It’s National Poetry Month, which made us think – of course – about style icon, Youth Poet Laureate and all-around “it girl” Amanda Gorman. Even before she wrote and read the Inaugural Poem in January 2021, Gorman was a budding style influencer. Now, having been on the cover of Vogue and on the red carpet as a co-host of the Met Gala last year, she’s officially One To Watch. If you love her style and spirit, you can incorporate some of it into your own wardrobe. Our ace correspondent Julie Chang Murphy shows how to dress like the poet with 12 ways to channel the vibrant style of Amanda Gorman in luxury designer fashion outfits you can buy right now.
12 ways to channel the vibrant style of poet Amanda Gorman
After the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, my social media feed exploded with the words and images of poet and activist, Amanda Gorman.
Best ways to channel the vibrant style of poet Amanda Gorman with luxury designer fashion outfits you can buy right now. Photo Credit: Vanity Fair.
As we were exhaling a collective sigh of relief at the changing of the guards, Ms. Gorman stepped up to the podium and made us all catch our breath again. As she delivered her poem, ‘The Hill We Climb,’ it was like she carved a space of rarefied air for us all to breathe in. It was a space of lightness, hope, and unity that had been shut for so long.
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While I’ll leave any further analysis and significance of her poem to the literati and politicos, Ms. Gorman’s clothing told a visual story that was easy for anyone watching to interpret. Even those whose vision was blurred because they were sobbing buckets of tears. She was a messenger of hope in her bright yellow coat, literally embodying a new dawn.
ways to channel the vibrant style of poet Amanda Gorman with luxury designer fashion outfits you can buy right now. Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz.
Gorman herself told Vogue, “I am weaving my own type of symbolism into my outfit” and she loves fashion “because it has so much meaning to me, and it’s my way to lean into the history that came before me and all the people supporting me.”
ways to channel the vibrant style of poet Amanda Gorman with luxury designer fashion outfits you can buy right now. Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz.
Her look, like her poetry is transcendent and surprisingly accessible. Ahead, we picked out 12 accessories, coats, dresses and tops that will help you channel Amanda Gorman’s iconic style from her breakout year to some notable looks from more recent events.
How to dress in fashion with luxury outfits to channel the style of poet Amanda Gorman.
12 ways to channel the vibrant style of poet Amanda Gorman
1. eugenia kim headband.
Can we talk about the red headband? Gorman turned a historically preppy accessory into a veritable crown of glory. This version is from one of our favorite luxury milliners, Eugenia Kim. In fact, Eugenia Kim was so inspired by the inauguration fashion that she plans to launch a capsule collection inspired by all the gorgeous colors on stage that day.
How to dress in the style of poet Amanda Gorman: Eugenia Kim Headband. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $135.
2. sergio hudson coat.
In a post prior to the inauguration, we forecasted that First Lady Jill Biden might wear a yellow Gabriela Hearst coat to signify a new day. Turns out, it was the perfect choice for the ray of light that is our inaugural poet. After the event, Lyst reported a 1,328 percent overnight spike in “yellow coats.” This gorgeous version from Sergio Hudson (who outfitted Michelle Obama for the event) is made with luxurious brushed wool and cashmere.
BUY NOW – $2,995.
3. ramy brook dress.
At the Met Gala in 2021, Gorman channeled the Statue of Liberty in a strapless custom royal blue Vera Wang gown that featured a sweetheart neckline, mini hem, and flowing draped detailing. This one doesn’t have any 3,000 individually hand-stitched crystals, but has a beautifully draped effect that’s equal parts elegant and sexy.
BUY NOW – $495.
4. jennifer behr headband.
The real winner of the Super Bowl? Gorman’s pearl headband. We love this Jennifer Behr headpiece with alternating rows of imitation pearls and crystals for an equally opulent look.
Amanda Gorman’s fashion in luxury outfits: Jennifer Behr Headband. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $325.
5. erdem floral cotton dress.
Gorman manages to make florals look youthful and elevated at the same time. In an interview in Harper’s Bazaar, she says, “I love loud, regal-looking dresses embroidered with flowers—a nod, I think, to my Afro–flower-child upbringing in Los Angeles.” Erdem’s frock pairs Regency-style florals with trendy, voluminous sleeves and a flounced hem for whimsy.
BUY NOW – $1,430.
6. khiry hoops.
When Gorman graced the cover of Time Magazine, she wore earrings from Jameel Mohammed’s Afrofuturist luxury jewelry brand, Khiry. The brand was founded to channel the beauty, art, heritage and culture of the African diaspora — like these embellished hoops.
BUY NOW – $495.
7. proenza schouler gown.
On the March 2022 cover, Gorman appears in her signature color — a glorious yellow Proenza Schouler cut-out gown. Unlike her Vera Wang stunner, you can buy actually buy this one off the rack.
BUY NOW – $1,890,
8. liu jo blouse.
There’s always an added element of texture and embellishment to her ensembles. The perfect accent to a crisp white top is a collar of crystals. One and done so you can go write a poem of your own.
BUY NOW – $189.
9. jacquemus mini dress.
For an appearance at Black Girls Rock! in 2018, Gorman rocked a slinky orange dress with cherry red pumps. We wouldn’t expect anything less. Jacquemus’ dress has the same sexy and sophisticated vibe with an asymmetric hem.
BUY NOW – $635.
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10. anthropologie tulle skirt.
This dreamy tulle skirt with a celestial sequin pattern from Anthropologie is a nod to the ethereal and illuminating way the poet delivers her words. It is also reminiscent of the pale sheer pink Prada dress she wore to the American Black Film Festival.
BUY NOW – $148.
11. prada re-nylon backpack.
Prada’s plan to use only recycled nylon in its products go into effect this year. In a 2019 Teen Vogue article, Gorman, who was a reporter for the Italian fashion label, traveled to the Slovenian production plant where used carpets, old fishing nets, and other collected trash were being remade into nylon. This backpack is part of that collection which seeks to offer a solution to our climate emergency.
How to dress in the style of poet Amanda Gorman: Prada Re-Nylon Backpack. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $1,850.
12. harbison floral blouse.
Can we name drop a little? We were so excited to see Gorman in a stunning floral dress by the immensely talented, up and coming black designer, Charles Harbison. We were in a few fashion construction classes together at Parsons School of Design and he blew us away even then. This blouse uses the same beautiful daffodil print as the custom dress she wore to In Style Magazine awards this year.
BUY NOW – $495.
12 ways to channel the vibrant style of poet Amanda Gorman
There you have it —all the pieces you need in your wardrobe to go forth and conquer the world like Amanda Gorman!
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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
