Caroline Forbes Outfits: Soft Colour and Neat Layers

A softer direction than Elena’s basics

TV Guide’s costume-design feature distinguishes Caroline’s feminine silhouettes from Elena’s tailoring-focused look. Use that broad distinction without treating it as a rigid rule: a small print, a soft colour or a gently shaped skirt can be enough. You do not need to dress for a fictional school dance.

1. Floral cami, jeans and a light cardigan

Use the print as your colour guide. A pink floral camisole works with blue jeans and a cream or pale grey cardigan. Leave the cardigan open so the floral detail remains visible. Keep the shoes simple—plain flats or clean trainers—rather than adding a second print.

If your cami is cropped, choose a waistband that gives the coverage you want when you sit. A camisole and cardigan do not have to meet at exactly the same hem; a clear difference in length can look relaxed.

2. A small-print dress with one quiet layer

Choose a dress you can sit and walk in comfortably, then add a cardigan that ends around the waist or upper hip. A shorter layer shows the dress shape; a longer one makes it more relaxed. Test the two together instead of assuming every cropped cardigan works with every dress.

For cooler days, opaque tights and flat boots keep the colour story simple. A dress with more skirt volume usually needs less volume in the cardigan.

3. Pastel top with an A-line skirt

Pair a pale pink or blue top with a dark A-line skirt. Tuck a thin top smoothly, or choose one that ends near the waistband. The contrast keeps the outfit readable without bold accessories. A small shoulder bag is enough to finish it.

Keep one detail playful

A floral print, a small bow or a heart detail can each work. You do not need all three. If the outfit starts to feel like a costume, remove the most decorative accessory first and keep the comfortable base. A longer skirt can create the same gentle shape as a mini.

Pieces to build around

Pink floral sleeveless top

Use the pink print as the colour anchor for jeans and an open cardigan. The listing shows a short length, so compare that measurement with your preferred coverage.

Compare the product measurements with a garment you already wear before choosing a size.

View pink floral sleeveless top

Grey ribbed zip cardigan

This is a more streamlined, sporty interpretation of the cardigan layer. Wear it with a plain skirt or jeans so its ribbing and collar remain the main detail.

Compare the product measurements with a garment you already wear before choosing a size.

View grey ribbed zip cardigan

Try the seated version before leaving

Check whether a skirt hem rises more than you like and whether the cardigan pulls across the chest. Change the cut or length before adding accessories. Choose one soft-colour piece that works with the denim or skirt you already own.

Reference notes: TV Guide’s Vampire Diaries costume feature, drawing on Leigh Leverett’s advice. The colour combinations and adaptations here are our own.