“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”

To me, classic novels scream “back to school,” so today we’re getting fashion inspiration from a film based on a classic novel.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) is a film adaptation of the iconic Jane Austen novel by the same name.

The film, like the book, tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her four sisters as they struggle to find suitable romantic partnerships. Elizabeth faces the struggle of falling for a man, Mr. Darcy, who is too prideful for his own good, but deep down has a heart of gold.

Apart from the romantic encounters, misinterpreted letters, and sisterly love, Pride and Prejudice is packed full of fashion inspiration that’s perfect for the upcoming fall season.

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What kind of dresses did they wear in Pride and Prejudice?

The dresses of this period were made from muslin or silk and usually featured an empire waist. (See below for info on why this was changed in the 2005 film version.) Low cuts and puffy sleeves were also popular hallmarks of ball gowns in this time period. Dresses were long but did not trail on the floor like they had in previous decades.

Below are three modern outfits to add some Pride and Prejudice fashion to your daily wardrobe:

The Bennet Sisters

The film, like the book, focuses on the five Bennet sisters, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.

Each one of the sisters has her own distinct style, with Jane seen mostly in pastels and plain dresses; Elizabeth in her earth tones and menswear-inspired jackets; Mary in her toned-down brown colored dresses; and Kitty and Lydia decked out in ribbons, lace, and vibrant colors. Each of these looks can easily be translated into today’s fashion.