Why You Should Judge a Book by Its Cover: The 9 Stylish Poets Inspiring Our Summer Style Inline
Photo: Getty Images1/9Name: Dorothy Parker
Lived: 1893–1967
Most famous for: Her poems, as well as deeply witty and satirical commentary; friendship with Lost Generation writers Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald; screenwriting career that earned her two Oscar nominations.
The look: Flawless coordination of raven-colored nails, hair in a classic chignon, lips, and understated silhouette; single strand of pearls adding an Old World polished touch; gripping poise.
Photo: Getty Images2/9Name: Allen Ginsberg
Lived: 1926–1997
Most famous for: Heralding the Beat movement based in the bohemian Greenwich Village; championing free speech in defense of his controversial poems; friendship with Bob Dylan.
The look: Comfortable fabrics; artfully shaped lenses; political statement neckwear; unruly beard that would fit in perfectly in present-day Brooklyn.
Photo: Rex USA3/9Name: Sylvia Plath
Lived: 1932–1963
Most famous for: Brazen, confessional poetry; The Bell Jar, a breakthrough semi-autobiographical novel; torrid love affair with and marriage to fellow poet, Ted Hughes; untimely end.
The look: Simple aristocratic allure and grooming; diligent attention to fine accessories like an equestrian belt; well-tailored New England basics.
Photo: Getty Images4/9Name: Maya Angelou
Lived: 1928–2014
Most famous for: Her patently inspirational and life-affirming poetry; seven autobiographies, most famously I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; prominent activity in the Civil Rights Movement, including work with Martin Luther King, Jr.; recitation at **Bill Clinton’**s presidential inauguration in 1993.
The look: Her signature colorful and electric patterned scarves tied around her head; elegant gold jewelry.
Photo: Getty Images5/9Name: Gil Scott-Heron
Lived: 1949–2011
Most famous for: Being inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, playing jazz and soul music, prolifically writing poetry, and performing spoken words; heavily influencing the hip-hop generation, especially his often-sampled poem, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”
The look: Undeniable swagger; his classic seventies pea coat and bucket hat, both of which would easily be lusted after by today’s street style stars; cozy cream scarf for practicality (and, maybe, a bit of delicateness).
Photo: Getty Images6/9Name: Dylan Thomas
Lived: 1914–1953
Most famous for: Being one of the most prominent Welsh poets of the 20th century; legends of his wild escapades around New York City; powerfully musical and psychologically poignant one-of-a-kind literary style.
The look: Expertly woven chunky sweater; classic Anglo-staple tweed pants; debonair printed scarf.
Photo: Getty Images7/9Name: Lord Byron
Lived: 1788–1824
Most famous for: Being the most emblematic writer of the Romantic movement; becoming a celebrity in England for his rebellious behavior and dashing appearance; traveling to Greece to participate in its War of Independence.
The look: Fanciful and luxurious robes of rich colors; strong ability to pull off opulent jewelry; collar of white dress shirt popped just so.
Photo: Getty Images8/9Name: Emily Dickinson
Lived: 1830–1886
Most famous for: Her short, incisive poems filled with timeless wisdom and unending grace; being heavily taught in schools across the U.S., often serving as the gateway author for many future English majors; being an eccentric recluse.
The look: Piercing stare; modest, but well-fit Victorian black dress; coquettish two-tone velvet choker.
Photo: Getty Images9/9Name: Anne Sexton
Lived: 1928–1974
Most famous for: A former model, she went on to win a Pulitzer Prize and be the first woman inducted to Harvard’s Phi Beta Kappa society; having a poem of hers turned into an opera.
The look: Ebony black hair and plum lipstick (on the beach no less!); forties pinup girl–style bathing suit, dangerously bordering on lingerie; tanned athletic limbs and knowing smile.
