Shh! The library is the hottest spot in town, and behind those creaky doors, you’ll find a congregation of fashion enthusiasts rocking their best librarian-inspired looks. Think prim and proper with cardigan twin sets, stockings, and a touch of scholarly chic with those iconic reading glasses. It’s a literary soiree where party girls are swapping bodycon dresses and high heels for a cozy leather club chair, diving headfirst into the classics and, of course, dressing the part.
Now, let’s paint a picture of your quintessential librarian style: envision a buttoned-up cardigan, perhaps hand-knitted with some fuzzy wool or mohair. Add in stockings and pumps for that touch of sophistication. And, of course, those teeny glasses perched at the end of the nose – the ultimate intellectual accessory. Picture slightly undone, messy hair making a break for it from a perfectly imperfect bun or chignon. Are you getting the vibe? Fantastic! Consider your fashion homework complete.
Ready for a deep dive into the library-chic trend? We’re talking runway roots, style evolution, and how to effortlessly channel your inner librarian this season. It’s time to bookmark this trend and make it your own!
The Trend
Ah, the dark academia trend, an internet darling in recent years, but let’s take a moment to bow to the trendsetter – Miu Miu. Prada’s rebellious little sister is the maestro behind this whole vibe, and they made it abundantly clear on their fall/winter 2023 runway.
Picture this: Mia Goth strutting down the catwalk in a gray twinset paired with a polka dot skirt, embodying the epitome of nerdy-chic. The runway was a feast for the eyes, showcasing prim purses, ladylike skirts and coats in textured tweed, herringbone, and wool. Add in those tiny tortoise shell glasses and intentionally rumpled hair, and you’ve got a recipe for librarian glam.
But here’s the twist – visible hosiery pulled up just right on many models, and, believe it or not, the absence of pants on some, giving the whole look an intriguing hint of undone sex appeal. It’s like you’ve just indulged in a little rendezvous with a lover in the hallowed stacks upstairs. Miu Miu effortlessly walks the line between twee and sexy, and their take on librarian glam is the ultimate embodiment of that balancing act. Fashion that whispers secrets and turns heads – that’s the Miu Miu magic!
Bow down to the street style royalty, Bella Hadid, who’s been rocking the library-chic look like no other. She’s the queen of unconventional layering, turning traditionally “frumpy” pieces into fashion masterpieces. And let’s not forget those unexpected twists that breathe new life into every outfit.
Devon Lee Carlson is another trendsetter putting her spin on the library aesthetic. Picture this: skinny cat-eye glasses, cozy wool sweaters, and ballerina flats. She looks like she just strolled out of the Classics section with some Brontë books in hand, effortlessly blending bookish charm with contemporary cool.
Amelia Gray, yet another It Girl, made waves in the Miu Miu campaign. Imagine a prim turtleneck, chic slingbacks, and the infamous sparkly mini-mini-mini shorts over matching sheer pink tights – all topped off with circular spectacles. Cute, right? The key to library dressing, according to these style mavens, is not taking it too seriously or appearing too buttoned-up. There’s always that element of surprise, whether it’s a few strategically undone buttons, shorts so short they’re practically panties, or an unexpected burst of color. It’s the art of looking effortlessly chic with a playful edge. Who said libraries were just for books?
How to Get the Look
If you’re ready to dive into the world of bookish chic, let’s talk wardrobe essentials. And where else to start but with a classic piece that might already be hanging in your closet – the trusty cardigan. This is the linchpin of the library chic vibe, so don’t even think about crafting an outfit without it!
Now, picture this: a classic, no-frills crewneck cardigan. Go for materials like cotton, wool, or cashmere for that perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. The beauty of this piece is that it’s not just essential; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to find at various price points. The cardigan is your canvas – now, let’s layer on the literary charm!
For those diving into the cardigan game, Old Navy’s SoSoft Cropped Cardigan Sweater is the internet sensation you’ve been waiting for. Priced at a wallet-friendly $37, it’s capturing hearts with its impeccable fit, a rainbow of colors, and that oh-so-accessible price tag.
Now, if you’re feeling a bit more luxurious and cashmere is your jam, consider the Reformation’s Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan. At $198, it’s a timeless investment that screams elegance and coziness.
Here’s the key to nailing the look: your cardigan should be fitted, hitting at the hip, steering clear of the oversized territory. Picture this – layer it up with a matching tank for that classic twin-set allure, or button it up solo for a sleek shirt alternative.
But hey, let’s not stop at cardigans. Mix it up with a cozy sweater vest for a trendy twist, or channel ultimate bookish vibes by casually tying a sweater over your shoulders. It’s the little details that make all the difference in mastering that librarian chic look. Get ready to turn heads with your literary flair!
Ready to shake up your style? Say goodbye to the flowy maxi and slide into something office-appropriate – the classic pencil skirt. Now, you don’t have to flaunt your tights waistband like a Miu Miu runway star (though, hey, why not?), but consider this: pairing your cardigan with a patterned pencil skirt is a playful nod to the brand’s runway allure.
If body-con isn’t your vibe, fear not. Opt for a slim slip skirt or even a vintage slip for that “accidentally on purpose” peek of prissy underthings while you’re busy shelving returns. Not feeling the sleek look? Dive into the treasure trove of traditionally “frumpy” skirts – think calf-length pleated wonders in subdued shades like khaki or grey. It’s all about rewriting the rules of frump into fabulous.
Or, if you’re feeling a bit more daring, take a cue from Miu Miu’s no-pants trend with an itsy-bitsy mini skirt paired with stockings. The key here is to have fun, experiment, and let your style tell a story.
To elevate your librarian-chic ensemble from business casual to fashion-forward territory, it’s all about the accessories – and we’re talking leaning in, almost to the point of parody. Ready for the transformation?
Swap out your tiny Y2K purse for something with a touch of old-world charm – head to the thrift store and hunt down a vintage-inspired satchel. Bonus points if it has a top handle and looks like it could effortlessly carry a book or three. It’s not just a handbag; it’s a statement piece that adds that extra layer of literary flair to your look.
And now, for the pièce de résistance – channel the It Girls with a pair of tiny glasses. Think delicate reading glasses, the kind that gracefully perch on the tip of your nose. Tortoiseshell is the ultimate choice, but any petite spectacles will work their magic here. It’s not just about seeing; it’s about being seen as the ultimate fashion aficionado in your bookish kingdom. Ready to turn heads and break some style norms?
Complete your librarian-chic look with a footwear choice that’s both elegant and on-trend: the timeless kitten heel. Pointy kitten heels had their moment during Fashion Month for a reason – they add a touch of sophistication without compromising comfort. Picture yourself gracefully strolling through the library stacks, each step a statement in style.
But hey, if you’re feeling a bit more laid-back, don’t hesitate to swap the kitten heels for classic loafers or Mary Janes. They’re the perfect choice for a more casual take on the librarian vibe, giving you that effortlessly chic, scholarly appeal.
Now, here’s the finishing touch: pair your chosen shoes with sheer black or black dot stockings. It’s the subtle yet impactful detail that ties the whole ensemble together, making you ready to hit the stacks with an air of refined confidence. Time to step into your own fashion narrative and let the library be your runway!
