Hello again, friends. For the next installment of our stage fashion inspiration series (see the first post on fashion inspired by Wicked), we’re tackling the mega-musical Les Mis.

Les Miserables is probably one of the most important shows you’ll learn about in any Broadway 101 class. (My college actually offered one and it was probably the most fun class I’ve ever taken.) Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and known as one of the most influential musicals ever written, Les Mis is the third longest running show on Broadway, and the London West End production is the longest running show in the world!

Whether you’re a fan of operas or prefer more modern-sounding musical numbers, the soundtrack for Les Mis will BLOW. YOUR. MIND. Seriously. The songs are moving, powerful, and of course, feature some wicked harmonies. If you’re new to the music of Les Miserables, check out versions by Susan Boyle, Lea Michelle or Nick Jonas, who got his start playing Gavroche on Broadway and now stars as Marius in the LA revival.

As much as I love the music from Les Mis, I love the costumes as well. Think wearable outfits can’t be adapted from costumes based around the French Revolution? Read on!

Table of Contents

Do You Hear The People Sing?

Les Miserables follows a group of people who search for redemption, love, and prosperity during the French Revolution. The plot is a little too complicated to justly explain in a few sentences, so if you’re interested, click here for the full synopsis.

Homeless chic style has understandably caused tons of controversy in the past, so musicals like Les Miserables and Oliver! are more ethical sources of inspiration if you’re attracted to gritty style. The characters in Les Mis experience periods of extreme wealth and poverty, creating outfits that exemplify “high-low” fashion in its purest form.