Although Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the classic Little Women came out on Boxing Day, we haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. Jo’s hair, Timothée Chalamet as Laurie, new Amy (oh, how we love new Amy) and the clothes!

PLW (that’s post-Little Women) I found myself renewing my relationship with my trusty headband and re-introducing a frilly collar to my sartorial repertoire. And I was not the only one. 

Upon my first week back at work, I am greeted with a bevy of March sisters at Stylist HQ. Smock dresses with chunky walking boots, a red plaid dress paired with an oversized wool coat, cardigans, frilly bibs and a few more stomper boots for good measure. It turns out we are all subconsciously (or consciously in my case) dressing like a March sister. 

Whether you call it boho-chic or Victoriana – it’s dressing with decadence, plenty of frills and with a heavy dose of femininity. The film (if you haven’t seen it, stop reading this and go now) brings voluminous sleeves, knitted shawls, velvet bows, headbands and huge statement-making dresses into the spotlight; all of which were put together by award-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran, the brains behind that green Atonement dress.

The good news is, you can ape the March sisters’ style, without going full 19th century Victorian nighty, hair bow and candle look. There’s a little bit of a prairie for everyone. 

Whether you’re a Jo or a (new) Amy or even an Aunt March, we’ve decoded how you can tackle the autumn / winter trends with sensibility of a March sister. 

Amy March, played by Florence Pugh

The youngest of the March sisters and often seen as the villain of the story, however in Gerwig’s reworking a new light is shone on Amy. Although she displays her characteristic brat-like behaviour at the beginning of the film, she matures into a character with lasting impact. 

Plus she has the best fashion in the film. Don’t let the plaits fool you, this headstrong woman dresses with purpose. Cult brands like Batsheva, The Vampire’s Wife and Zimmermann have given the approval for lace insert blouses, full bodied skirts and pretty dresses.

Jo March, played by Saoirse Ronan

The aspiring writer and eldest of the sisters takes on 19th century city dressing in the form of power suits, peasant blouses and collars wrapped in neck ties. Channel your best headstrong, creative self via a smock top with jeans or an earthy toned suit.

Meg March, played by Emma Watson

Meg is the idealistic dresser, putting her family first before her love for fashion. There is that one occasion where the dream becomes reality and she is swathed in mountains of pink tulle, but for the most part, the reality is cosy cardigans, full skirts and straw hats. If you’re more of a Meg in everyday dressing, tuck a T-shirt into a midi skirt and save the fancy dresses for fancy dos.

Beth March, played by Eliza Scanlen

Generous, soft, sweet Beth is the best of the March sisters. So pure and yet so tragic, the sobs in the cinema for Beth were resounding. Make like Beth and repurpose your nightwear as daywear. Look to Sleeper and LoveShackFancy for a fashionable foot forward in this trend and bring it forward a couple of centuries and match your nighty with chunky trainers.

Aunt March, played by Meryl Streep

I mean, who else would play Aunt March but Meryl Streep? Intimidating yet modest Aunt March works an all-black look with luxurious details. Go for minimal chic in a gothic black Cecilie Bahnsen tent dress or layer up with different textures like Alexander McQueen. Black blazer, black turtle neck and black midi skirt: effortlessly chic. 

Images: Getty/courtesy of brand