I was 12 years old in 1996 when Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet came out. Although I wasn't quite a freshman in high school yet (I was studying roles in Shakespeare's tragedies), I knew I wanted to dress like Juliet Capulet. I mean, who doesn't want to be Claire Danes in the '90s?
At the time, when I was introduced to this classic love story, my age was actually not that far from that of Juliet in the play. Yeah, it's kind of scary considering the whole idea behind Romeo and Juliet is about a crazy, impulsive love where both parties end up committing suicide because they can't be together (in the physical world, anyway). Now that I'm an adult, Juliet's behavior as a young woman is far from what I'd like to emulate, but I still don't mind admitting that the portrayal of her in Danes' film fascinates me.
The costume designers on "Romeo and Juliet" were able to dress the characters in a timeless way that spans decades, but still has enough '90s charm that has made a recent comeback to fascinate and inspire our wardrobes today.
Here are five items that will help you be the teenager you once were and transform yourself into a contemporary, adult version of the ever-ethereal '90s Juliet. You still inspire us, Claire!
1. Angel Costume
This is probably Juliet's most iconic look from the film, it's the first time we see her wearing it, and the first time we see her wearing it during Romeo's elaborate party at the Capulets' house clothing. It must have been this outfit that made him fall in love with her. Because, you know, clothes do that in movies. But who wouldn’t be in awe of those angel wings? Although you might not wear wings in your everyday wear, you can still wear a dress that gives you an angelic vibe. I found a cute, long, flowing piece at H&M.
Beaded chiffon dress, $50, H&M
2.Juliet’s wedding dress
Her love for white gowns continued in this film, which was the halter top wedding dress she wore in the film. Although you might not choose a wedding look when copying this style, you can still make this look suitable for a formal occasion or an evening out. This particular piece from ModCloth is a little pricey, but hey, it’s a special piece of clothing.
Plain Your Style Dress, $165, Modcloth
2. Boyfriend style T-shirt
Again we see Juliet in white waiting for her new husband to return to her. She wore an oversized white T-shirt comfortably. You can buy baggy tees like these just about anywhere, and we all know they're perfect for almost any informal occasion.
Boyfriend VT shirt—Mossimo Supply Co, $9, Target
4. Sailor suit
As cute as it is, you can make this sailor/schoolgirl look flawless like an adult in this ModCloth dress.
Savvy sailor skirt, $70, Modcloth
5. Pink silk top
Nothing says romance and sophistication like silk and pink. This is the perfect top for anyone who loves Juliet. While the scene where she wears this top isn't the most pleasant (as she says goodbye to her mother as she prepares to take her medication, it would make her look dead), it's still a cute nod to the character's essence. . I found a few while searching on Etsy, like this one.
Vintage pink satin mandarin top, $22, Etsy
So go ahead: fall in love, channel Juliet, don fancy costumes, and rewrite Shakespeare's ending.
Image: 20th Century Fox; courtesy Brand
