fictional style icons — part three of five

I don’t recommend that we take fashion tips from Jane, although she beat Williamsburg to “pantsless” hipsterdom by a decade. Style tips, though— definitely. Her cropped bob is so current and classic, and has been for nearly a century! Jane basically has one passion in the entire world, and everything else comes second. She dresses for doing what she loves: she’s a painter and sculptor, and needs comfortable clothes she can move freely in, that protect her skin and feet, that are inexpensive enough to replace that she doesn’t have to worry about ruining, and that make her feel good. Thus her “uniform” of black t-shirt, black leggings, layering top, shorts, and Docs.

Jane Lane by _chrisbean featuring Old Navy t shirts

Confession: I basically wanted to be Jane when I was growing up. I more correctly identified with Daria, but admired her bestie. I was an artistic kid, too, and had yet to develop at that point Jane’s don’t-give-a-care attitude. Plus, um, I had a crush on her brother Trent. And Trent Reznor. And every boy in my school who looked remotely like Trent Reznor. Or played guitar. (Sad, I know.)

I do really think that everyone needs to cultivate a “screw you, I’m awesome!” section of their wardrobe. This isn’t just about what you’re comfy curling up on the couch in; it’s about what you’re comfortable in your own skin in. I know that there are things in your closet that make you feel gorgeous with zero effort: a color, a fabric, a cut of skirt. Make that an element of your “uniform.” Think about what you love doing more than anything else, what makes you utterly fearless and spectacular, and how you feel and dress when you’re doing it: that’s your inner Jane Lane. If you’re truly lucky, you get to wear your Jane wardrobe every day.

Other “Janes” include: Watts in Some Kind of Wonderful, Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a character who is certainly not a plain-jane, and a tribute to a fashion genius.