Every great writer has a unique style and core themes that carry on throughout their entire body of work. Author-Inspired Fashion is about taking those things and channeling them into fashion inspiration. Today’s literary inspiration is the unconventional modernist James Joyce.

After the brutality of WWI, a new movement arose in literary circles: modernism. Common techniques of modernist literature included stream-of-consciousness narratives, and focus on controversial subjects and psychology. Many significant writers popped up from this movement, and among them were voices like Virginia Woolf (author of Mrs. Dalloway), the poet T.S. Eliot, and James Joyce.

Joyce wrote some of the most iconic pieces of modernist literature. His novels include A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Finnegans Wake, and Ulysses. Many find his works tedious to get through (which I can attest to) but these classics are well worth the extra effort.

Below, I’ve created three looks inspired by Joyce’s body of work.

Remembrance 

Products: Shirt, Cardigan, Skirt, Boots, Hat, Bag, Bracelet

Much of Joyce’s work is about either looking back on the past or reliving a specific memory after years of suppression. Following this theme, many of his short stories are influenced by his childhood in Ireland. His narratives often visit different places in time, so this outfit is inspired by both new trends and old classics.

Starting out with wardrobe classics, like a simple blouse and black boots, creates a perfect blank canvas upon which to build a look. This corduroy skirt is a ’70s throwback that’s become popular again. Pair it with a fringe bag for a look that is both on-trend and retro at the same time. Finish the look off with a hat, cardigan, and thick bracelet.