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.
Wow, so much controversy over Bella’s style ! I’m probably alot older than your average reader – I’m 42. However, I’ve always felt that WHATEVER your fashion style is, it’s just that – YOURS ! Fashion represents who we all are as individuals; some of us are girly, some sporty, some trashy etc. Personally, Bella’s style is my style and has been since I was a preteen. I’ve never been a girly girl; I like comfortable, simple clothes without too much embellishment. That being said, I do follow fashion pretty closely….I have my UGG Adirondack boots, my Sorel Tivoli boots, my Chan Luu bracelets, my TNA winter jacket from ARITZIA, my ROOTS leather purse, my various SUPERDRY plaid shirts…….. you get the idea. Trying to be something I’m not isn’t for me !!!!! Personally, I loved the entire twilight franchise and totally identified with Bella’s character. “To thine own self be true”
I love the incorporation of Bella’s style! It fits perfectly! But, I am a Washingtonian, and I’m just saying, those are for sunny days and for spring, and the first part of fall. Otherwise it’s a little out of style and you’ll either be too hot or too cold…
To Alyssa (post #4)
Some people (myself included) have no desire, time or inclination to dress fancy every day. I’m very active and I frequently hike, rock climb or go backpacking. In my spare time I’m usually at the Library or in the garden. It makes no sense for me to dress like Rosalie since her style would be detrimental to the way I live. I can’t do any of these things in heels or skirts. Also, for me the biggest concern is what will keep me the warmest. I live in Nor. California and will be moving to northern Oregon shortly. Girly looks will not keep me warm. I find that I dress like Bella without the intent to do so but I still adore the clothes she wears! She looks like a girl who I would love to hang with and who wouldn’t mind getting dirty. This was a cool article to read. Oh and Bella does have nice hair, but I have dreadlocks and can’t curl them so usually my hair is either pinned up high in a bun, but i think I may try to incorporate beanies in my style too!
I love the way Bella dresses. The only thing I would change would be the shoes. Boots would look so much better and keep your feet drier (especially in a wet climate like Washington). The no/little makeup is great for active girls too. I prefer a little eyeliner and waterproof mascara but to each their own. Bella’s look works for me and so I will continue to dress like her, but with my own personal touches. 😀
I was a big fan of the turquoise jewelry used in these outfits. They added spice to a sweet & simple outfit, and that’s what jewelry is supposed to do! Thanks for the article!
Personally. I love Bella’s whole look. It’s very relaxed & natural. I’m a very busy mom of a toddler & pregnant with # 2 (our last). So no heels for me! Plus heels are horrid for your feet! My bf prefers the little to no make up as well. He’ll he likes Bella’s type of look as much as do. I also live in Northern Michigan. So it’s very cold for a huge chunk of the year. I really don’t understand why people bother to be negative about a post. Why are you here reading it in the first place? So thank you, for writing this post. It gave me some great ideas & I already have a few of these pieces! It honestly was quite enjoyable!
Thanks again,
Syd
wow!! thnx for that. im only 11 btw and i love bellas “i’ll just throw it on” look. i never used to like jeans and basics, i used to always love girly, frilly and glittery stuff but after i saw twilight, my life changed. hopefully that style will suit me. oh, yes. you have definatly translated it well. infact very well. oh btw i dont know whether to be team edward or team jacob. my whole family says jacob is cuter but i think they both are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i just cant choose!!!!!!
I for one love the way bella dresses im not the kinda girl who like to spend hours finding something to wear so i think the way she dresses is fine 🙂
I have contacted fossil but they can’t help me with just the picture of the bracelet. They ask me to find the style number of the bracelet. Do you happen to have more information on that bracelet? Thank you!
Anissa – We don’t have the style number of the bracelet, sorry! This post was written in 2009, so most of the products are no longer available. If it helps, the bracelet was available when this post was published, on December 13, 2009, but that’s the best we can do. Sorry we can’t be of more help!
Tell us about Alice’s style! She is such a fashionista!
thanks that was sups helofull next thought do one on alice cullen and roslie hale please
Team edward all the way and thats alot to type i have seen new moon so all questions answered
I am all for team Edward, he’s too muh of a teen heartthrob for me to resist ??????
Wow, so much controversy over Bella’s style ! I’m probably alot older than your average reader – I’m 42. However, I’ve always felt that WHATEVER your fashion style is, it’s just that – YOURS ! Fashion represents who we all are as individuals; some of us are girly, some sporty, some trashy etc. Personally, Bella’s style is my style and has been since I was a preteen. I’ve never been a girly girl; I like comfortable, simple clothes without too much embellishment. That being said, I do follow fashion pretty closely….I have my UGG Adirondack boots, my Sorel Tivoli boots, my Chan Luu bracelets, my TNA winter jacket from ARITZIA, my ROOTS leather purse, my various SUPERDRY plaid shirts…….. you get the idea. Trying to be something I’m not isn’t for me !!!!! Personally, I loved the entire twilight franchise and totally identified with Bella’s character. “To thine own self be true”
I love the incorporation of Bella’s style! It fits perfectly! But, I am a Washingtonian, and I’m just saying, those are for sunny days and for spring, and the first part of fall. Otherwise it’s a little out of style and you’ll either be too hot or too cold…
To Alyssa (post #4)
Some people (myself included) have no desire, time or inclination to dress fancy every day. I’m very active and I frequently hike, rock climb or go backpacking. In my spare time I’m usually at the Library or in the garden. It makes no sense for me to dress like Rosalie since her style would be detrimental to the way I live. I can’t do any of these things in heels or skirts. Also, for me the biggest concern is what will keep me the warmest. I live in Nor. California and will be moving to northern Oregon shortly. Girly looks will not keep me warm. I find that I dress like Bella without the intent to do so but I still adore the clothes she wears! She looks like a girl who I would love to hang with and who wouldn’t mind getting dirty. This was a cool article to read. Oh and Bella does have nice hair, but I have dreadlocks and can’t curl them so usually my hair is either pinned up high in a bun, but i think I may try to incorporate beanies in my style too!
I love the way Bella dresses. The only thing I would change would be the shoes. Boots would look so much better and keep your feet drier (especially in a wet climate like Washington). The no/little makeup is great for active girls too. I prefer a little eyeliner and waterproof mascara but to each their own. Bella’s look works for me and so I will continue to dress like her, but with my own personal touches. 😀
I was a big fan of the turquoise jewelry used in these outfits. They added spice to a sweet & simple outfit, and that’s what jewelry is supposed to do! Thanks for the article!
Personally. I love Bella’s whole look. It’s very relaxed & natural. I’m a very busy mom of a toddler & pregnant with # 2 (our last). So no heels for me! Plus heels are horrid for your feet! My bf prefers the little to no make up as well. He’ll he likes Bella’s type of look as much as do. I also live in Northern Michigan. So it’s very cold for a huge chunk of the year. I really don’t understand why people bother to be negative about a post. Why are you here reading it in the first place? So thank you, for writing this post. It gave me some great ideas & I already have a few of these pieces! It honestly was quite enjoyable!
Thanks again,
Syd
Hello my name is Bella Swan in real xD funny
I like here dress!
wow!! thnx for that. im only 11 btw and i love bellas “i’ll just throw it on” look. i never used to like jeans and basics, i used to always love girly, frilly and glittery stuff but after i saw twilight, my life changed. hopefully that style will suit me. oh, yes. you have definatly translated it well. infact very well. oh btw i dont know whether to be team edward or team jacob. my whole family says jacob is cuter but i think they both are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i just cant choose!!!!!!
i guess its an awesome post i loved it …….!!!!!!!!!
I for one love the way bella dresses im not the kinda girl who like to spend hours finding something to wear so i think the way she dresses is fine 🙂
i love the way Bella Swan dreeses and i want to be her twin and dress like her so i toatly love this website.
You guys should totally do when on Rosalie!
(Great Post Though)
I have contacted fossil but they can’t help me with just the picture of the bracelet. They ask me to find the style number of the bracelet. Do you happen to have more information on that bracelet? Thank you!
Anissa – We don’t have the style number of the bracelet, sorry! This post was written in 2009, so most of the products are no longer available. If it helps, the bracelet was available when this post was published, on December 13, 2009, but that’s the best we can do. Sorry we can’t be of more help!