about Belly and her love triangle at Cousin’s Beach. To dress like Belly, you just need a casual beach outfit. This summer, Belly starts dressing out of her comfort zone and catches the attention of not one, not two, but three boys. By wearing clothes that make you feel confident, you can feel better about yourself, and attract the attention of your childhood crush.
Openwork knit top
A more exciting take on a regular tank top, wearing crocheted tops is perfect for staying simple and eye-catching. $60.
501 Original High Rise Women's Shorts
Any denim short works for comfort and captures the essence of being young and in love when styled right. $70.
Crinkle Bandeau Top and High Cut Cheeky Bottoms
All of my favorite swimsuits come from Aerie and Target because they have styles for every preference. $48 total.
Club C Double Shoes
Classic white tennis shoes go with every outfit, and can easily be slipped off for a walk on the beach. $85.
7. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Need the perfect outfit to coordinate with your fake date to a destination wedding? Go with an eye-catching color, a nude pump, and layered necklaces. Maybe you and your fake date will even fall in love, like Catalina and Aaron in this summer romance. Starting as arch-nemesis coworkers, the slow burn of the century turns the couple down a winding path, ending in a place they never expected. Project your inner Catalina at her sister’s wedding in Spain by wearing something elegant, and vibrant, and says “I am well-adjusted and this is my real boyfriend.”
Harmony Sequin Asymmetrical Dress
This dress just screams “accidentally fall in love with me in Spain.” But really, any colorful dress will do. $595.
Fresh Pointy Toe Pumps
You can never go wrong with a classic nude pump since they go with almost any formal outfit. $95.
Frankie Convertible Multi Strand Necklace
Wearing layered chains keeps the attention on the rest of your outfit. $125.
8. Normal People by Sally Rooney
Gut-wrenching and magically written, the pain and stark realness of Sally Rooney’s novel creates a story that anyone can relate to with its underlying themes and intense emotions. The plot of the book is about Marianne and Connell meeting in high school and finding themselves back together repeatedly throughout their adult life. This outfit is simple and inspired by Marianne’s typical look.
Fits Everybody Turtleneck Top
A basic turtle neck that can be worn with pretty much any combination of clothes. $56.
Holland Trench
Irish falls and winters get pretty chilly. Warm up with any oversized coat on any continent. $368.
The Perfect Vintage Straight Jean
Straight-leg jeans can be dressed up for a sophisticated dinner party, or down for a night out around your hometown. $128.
Unchained Patent Loafer
A trendy, yet classic, loafer for comfort and sophistication. $65.
Featured image via @sspoiledheartt. Design by Her Campus Media.
