I can’t tell you how many times readers have commented on some of our authors’ covers to say, “Wow! I wish a dress like this was around today, because I’d totally wear it.”
Well, just for fun, I thought I’d search some fashion websites for dresses that look like they could have been inspired by book covers. So if you want to imitate the “look” of your favorite novel, you know where to go.
Would you want to wear this one in the swamps of Louisiana? Probably not. But this empire dress has an updated version of the pattern-overlay in gold, plus that bow mimicking the lace-up back of the original design. Add a little lace, and you might feel a little like Julianne Chevalier from The Mark of the King.
The color here is nearly spot-on and the Victorian-inspired details in both are fun, but what really makes this teal lace dress the twin for The Heart’s Appeal is that it’s called “London Exquisite Elegance,” the same setting as the book!
If you love the art-deco look of the early 1900s, this cranberry maxi dress is the one for you. The beadwork on both shares the same intricate style, though you might want to invest in some jewelry for the modern outfit…just make sure it’s not going to involve you in a plot of intrigue like the jewels in The Reluctant Duchess!
This mint formal gown has the fun layers and elegance of the one on With Every Breath. And, let’s be real, the heroine on the cover is breathless because she’s literally finding the cure for tuberculosis, whereas the modern model probably just can’t breathe in a dress that fits like that.
This midi dress has the same causal feel of its counterpart a century before, with a similar V-neckline…and while the modern dress might have a higher hemline, it’s also advertised as a yachting dress, so she and the heroine of Out of the Ordinary have a lot in common.
You’d need a lot of daring to pull off this bright red flare dress…just like the scheming protagonist of A Match Made in Texas. Here, the bow on the bustle becomes a bow-tied neckline, but it’s got all the bold style of the original.
The plaid on the trim of With You Always translates to a larger print in the 21st century skater dress, but the collar and silhouette are similar, and both seem like they’d be comfortable and stylish for travel (probably not by train, though).
Okay, readers, which of these dresses is your favorite? (Authors, this might be a fun game to play on Facebook with your fans to find photos of “lookalike” fashion!)
Bethany House Fiction 
What a clever post! Love it. I might possibly wear the plaid dress, if I had a waist that tiny. ๐
I really liked the style of that one too, Jocelyn!
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
This post is fabulous – love the creativity! The modern day dresses are beautiful interpretations of the historical dresses. Green really isn’t my color, but the green lacy dress is stunning.
Thanks, Valerie! I agree…it would be fun to wear to a fancy dress-up event.
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
I love the sky blue and then the light green.
Great picks! I think the blue one would be a tad bit more comfortable, though…
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
The Heart’s Appeal might be my fave cover of the year if only for that dress color! What a fun post!
Isn’t the teal stunning? I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
Everyone who truly knows me, knows I adore plaid, but the style pictured would look horrid on my lumpy frame. Just sayin’.
Plaid is super fun, and I like the understated pattern of this one. (And yes, these models are all totally unrealistic, ha!)
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
They are all beautiful, but my favorite is the cranberry maxi dress! Love this post!
I love that one too!
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
My favorite would be the look-alike for The Mark of the King. They all are beautiful.
That one is fun, although I don’t think I could pull it off. ๐
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
This is such a fun idea! I love the With Every Breath inspired one best! I just recently bought an Edwardian style evening dress that I plan to wear and pose for photos holding Roseanna’s books! Yes, I might be a tad obsessed with that era! LOL! ๐โค๏ธ
What a fun idea, Caitlyn! I’m sure it’s a lovely dress to go with some lovely books.
Amy Green
BHP Fiction Publicist
This was such a fun post!
I love them all, especially the plaid and red ones.
The plaid one. ๐ What a fun post!!!!
I love the lace teal dress of The Heartโs Appeal.
Second would be the red from A Match Made in Texas.
They are all stunning!
This is a fun post! I love the green plaid.
Love this post – so fun! The dress for A Match Made in Texas stood out for me.
Very nice. I love The Reluctant Duchess. The red skirt on that dress is lovely. Love the cranberry.
I love the teal lace dress and I can picture myself wearing it. I like several of the other ones, but I donโt think they are my style.
Fun idea! I love Bethany House covers! They look so elegant and gorgeous. I’m not sure I’d be able to wear many of these dresses and do them justice.
How to choose?! They are all gorgeous! Though, if I must, 1,3 and 6. Excuse me now, I must go dress shopping (donโt tell my husband).
What fun! I like the cranberry maxi dress!
WOW! You really nailed the corresponding dresses!
I can’t pick a favorite!
Thanks for such a fun post!
Blessings~๐
What a fun post. Thanks for sharing this. I think you did a great job matching up the dresses.
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