When you think of books you read back in junior and high school, a few authors immediately spring to mind for nearly everyone. Some of these authors include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harper Lee (who unfortunately recently passed away), and John Steinbeck. One more that may come to mind is poet and short story writer Edgar Allen Poe.

Poe’s life sounds like it was as dark and gothic as his short stories. Abandoned the departure of his father and the death of his mother, Poe was raised by his aunt and later married his much younger cousin. He fell into a deep depression when she died, and many of his poems are at least inspired by her, if not about her entirely. The rest of his life is a whirlwind of poverty and alcoholism, culminating in an early death in 1849 amidst murky circumstances.

Although he died at the age of 40, Poe produced a massive body of work that made a huge impact not only on Gothic fiction in America, but also on future writers of the world. His stories are visceral and terrifying, but are still a lot of fun to read, which is why they leave such a lasting impression on all of us far past high school. 

So take a look at these outfits inspired by Edgar Allen Poe‘s spooky brilliance.

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Products: Top, Skirt, Boots, Bag, Ring, Bracelets

Edgar Allen Poe was a scholar from an early age, preferring to keep accounts rather than venture out into the field during his short career as an officer. He starting writing and producing poems near this time, too, although none of them were widely read. Nonetheless, this marked the beginning of his career as a writer.

For a nice daytime look for browsing a local used bookshop, pull on your favorite t-shirt, like this one with a fabulous Jane Austen quote. Button-up skirts are super trendy and easy to wear casually, so pair one with these combat boots, silver jewelry, and a practical crossbody bag to carry your small copy of The Fall of the House of Usher and other stories.