Fashion Inspiration: Harry Potter

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I don’t even have to ask- I know I’m not the only one out there looking forward to the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 1. It’s the beginning of the end of the epic film franchise that has practically defined a generation. If you’re heading to a midnight screening tonight, I created some fun looks as costume alternatives. Each of these were inspired by the Hogwarts Houses, and Luiane’s post about Harry Potter style.

Inspired by... Harry Potter

Peacoat- Old Navy; Riding Boots- Target; Polo- Aeropostale; Jeggings- American Eagle;  Earrings- ModCloth; Scarf- ModCloth; Bangles- Dorothy Perkins.

The house of Gryffindor is probably one of the most popular because the three main characters in Harry Potter are all Gryffindors. The house mascot is a lion and the house colors are gold and scarlet. Gryffindors value courage, bravery, loyalty, nerve and chivalry, traits which Harry, Ron, and Hermione all exemplify.

I think Gryffindors are very down-to-earth, so this outfit is very straightforward. The core of this outfit is the polo and the jeggings- comfortable and practical. Riding boots can be as comfortable as sneakers, but they add polish and just scream English countryside to me. I opted for this bright red peacoat because it’s much nicer than a sweatshirt, but the hood keeps it practical. The accessories are fun details: gold lion stud earrings, a scarlet infinity scarf, and floral bangles (nerd alert: these remind of Parvati, one of the Patil twins).

Hogwarts Houses- Hufflepuff

Dress- ModCloth; Caplet- Old Navy; Flats- Payless; Knit Beret- American Eagle; Tights- ModCloth; Earrings- 1928.

The Hufflepuff house colors are midnight black and canary yellow, and the mascot is a badger (fierce). Hufflepuffs value hard work, tolerance, loyalty, and fair play. When it comes to Harry Potter, I identity as Hufflepuff (again, nerd). While I’m not really girly, I always felt that Hufflepuff was. Even the name sounds all cutesy. I wanted my Hufflepuff outfit to reflect this.

I love the feminine, ’50s silhouette of this ModCloth dress. Since the rest of the look is black and gray, the yellow really pops out. The gray caplet is on trend and reminds me of Romantic English heroines wandering the moors. The flower stud earrings add another girly (and gothic) touch and the beret with a bow detail is a must. Finish off with patterned tights and sensible but cute ballet flats.

Hogwarts Houses- Ravenclaw

Popcorn knit hat- Gap; Striped top- Monsoon; Ruffle-tierd Skirt- Old Navy; Cardigan- Uniqlo; Flats- Target; Caged Bird Necklace- Forever 21 (Canada); Leaf Cluster Necklace- Target; Ring- Forever 21 (Canada).

The Ravenclaw house colors are blue and bronze (which was changed to gray in the movies). For this look, I incorporated all three. I started with a nautical-inspired shirt, tucked into a flirty black skirt. The bronze flats keep the look class-appropriate. Finally, bundle up in this flowy gray cardigan.

Ravenclaws appreciate intelligence, creativity, learning and wit. They can also be a bit eccentric- take Moaning Myrtle and Luna Lovegood, for example. That’s why my accessories are all over the place, like this fun knit cap. Try layered necklaces for interest- I chose a caged bird necklace (the Ravenclaw mascot is an eagle) and a cluster of leaves. This intricate medieval style ring picks up on that leaf detail.

Hogwarts Houses- Slytherin

Dress- Delia’s; Studded Knee Socks- Monsoon; Heeled Oxfords- Payless; Headband- Dorothy Perkins; Ring- Lucky; Earrings- Amazon.

Ah, Slytherin, another popular house. It’s no surprise that the same house that gave us Lord Voldermort, Severus Snape, and the Malfoys values ambition, cunning, leadership, and resourcefulness. The mascot is of course a serpent and the house colors are green and silver. I’m a fan of this forest green, military-inspired dress. Keep things minimalist and utilitarian with silver accessories- a braided headband, a snake ring, and snake earrings. Slip into some studded knee socks and heeled oxfords. Simple but sexy. Very Slytherin.

More Harry Potter-inspired pieces…

Harry Potter-Inspired Pieces

Cardigan. Blazer. Button-down. Vest. Plaid skirt. Hufflepuff shirt. Hogwarts crest pin. Angel wing earrings. Lightning bolt necklace. Red velvet shorts. Hogwarts shirt. Harry Potter silly bandz.

Which house do you guys identify with? Which look was your favorite? And most importantly, what did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments!

~ Sarah