Miss Peregrine’s series by Ransom Riggs
There are lots of things to love about Ransom Riggs’ Miss Peregrine’s series. The first book, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, is not only a New York Times bestseller, but it introduced us to a new kind of young adult novel: a story that is interwoven with real (and very creepy!) vintage photographs. The sequel, Hollow City, was published on February 24, and the film—directed by Tim Burton—should be out next year.
Miss Peregrine’s tells the story of Jacob, who travels to an island in Wales where he finds the old and abandoned Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. But it quickly becomes clear that the home might have housed children who were quarantined for a very good reason—and that Jacob might not be as alone at Miss Peregrine’s as he thought.
One of the highlights of the novel is in the curious photographs that Riggs has peppered throughout the pages. As someone with a slight fashion obsession, I can’t help but be drawn to the Victorian gowns, the Oxford shoes, and the elaborate headbands that grace the subjects. It’s all very Edward Gorey meets Tim Burton. And in the spirit of that special blend of vintage creepiness, here are four modern outfits inspired by Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children:
For Your Inner School Girl:
The strangest parts of Miss Peregrine’s are the pictures of the children: little boys in suspenders and hats, girls in loose white cotton dresses and sagging tights. Eerie children are a staple of a creepy Victorian aesthetic and this outfit shows how you can dress like one while still staying chic. Try pairing a white, lacy dress with brogue shoes, long gold necklaces, and a satchel bag. A vintage hairpiece only adds to the old-fashioned charm.
For When You Suddenly Find Yourself Running a Home for Peculiar Children:
When I picture a Victorian dress, it’s all black, with a high collar, a wide-brimmed hat, and a large skirt—which is exactly how Miss Peregrine is portrayed in the book. Here’s an updated take, with sleek pants instead of a bustle, and a few pops of nude and gold to keep the all-black from overwhelming the look.
For Long Walks in the Drizzling Rain
Doesn’t it feel like it must have always been raining back in Victorian times? A sort of gray, drizzly rain that never seemed to end. That’s why the umbrella is key to this outfit—ruffly and black, it pairs perfectly with the Mary Jane-style shoes and the dark lipstick. A blue skirt gives a little bit of color, while the gray shirt stays modern with an exaggerated Peter Pan collar and a cute print.
For Draping Yourself on a Chaise Lounge
It wasn’t all doom-and-gloom back in the day—sometimes there were parties! Or at least fainting couches to fall upon dramatically. Draped dresses with delicate headpieces were all the rage in Edward Gorey drawings, and this is our more modern take, with a vintage structured jacket and a gathered jersey dress. Gold accessories and blinged-out shoes are perfect for this stylish (but still a little creepy) look.
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