It’s been 10 years since the first Twilight film. Here’s how to dress like its lead character today.
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Love it or hate it, you have to admit that the Twilight franchise is a true cultural phenomenon. It’s been 10 years (!!) since the first film was released and we’re still no closer to a winner in the battle of “Team Edward” vs. “Team Jacob”.
But man candy aside, one thing we can agree on is that many of you seem to love the main character Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart) and her effortless style. We first talked about Bella’s wardrobe back in 2009, so given the ten year anniversary of the film, we thought it was high time we post an updated guide to her style.
Read on to find out how you can dress like Bella today – you never know, maybe you too will capture the heart of a handsome but troubled teen vampire and/or werewolf.
Bella’s style is very low-maintenance, yet she still looks gorgeous at all times. Everything has a pretty yet effortless “I just threw it on” look to it. While it is clear that Bella would much rather stare at Edward all day than spend hours getting ready (who can blame her), she does have a specific sense of style.
Here we break down Bella’s wardrobe essentials, as well as show you two outfits that you could see Bella wearing on a typical day in Forks.
Bella’s wardrobe is very straightforward and simple. She has a wide array of long sleeve henleys and tops to shield her from the cold of Forks. Bella often sticks to neutrals and cool colors such as blues, greens and whites, but I mixed it up by adding a few colors such as red and electric blue. She’s also known to rock the typical Seattle button-down plaid shirt.
When it comes to copying her style, the main thing that you should focus on is to make sure your top is laid-back. Casual tops are a Bella staple.
Since Bella lives in a cold climate, she needs an abundance of coats to keep her from getting cold in dreary Forks. Unlike her tops, her coats have more variety in cut and color.
Most of her coats end about hip height to show off her legs. Often, her coats are the most colorful part of her outfit, so she chooses them in colors like blue, yellow, red, and green. I love the red bomber jacket on the bottom right as an updated take on Bella’s look.
As Bella grew up in Arizona, she has a bit of an All-American/Western style to her look and can often be seen wearing things like turquoise jewelry or suede boots.
To copy her look, I chose a maroon tank top, a plaid shirt, and a trusty pair of denim jeans for a low-maintenance combo that’s very Washington state. To keep you from getting chilly in Forks weather, I chose a cute grey beanie to keep your head nice and toasty. Throw this outfit on and you’ll be ready to explore the forest with one of our dashing anti-heroes.
For my second outfit, I chose pieces to show off Bella’s bohemian side. Her style often veers toward boho-chic, and this outfit reflects that, while still staying true to her low-maintenance mindset.
First, I chose a blue embroidered tunic and paired that with a gray cardigan. I then added dark wash jeans and a classic brown belt. For shoes, I chose Converse chucks in navy blue (Bella wears a similar pair in the films), and to add a touch of femininity, I picked out a delicate turquoise ring.
Overall, this look is tough, yet when you examine the details, it’s also very feminine. This mix of tough and girly gives the outfit character.
Bella’s Hair
Bella’s hair is the stuff dreams are made of. Like Serena from Gossip Girl, she’s one of those girls that doesn’t know how lucky she is to have such a nice head of hair. All she has to do is roll out of bed and her hair is perfect. But don’t despair, you too can replicate Bella’s hair with the help of a trusty 1-inch curling iron.
Here’s how to get Bella’s perfect locks:
First, find a curling iron with at least a 1-inch barrel
Separate your hair into sections and then grab a medium section of it and wrap it around the iron (don’t use the clamp).
Hold the section around the wrapped area for about a minute and then let go. It should be a nice loose curl now.
Continue doing this around the rest of your head (you don’t have to do all of it though, it’s nice to leave a few strands straight – it looks more natural), set your hair with a teeny bit of hairspray, and voila: you will have hair that no man (or vampire or werewolf) will be able to resist.
As I mentioned before, Bella’s hair is pretty much perfect. Sometimes when she wears it down, she accessorizes with a thin headband on the crown of her head.
You can try this style out to add a little bit of dainty detail to your look – all you need to do is push your hair back and place the headband in your hair. Also, headbands are fabulous because they’re so cheap. No matter your budget, this is one look you can definitely afford!
Bella also wears the occasional beanie to keep her ears warm during those chilly days relaxing in La Push. I chose an assortment of beanies and berets in different colors to mix things up. They’re great because they add a pop of color to your outfit and also keep your head nice and toasty.
What do you guys think of Bella’s style? Do you think I translated it well? Did you like this updated guide to her look? Whatever your thoughts, let me know in the comments!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2009; it was completely updated and revamped in 2018 by Sharon with new photos and information.
Thank you!!! I always dress up, like REALLY dress up, even for school, but sometimes I just don’t feel like it, you know? This helped me think of some casual but cute ideas for this winter. 🙂
Just thinking, if Kristin Styewart as Bella Swan was in a room, and Blake Liveley as Serena from Gossip girl was in a room, id sort of bet guys would pay more attention to Kristin/ Bella. That doesn’t mean its good or right, but most people do look down on that sort of Clueless blond look.
I’m a huge fan of Bella and I’ve always liked her fashion as it is simple and shows off her features. Thanks you for the tips, I will have to show my best friend who is obsessed.
Hey guys! If you’re interested in getting the Curious Gypsy Cream Thermal? Go to this page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124654157584500 and join the group! Free, doesn’t cost anything except a second of your time! And please spread the word to get this top re-released. We were told by Curious Gypsy themselves that if we got enough names & request they would bring it back! So lets do this! Bring back this gorgeous top!
Hey everyone! If anyone is interested in the curious gypsy thermal that Bella wears in the first Twilight movie (it is the white top she is wearing in the picture under “bella basic’s) join this facebook page where it can be re-released if enough people want it:
PEOPLE! SHAME! There are no correct and incorrect opinions on fashion. I very much like this post. Not because of the movie, actually I have recently started to dislike that my wardrobe has gotten too..fashiony( I know its not a word), and wanted a new inspiration for simplifying. Bella Swans look is a good picture of where I want to go. Anyhow, enough about me. There are no real right and wrongs in fashion. There are exactly as many ideas on what looks good as there are people. Just because some of us like heels and a mini, and some of us like jeans and a henley is no reason to call names. Its all good. If you were all together in a cofee shop, would you say such things out loud? GOD I hope not. So let us not do this here. A person worked hard and made this good post for which Im grateful. Im sad to say that a self proclaimed fourteen year old had the smartest comment.
To Anna, NO, I don’t think that the clothing Bella wears shows that she looks gorgeous without trying too hard. She always wears very flattering clothing that is practical. If she had low self esteem, or didn’t want to look good, she would not wear such body revealing things. Her jeans are always fitted. Not too tight, but definitely showcasing those lovely long, long, long legs. The simple solid colors show off her gorgeous pale skin, dark eyes, and dark glorious hair(despite the wig in one movie). If you still don’t get it, walk into any department store from Nordstroms to Target and you will see tons of fitted plad shirts, solid color t’s and henleys, and skinny jeans just like Bella would wear. Her style has had a HUGE impact on clothing. Thank goodness. I like exactly that style of classic unfussy style. I know some people like you don’t know that style does not mean make up and heels, but I think its moving away from that.
Bella / Kristen is amazing.
I am beyond obsession for Twilight. It’s Passion. No-one could understand how much I really do love Twilight. You’re underestimating it right now.
Her style is just so natural and unique. I used to dress very similar to her. But then I developed a less natural look and went onto more desiner type clothing. But I am inspired again to carry on with my style that I feel most comfertable clothes. Kristen is one of the few who doesn’t mind testing out new styles. I adore her for that. Love you Kristen, keep up your great work 🙂
xoxoxo – Meghan (:
girl, i totally understand you!!! i’m am sooooooooo obsessed and passionate about Twilight too!!! it’s great that we can understand each other!!! i am trying Bella’s style and i just love it! it’s so easy and nice, and it complements my not so curvy curves! love you!!!
I am a big fan of the Twilight series, and although I wouldn’t want to be exactly like Bella, I like certain tomboy pieces she wears. Thanks for writing about Bella’s style! I think this is a great post. 🙂
Nicely written article! I’m not a fan of Bella’s style, but the outfits you chose fit perfectly with her character.
I think it’d be a good idea to write an article on Kristen Stewart’s style. Her look is so effortless. I love how she can go from band tees and sneakers to beautiful red carpet attire.
Your article is really well written, thank you 🙂
I am looking for that fossil bracelet but the link is dead. I guess they don’t have it anymore. Do you know where i could find it? Thank you
Thank you!!! I always dress up, like REALLY dress up, even for school, but sometimes I just don’t feel like it, you know? This helped me think of some casual but cute ideas for this winter. 🙂
Just thinking, if Kristin Styewart as Bella Swan was in a room, and Blake Liveley as Serena from Gossip girl was in a room, id sort of bet guys would pay more attention to Kristin/ Bella. That doesn’t mean its good or right, but most people do look down on that sort of Clueless blond look.
I’m a huge fan of Bella and I’ve always liked her fashion as it is simple and shows off her features. Thanks you for the tips, I will have to show my best friend who is obsessed.
bella’s fashion is simply but cool…
Hey guys! If you’re interested in getting the Curious Gypsy Cream Thermal? Go to this page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124654157584500 and join the group! Free, doesn’t cost anything except a second of your time! And please spread the word to get this top re-released. We were told by Curious Gypsy themselves that if we got enough names & request they would bring it back! So lets do this! Bring back this gorgeous top!
Hey everyone! If anyone is interested in the curious gypsy thermal that Bella wears in the first Twilight movie (it is the white top she is wearing in the picture under “bella basic’s) join this facebook page where it can be re-released if enough people want it:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124654157584500&v=wall&story_fbid=125111844205398&ref=notif¬if_t=feed_comment_reply#!/group.php?gid=124654157584500&v=wall&ref=notif
🙂
PEOPLE! SHAME! There are no correct and incorrect opinions on fashion. I very much like this post. Not because of the movie, actually I have recently started to dislike that my wardrobe has gotten too..fashiony( I know its not a word), and wanted a new inspiration for simplifying. Bella Swans look is a good picture of where I want to go. Anyhow, enough about me. There are no real right and wrongs in fashion. There are exactly as many ideas on what looks good as there are people. Just because some of us like heels and a mini, and some of us like jeans and a henley is no reason to call names. Its all good. If you were all together in a cofee shop, would you say such things out loud? GOD I hope not. So let us not do this here. A person worked hard and made this good post for which Im grateful. Im sad to say that a self proclaimed fourteen year old had the smartest comment.
As a guy who is a big twilight fan I think Bella is gorgeous and I love how she dresses. I wish I was Edward just so I could be with her! 😉
To Anna, NO, I don’t think that the clothing Bella wears shows that she looks gorgeous without trying too hard. She always wears very flattering clothing that is practical. If she had low self esteem, or didn’t want to look good, she would not wear such body revealing things. Her jeans are always fitted. Not too tight, but definitely showcasing those lovely long, long, long legs. The simple solid colors show off her gorgeous pale skin, dark eyes, and dark glorious hair(despite the wig in one movie). If you still don’t get it, walk into any department store from Nordstroms to Target and you will see tons of fitted plad shirts, solid color t’s and henleys, and skinny jeans just like Bella would wear. Her style has had a HUGE impact on clothing. Thank goodness. I like exactly that style of classic unfussy style. I know some people like you don’t know that style does not mean make up and heels, but I think its moving away from that.
truueeeeeeeee now i must rethink my whole life
Lizzy:
Kristen had to wear a wig for Eclipse, and she had to cut her hair for the Joan Jett (not Janice Joplin) biopic.
I agree about the red lace shirt however I think this post is trying to incorporate Bella’s look into a more fashionable style.
@taryn My point exactly! 😀 im like that to 🙂
I never thought a post on clothing picks for Bella’s style would be controversial! Anyway, I think you did a great job, love your choices!
so true
Bella / Kristen is amazing.
I am beyond obsession for Twilight. It’s Passion. No-one could understand how much I really do love Twilight. You’re underestimating it right now.
Her style is just so natural and unique. I used to dress very similar to her. But then I developed a less natural look and went onto more desiner type clothing. But I am inspired again to carry on with my style that I feel most comfertable clothes. Kristen is one of the few who doesn’t mind testing out new styles. I adore her for that. Love you Kristen, keep up your great work 🙂
xoxoxo – Meghan (:
girl, i totally understand you!!! i’m am sooooooooo obsessed and passionate about Twilight too!!! it’s great that we can understand each other!!! i am trying Bella’s style and i just love it! it’s so easy and nice, and it complements my not so curvy curves! love you!!!
I am a big fan of the Twilight series, and although I wouldn’t want to be exactly like Bella, I like certain tomboy pieces she wears. Thanks for writing about Bella’s style! I think this is a great post. 🙂
Nicely written article! I’m not a fan of Bella’s style, but the outfits you chose fit perfectly with her character.
I think it’d be a good idea to write an article on Kristen Stewart’s style. Her look is so effortless. I love how she can go from band tees and sneakers to beautiful red carpet attire.