Fresh, darker versions of old fairytales and childhood classics are common nowadays. People want to read something familiar and nostalgic while still getting something more adult or thrilling than what they remember. One of the more original and fantastical re-imaginings to arrive in recent years is the young adult novel Dorothy Must Die.

With its striking title and stark combination of dark fantasy and bleak reality, Danielle Paige’s bestselling book is worthy of all the praise it’s received. The novel, the first in a series, follows a girl from the boring world of Kansas who is transported to the magical world of Oz. No, it’s not Dorothy. This time, her name is Amy Gumm, a girl from a troubled background with a tough attitude. But Dorothy is there in Oz, too – as its vicious dictator. 

Yep, Dorothy’s gone bad and she’s more cruel and twisted than any Wicked Witch ever was. It’s now up to a reluctant Amy to overthrow the evil ruler or she’ll never get back to Kansas. 

Click your heels and steady your heart as we raid this young adult fantasy for some fashion inspiration!

Table of Contents

The Other Girl from Kansas

Products: Shirt, Jeans, Toms, Rings

At the start of the novel, it’s hard to imagine Amy’s life being any worse. Living with her addict mother in poverty and mercilessly bullied at school, Amy copes with her situation the best she can, with sarcasm and wit. But after being dropped into Oz and witnessing Dorothy’s cruelty firsthand, Amy faces a whole new set of problems.

Some people aren’t thrilled at Amy’s arrival, since the last person that came to Oz from Kansas went full-on tyrant, but others see the value in Amy as an ally and as a person.

For a look based on Amy Gumm, wear a plaid shirt and some ripped black jeans. Amy has dyed her hair pink, but if you don’t have pink hair, just slip on pink Toms for comfort. Finish the look with some silver rings.