Looks from Books is a new biweekly column offering solid proof that you can look smart, while still being book-smart as well.

Fashion inspiration can be found between the lines of your favorite stories, well-designed book covers, and awesome characters… if you read closely enough. Classic literature, fun chic lit, YA novels, sci-fi, childhood faves, graphic novels, fairy tales, Shakespeare — if the book is in print, then there’s a good chance I’ll be covering outfits inspired by the letters on the page! Suggestions and feedback are always welcome. Enjoy, and read on!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – $10.79 at Amazon

First things first, I really want to thank everyone who commented on the first Looks from Books post on The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants fashion. Your contributions and suggestions were all great and I read every one of them!

The Fault in Our Stars was a title that I saw multiple times while scanning the responses, and I am glad that so many of you suggested it as a possible source of inspiration. Fashion wasn’t the first thing on my mind when I read this book (I was mostly wiping the tears off my face or drooling over Augustus Waters), but inspiration can be found everywhere!

Bookworm Basics – About The Fault in Our Stars:

The Fault in Our Stars is John Green’s fourth novel after his other works,Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, and An Abundance of Katherines. John Green has also collaborated with other authors to write titles such as Will Grayson Will Grayson,Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances, and four short stories.

is John Green’s fourth novel after his other works,Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, and An Abundance of Katherines. John Green has also collaborated with other authors to write titles such as Will Grayson Will Grayson,Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances, and four short stories. The story revolves around sixteen-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster, who has been living with cancer for years. Most of her time is spent reading and watching TV with her parents. When she reluctantly heads over to a support group meeting (in the “literal heart of Jesus”) for other teens with cancer, she meets Augustus Waters — a larger-than-life boy in remission with dreams and crazy mannerisms and a love of really violent video games. What happens between these two characters is beautiful to read. No spoilers, but you’re really going to want a box of kleenex handy by the time you reach the end.

The Fault in Our Stars is quickly becoming one of John Green’s most popular books yet! Notable authors such as Markus Zusak and Jodi Picoult wrote raving reviews and the film rights have already been purchased by Fox 2000! We can expect a movie adaptation of the book in the future.

Judging a Book By Its Cover

Shirt, Shoes, Jeans, Belt, Clutch

Book lovers everywhere know that it’s impossible to judge the quality of a story by its cover alone. However, sometimes the cover can offer great ideas for outfits. The cover’s color scheme – sunny yellow, mixed with a mellow cornflower blue and standard black – is creative and cute.

Duplicate the novel’s color palette with this sleeveless chiffon top – loose and flowing, but still feminine, it’s the kind of shirt that can be dressed up or worn casually with jeans. Tucked in, with a white belt and funky clutch and black heels, it becomes dressy! Worn with quirky kitty flats? Casual. This reminds me of the sort of outfit Hazel might have worn to hang out with Augustus and Isaac to play video games.

An Amsterdam Style Picnic

Dress, Wedges, Cuff, Earrings, Tote, Sunglasses

This look was inspired by the picnic scene, during which Augustus takes Hazel out on an elaborately planned, Amsterdam-themed picnic in the park playground. Some of you are wondering, “why an Amsterdam theme?” Well, SPOILER ALERT: He uses his cancer kid wish to take her to there so they can contact their favorite author of An Imperial Affliction. So with Amsterdam in mind, Augustus prepares orange foods and themes for the picnic because he is that detail-conscious and sweet! Aww.

Tangerine and turquoise shades were very big this summer, and they add a bit of pop to a pretty and delicate pastel picnic outfit. Interestingly enough, the store where the wedges are from is Dutch! Just a side note.

Nerdfighters Unite

Skirt, Shoes, Tights, Glasses Frame, Bag, Shirt

Hazel and Augustus are my kind of people. Not only do they fall in love with an amazing book (and each other), they become so into the book that they travel all the way across the world for that book. They have deep discussions in the middle of the night about that book. One of the reasons the two become so close is because of that book. This level of passion for literature is absolutely appreciated on my part!

In one of his YouTube videos, John Green says, “nerds are allowed to love stuff, like jump-up-and-down-in-the-chair-can’t-control-yourself-love it” and that’s how I felt about this book. So go ahead and embrace your inner nerdiness with this outfit. The classic collared shirt shouts “back to school” when paired with tights and ankle booties. (I know it’s only July, but I’m already thinking ahead and grabbing deals on coats and such!) For the brave at heart, try wearing this outfit with a vibrant printed skirt – the zebra pattern on this one is zany and fun, and definitely a conversation-starter. If it’s not your style, a plain pleated skirt would be equally cute.

What Do You Think?

Have you read The Fault in OurStars? How did you like it compared to John Green’s other books? Do you consider yourself a nerdfighter? Which of these outfits did you like the most? Leave any suggestions or comments down below, and to quote John Green one more time, “don’t forget to be awesome!”