Black and white might be the circus’s colors, but that doesn’t mean the characters don’t like wearing bright colors! The dress Celia wore to the 13th anniversary celebration of the circus’s creation was a gorgeous gown that changed color based on the color of its surroundings. Marco, who kisses her in the middle of the ballroom (internal squeal!), was wearing green, which her dress changed to match when they stood together.

I was drawn to the almost fluffy weight of this vaguely princess-y white dress because Celia, to me, was like the princess at the ball. I also chose a white dress because I wanted the dress to emulate the feel of a blank canvas. The only touches of color in this look are the mossy green cardigan, subtle green jewelry, and green bag. I chose colors that aren’t ostentatious, however, because her dress really wasn’t green for too long!

4. But You Built Me Dreams Instead

Product Info: Dress – OASAP, Jacket – Modcloth, Heels – Lulu’s, Tights – H&M, Hat – Target

“I would have written you, myself, if I could put down in words everything I want to say to you. A sea of ink would not be enough.’

‘But you built me dreams instead.” (Morgenstern 293)

Spoiler Warning: This look discusses the ending of this novel. If you haven’t read the book yet, skip this part!

An enormous concept of this book is the question of what it really means for something to truly exist and be present. When Marco crafts a boat of paper and ink for Celia, it might as well be real. It also doesn’t seem to matter if Celia’s illusions are real or not to her or to her audience. But when Celia and Marco find their way to continue existing with each other and the circus, long after they’ve relinquished their bodies? That definitely matters. The book hints that they remain forever with the circus and continue to live together, despite not truly “being” there.