Missing Normal People? Channel Marianne’s summer looks

As well as the series as a whole being a worldwide phenomenon, something about the perfectly depicted fashion in the series particularly shone. Connell’s thin silver chain, worn throughout, has gained cult status, with a 186K strong Instagram following. For Marianne, we witness her style evolution from girl to woman, as she sheds her school uniform and makes her own fashion, and ultimately life choices. Many will recognise their own past fashion endeavours and missteps. Like many, at university Marianne experiments with boho chic and more eclectic looks, whereas her early outfits of baggy knits, vintage denim and cami tops mirror her girlish naivety. At a fundraiser night-out, her first attempt to look grown-up sees her look unsure in a tight black bodycon dress. This is later paralleled in perhaps her most defining fashion moment, where we see her in another black dress – this time, worn as a twenty-something holidaying in Italy. Here she looks comfortable, confident, and we see her growth in both style and self.

Costume designer Lorna Marie Mugan created the character’s now-iconic looks perfectly and didn’t disappoint die-hard book fans in recreating the beloved teens. Mugan reportedly searched vintage shops in order to create Marianne’s eclectic wardrobe, with a few high-street sourced items seen in the first episodes. In our eyes, she nailed it.

Since we’re missing the series already, and debating whether it’s too soon to re-watch, we thought we’d take inspiration from the reining cultural moment of 2020 and echo some of Marianne’s most stylish moments. Here’s how to get the look.

Pretty Polka Dots

Kitri Bessie Navy Pussybow Blouse – £85.00

We love Marianne’s pairing of polka dots and tortoiseshell. Both of these items are wear-again classics that will out-last faddy trends.

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Orange is the new black

Self-Portrait Shirred cotton-poplin midi dress – £280.00

We would love to take Marianne’s orange dress to slot it into our S/S 20 wardrobe. Taking inspiration from the Queen of Dresses, we’ll be nodding to her Uni style in this Self-Portrait frock.

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That black dress

Reformation Rosehip Dress – £‌265.00

Possibly our favourite Marianne moment, what is it about pairing trainers and a dress that looks so cool? Now, just to bag a bike to ride through the Italian countryside…

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Cool for the summer

Uniqlo Premium Linen Sleeveless Shirt – £19.90 (now £12.90)

Sometimes, simplicity is king. Pair this yellow sleeveless shirt with a denim skirt, à la Marianne.

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Pool party prim

Mango Wrapped belt swimsuit – £39.99 (now £29.99)

We love that Marianne opted for a classic black swimsuit – it never goes out of style.

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Bl-nk Joann Mixed-Print Cover-Up – £60.00

Inject some colour into your summer look, whether you’re wearing this cover-up over a cossie or styled over casual daywear.

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Blue beauty

Oséree Embellished Lurex kaftan – £270.28

Whilst it might not be the season for the velvet blazer, we love the batwing blue dress Marianne wears underneath. This Oséree version is a real show-stopper.

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The classic coat 

Cos Classic Long Wool Coat – £180.00

Marianne perfectly demonstrates why every woman needs a great black coat in her wardrobe repertoire. Think of this as an investment piece. Coffee meeting with an ex – optional.

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