Book Style: Much Ado About Nothing

For outfit details click image.

Continuing our adventure in Shakespearean Book Styles, today we're styling Much Ado About Nothing. For those unfamiliar with it's slightly complex plot - seriously, I love The Bard's comedies, but an Abbot and Costello routine is often easier to follow - let me give you a brief outline: Benedick and Beatrice secretly love each other, but don't even know it themselves, so spend all their time flirting bickering while their friends scheme to set them up. Claudio and Hero fall head-over-heels in love before an asshole named Don John tricks Claudio into believing Hero has been unfaithful, leading to Claudio slut-shaming her on their planned wedding day. Before the truth is revealed and all the lovers can be reunited Hero "dies from shame". When Don John's plans are finally uncovered, a distraught Claudio is forced by Hero's father (who's been bankrolling the insane amount of festivities the entire play, btw) to publicly un-slander Hero and to marry Hero's "cousin" who is really Hero-who-only-faked-her-death because nothing says true love like being called a whore and then giving your One True Love™ a heart attack from shock at the altar. I always like the bickering Beatrice and Benedick better, anyways. 

Onto the actual clothing. I drew inspiration for this outfit from a modern Italian donna di mondo. I paired this "Claudio" skirt with a military-style sleeveless blouse for the sheer joy of contrast, floaty meets regimented. A "Real Hero" leather jacket easily takes this look into colder temps. These "Margaret" booties also transition nicely into colder temps - just add tights when you get chilly! A striking "Beatrice" tote bag and a "Beatrice" rose crown are so delightfully Italian to me. A statement "Hero" bracelet pairs nicely with a "Gossip" citrine ring, "Ursula" tassel necklace, and masquerade-worthy earrings. A pair of "Benedict" aviators add the perfect incognito touch.