Classics

Book Style: ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND by Lewis Carroll

Brandi Bailey

Staff Writer

Brandi can be found writing about books and dreaming up outfits on her blog, Book Style. She'll probably be reading something with mythology, Brits, unicorns, a feisty heroine, or (ideally) all of the above. She has lived in too many cities, but has settled down in Portland with her awesome husband and almost-as-awesome cat. Follow her on Instagram @PinkBBWhiskey.

Book Style: Alice in Wonderland Men's VersionAs a self-proclaimed Alice fangirl, I’ve brainstormed more than a few Wonderland-inspired outfits over the years. The whimsical, zany, and engrossing world(s) of Lewis Carroll – aka Charles Dodgson – have captivated generations and consistently prove to have an ageless appeal. The number of pastiches, homages and spinoffs that Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has spawned is massive, and thanks to a certain Disney film, cultural saturation is pretty much complete. One thing you don’t see enough of though is a more masculine spin on Alice. I started off with doing a straight gender-swap for Alice the character, but didn’t really like where it took me, and by that, I mean the pinafore was a big problem. Also, I really missed pulling in some of The Mad Hatter elements. So this is more of a general Wonderland outfit and not specific to any one character, but I humbly present to you A Gentleman’s Alice.

The main outfit consists of some poppy-but-not-overly-vibrant chinos, a “Purple Wonderland” shirt, a White Rabbit-worthy waistcoat, and a “Playful Heart” cardigan. The leather sneakers walk the line between casual and dressy and feature a zip off top… “Off with their heads!” A pop of blue from the belt ties in with a chapeau that any Hatter would love to own, I’m sure. The tie is absolutely optional, but, really, who would decline a Caterpillar-inspired mushroom example, particularly when paired with a Rabbit tie clip? I think this Cheshire Cat quoting cuff works for women and men, and what quote has ever proved more universally appropriate than “We’re all mad here”? Toss in a modern spin on the pocket watch and you’re all set for your next tea date.