I thought I’d come up with a new feature on my blog which brings together two things I love – reading and fashion – and take style inspiration from the pages of novels. I’m hoping it’ll get me reading more in my first long Summer break from Uni.
The first novel I’ll look at is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I literally finished the book a few days ago and would definitely recommend it. It’s a beautiful novel and felt almost intentionally slow paced as you follow the characters through their lives.
[Disclaimer! there may be a few spoilers in this post in the form of pictures from the film
“In one of the most acclaimed and strange novels of recent years, Kazuo Ishiguro imagines the lives of a group of students growing up in a darkly skewered version of contemporary England. Narrated by Kathy, now 31, “Never Let Me Go” hauntingly dramatises her attempts to come to terms with her childhood at the seemingly idyllic Hailsham School, and with the fate that has always awaited her and her closest friends in the wider world. A story of love, friendship and memory, “Never Let Me Go” is charged throughout with a sense of the fragility of life.”
Waterstones.com
The book infers a timeless setting and the film (starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield) backs this up, though clearly takes inspiration from Britain in the late 70’s and 80’s/early 90’s.
I thought I’d focus on the style of the lead character of Kathy (Carey Mulligan in the film).
Young adult Kathy’s look, in a nutshell, can be described as quintessentially English country girl. The character dresses for comfort with knitted sweaters, scarves and knitted hosiery. Although never coming across as much of a girly-girl, Kathy was always subtly feminine using blouses, the very on trend midi-skirt and preppy flats such as loafers or brogues to keep from looking like a tomboy. Other pieces are country girl essentials such as the quilted coat and wellington boots – currently perfect for the erratic British weather this Summer. The colour palette is also very simple; lots of neutral colours such as beige and cream, mixed with darker shades of green and brown.
