When Fashion Becomes Character Inspiration

I bought a few dresses that completely changed how I see my characters. Each one was more than just a dress—it was a spark of inspiration for a different persona, a new character that I could imagine wearing it. It’s funny how fashion can do that: how a simple dress can bring a character to life, giving them a voice, a personality, and a story. Here’s how these dresses inspired me to see my characters in a whole new light.

Dress: Bridgerton

This dress is like the embodiment of spring itself—fresh, vibrant, and full of possibility. It’s a soft blend of blues and greens. The cut is Bridgerton-inspired—tight just under the bust and then flowing out into a graceful A-line, which gives it a timeless yet current silhouette. It’s the kind of dress you’d imagine wearing while strolling by a serene lake, embodying both peacefulness and fun. A subtle balance of nature and modernity, it’s for a woman who enjoys the simple joys of life with a playful twist.

Dress 2: Goddess

This dress is edgy, with a bit of an attitude. Perfect for someone who doesn't like to conform to society's expectations and is always pushing boundaries. It embodies a spirit of independence, courage, and strength, something every female with a purpose needs. As well as a little distraction because who doesn't like feeling powerful and in control.

Dress: Romantic

The first dress I picked up was soft, flowing, and filled with delicate flowery details. I immediately thought of my character, Lily, who lives in a world of daydreams. She would wear this dress on quiet afternoons by the lake near her apartment. Her mind is always wandering about what's next. It’s the kind of dress that whispers elegance, but it also represents a character who's a little lost in her thoughts—a dreamer at heart.

Dress: Siren

This dress radiates undeniable siren vibes—sophisticated, alluring, and impossible to ignore. The background is a crisp white, adorned with different styles of flowers in shades of sapphire blue that practically shimmer with life. The waist is nothing short of stunning, cinched in a way that accentuates every curve. This dress calls to mind someone who holds the room's attention without saying a word, much like Katerina. She’s mysterious and magnetic, and when she steps into a space, it’s impossible to look away. Perfect for a scene where she enters a dimly lit lounge, her presence commanding attention, the deep blue flowers catching the light, adding to her allure.

Dress: The Free Spirit

This dress radiates the essence of a free spirit, effortlessly capturing the feeling of being fully alive in every moment. With a background of soft white and scattered blue flowers, the dress has a natural, laid-back vibe, while the dark and lighter green leaves add a touch of earthy charm. It hugs the body just right, accentuating the figure, and the back creates the perfect peekaboo arch, giving it an unexpected, playful edge. This is the kind of dress that would be worn by someone who dances to her own rhythm

Dress: Enchantress

This dress commands attention with its halter top that gracefully showcases the neckline and accentuates the bust. The rich green hue gives it a sophisticated allure, while the featherlight material flows effortlessly with every step. The dress moves with the air as if the character herself is floating through the room, each step full of poise and confidence, just like Ella.

In just one afternoon, these dresses showed me how much fashion can inspire a character’s personality and journey. The beauty of writing romance is that, just like these dresses, each character has their own story waiting to be told.

Did the pictures feel short? There are more on my Instagram account.