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.
119 thoughts on “How To Copy Bella Swan’s Style from Twilight”
Heeeey, I loved this! The thing is – sometimes its really, really cold outside and your really lazy and its really hard to pull off anything coherent. You don’t have to go everywhere to be photographed – actually, people like you better if you have style, but don’t push it too hard. Sometimes, too many over the knee boots and crazy chic scarves while everyone at a party is wearing jeans, tshirt and converse is so NOT okay. And Bella knows how to pull off the cute-comfy reaaaally well!
Great post! Thankssssss
Sure many of you agree Bella Swan does not have style or may not even like Bella to begin with, but there are many other readers who may hold interest in this type of look.
If there isn’t something constructive or positive to say, don’t say it. If you think the website is getting “lame” bring it up to Zephyr instead of spamming the comment section of this article. At least be considerate to the other users and blogger of this site.
I’m with Clarissa. Janie, you say a lot of college students like to dress like Bella. But the target audience of CollegeFashion are only those of the students, who care about fashion and are looking for inspiration for their daily styles.
And it’s just a fact that most of the regular site visiters don’t find this post inspirational in any way. You mentioned construtive comments and we are actually giving one and by expressing our feelings we are helping to improve this site.
College Fashion is also a free community and you can’t demand from people to always write “I absolutely love that” or “That’s so awesome” even if it’s not that at all.
Kim,
You know I’m not the biggest Twilight fan and of course I have no idea who Bella is. But all that doesn’t matter because I always love the way you write your articles and you never cease to amaze me when you write them!
So good job once again, my love. (=
Oh my gosh! I’m really alarmed at the way people have been responding to this. Like Kim said, just because you don’t like something posted on this site, you shouldn’t start trashing it.
There is a huge difference between expressing your honest opinion with tact and respect for others, and just being plain rude about it. I think people should keep in mind that Kim took the time out to write a post about something that was REQUESTED by other readers. I personally think that’s great! While I’m not a huge fan of Bella’s style, I still think this is a well written article and it’s really nice to see the girls at College Fashion are responding to requests that readers are making. If you don’t like Bella’s style, don’t read the article!
Kim, I hope you’re not discouraged by some peoples’ really rude comments posted here. Even if I don’t love every topic of every article, I ABSOLUTELY love reading ALL the articles – they’re good quality pieces of writing and I can always draw inspiration and ideas from them (and I’m sure the majority of readers share this opinion).
College Fashion has always been a site with respectful and constructive comments – let’s keep it that way everyone!
i absoloutley want to be like bella, she is truly one of my idols. i would like to know how to act like her?
i read the books and narrowed down the basics on the; quiet, stubborn, everythings bad attitude;
and i am naturally alot of those things, i just want to know how she did her hair in new moon, the striaght/
wavvy look she had going on i just wanted it. any thoughts or how to help me???
thanks!
1) if you hate bella, why did you read this post? I think this could be useful for those girls who like to dress in a simple way and have a hard time doing it, or just hate thinking too much about it.
2) i agree that the topics have changed a bit, i was more intrested in general things like tips for job interview outfits with a cool twist (all the other articles i’ve found were aimed at older women) or those useful articles listing the wardrobe basics. Maybe you can add another section about those things. I also agree that the outfits are getting safer.
3) I still read the blog because I appreciate the effort and the articles are interesting. Keep going girls!!
Wow, who would have thought this would cause such a stir?
I haven’t seen the Twilight movies but based on the pictures I have seen, no, Bella Swan’s style isn’t the greatest. However, who’s to say that someone can’t draw inspiration from it? What if someone LIKES the laidback “I don’t care” look? When I look at the clothes Kim picked out, I’m reminded of a lot of college students that roam around the village in NYC. It’s a comfortable, simple, somewhat-grungy sort of look. Again, SOME PEOPLE LIKE THAT.
It’s fine to not like a style but to be rude about it is… well… rude!
I totally agree with a lot of these comments, like Bella’s style (in my opinion is majorly bland and A&F/Hollister/Jackwills-ey and not at all individual. but i think Kim did a really good job with what she could and I think it’s nice that CF listens to it’s readers, very democratic.
Can you please do one on Charmed I know alot of the fashion is a bit outdated but they are so kickass and feminist in what they wear (& sneakily sexy).
Keep up the good work 🙂
I don’t understand all the rude comments on this. If you don’t like Bella’s style, you didn’t have to read this, and you definitely didn’t have to comment. Keep the negativity and hatred to yourself.
After a few exchange of emails with Fossil, I now know the model number of the bracelet which is JA2784040. Thank you again for such a good article. Bella is easy to relate to and I love her style. I fell in love with that bracelet! Hopefully it will soon be on my wrist.
@Kimberly I think that more and more every post – what happened to quality? Now it seems to be more about quality. PLEASE go back to Zephyr! I’d rather have a few posts a week that I adore than multiple daily that I don’t like.. Bella Swan, seriously?
Whatever everyones saying, look how many hits this post has has just because it’s Twilight! Loved it, great post, and love the variety of content and writers.
Heeeey, I loved this! The thing is – sometimes its really, really cold outside and your really lazy and its really hard to pull off anything coherent. You don’t have to go everywhere to be photographed – actually, people like you better if you have style, but don’t push it too hard. Sometimes, too many over the knee boots and crazy chic scarves while everyone at a party is wearing jeans, tshirt and converse is so NOT okay. And Bella knows how to pull off the cute-comfy reaaaally well!
Great post! Thankssssss
Keep up with the posts Kim!
Sure many of you agree Bella Swan does not have style or may not even like Bella to begin with, but there are many other readers who may hold interest in this type of look.
If there isn’t something constructive or positive to say, don’t say it. If you think the website is getting “lame” bring it up to Zephyr instead of spamming the comment section of this article. At least be considerate to the other users and blogger of this site.
I’m with Clarissa. Janie, you say a lot of college students like to dress like Bella. But the target audience of CollegeFashion are only those of the students, who care about fashion and are looking for inspiration for their daily styles.
And it’s just a fact that most of the regular site visiters don’t find this post inspirational in any way. You mentioned construtive comments and we are actually giving one and by expressing our feelings we are helping to improve this site.
College Fashion is also a free community and you can’t demand from people to always write “I absolutely love that” or “That’s so awesome” even if it’s not that at all.
Kim,
You know I’m not the biggest Twilight fan and of course I have no idea who Bella is. But all that doesn’t matter because I always love the way you write your articles and you never cease to amaze me when you write them!
So good job once again, my love. (=
Oh my gosh! I’m really alarmed at the way people have been responding to this. Like Kim said, just because you don’t like something posted on this site, you shouldn’t start trashing it.
There is a huge difference between expressing your honest opinion with tact and respect for others, and just being plain rude about it. I think people should keep in mind that Kim took the time out to write a post about something that was REQUESTED by other readers. I personally think that’s great! While I’m not a huge fan of Bella’s style, I still think this is a well written article and it’s really nice to see the girls at College Fashion are responding to requests that readers are making. If you don’t like Bella’s style, don’t read the article!
Kim, I hope you’re not discouraged by some peoples’ really rude comments posted here. Even if I don’t love every topic of every article, I ABSOLUTELY love reading ALL the articles – they’re good quality pieces of writing and I can always draw inspiration and ideas from them (and I’m sure the majority of readers share this opinion).
College Fashion has always been a site with respectful and constructive comments – let’s keep it that way everyone!
i absoloutley want to be like bella, she is truly one of my idols. i would like to know how to act like her?
i read the books and narrowed down the basics on the; quiet, stubborn, everythings bad attitude;
and i am naturally alot of those things, i just want to know how she did her hair in new moon, the striaght/
wavvy look she had going on i just wanted it. any thoughts or how to help me???
thanks!
Janie, I kinda now get your point too. Yeah let the whole thing be: Fashion should be fun. =)
wow… controversy!! i love it.
1) if you hate bella, why did you read this post? I think this could be useful for those girls who like to dress in a simple way and have a hard time doing it, or just hate thinking too much about it.
2) i agree that the topics have changed a bit, i was more intrested in general things like tips for job interview outfits with a cool twist (all the other articles i’ve found were aimed at older women) or those useful articles listing the wardrobe basics. Maybe you can add another section about those things. I also agree that the outfits are getting safer.
3) I still read the blog because I appreciate the effort and the articles are interesting. Keep going girls!!
Wow, who would have thought this would cause such a stir?
I haven’t seen the Twilight movies but based on the pictures I have seen, no, Bella Swan’s style isn’t the greatest. However, who’s to say that someone can’t draw inspiration from it? What if someone LIKES the laidback “I don’t care” look? When I look at the clothes Kim picked out, I’m reminded of a lot of college students that roam around the village in NYC. It’s a comfortable, simple, somewhat-grungy sort of look. Again, SOME PEOPLE LIKE THAT.
It’s fine to not like a style but to be rude about it is… well… rude!
I don’t see why anyone would want to dress like Bella, maybe for halloween, but thats it. She really doesn’t even have a style.
I totally agree with a lot of these comments, like Bella’s style (in my opinion is majorly bland and A&F/Hollister/Jackwills-ey and not at all individual. but i think Kim did a really good job with what she could and I think it’s nice that CF listens to it’s readers, very democratic.
Can you please do one on Charmed I know alot of the fashion is a bit outdated but they are so kickass and feminist in what they wear (& sneakily sexy).
Keep up the good work 🙂
I think the major faux pas of this post is that Modcloth actually has a higher quality replica of the ACTUAL Twilight jacket:
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Outerwear/Jacket+from+Twilight
I don’t understand all the rude comments on this. If you don’t like Bella’s style, you didn’t have to read this, and you definitely didn’t have to comment. Keep the negativity and hatred to yourself.
After a few exchange of emails with Fossil, I now know the model number of the bracelet which is JA2784040. Thank you again for such a good article. Bella is easy to relate to and I love her style. I fell in love with that bracelet! Hopefully it will soon be on my wrist.
@Kimberly I think that more and more every post – what happened to quality? Now it seems to be more about quality. PLEASE go back to Zephyr! I’d rather have a few posts a week that I adore than multiple daily that I don’t like.. Bella Swan, seriously?
Whatever everyones saying, look how many hits this post has has just because it’s Twilight! Loved it, great post, and love the variety of content and writers.
It’s a shame that there is all this aggro.