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Hooked on 90s nostalgia and Y2K glamor? With party season beckoning, now is the perfect time to
do a deep dive into the past for ideas on dressing up to the nines − and no, that doesn’t mean going full-on vintage!
For the holidays, I’ve found sartorial inspo in an unlikely place: retro cartoons that are known for sassy humor − think Cartoon Network rather than Disney Channel or the slapstick charms of Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes and The Pink Panther. Rendered in bright, explosive colors and packed with everything from magical little ponies to feisty, crime-fighting toddlers, retro cartoons showcase mood-boosting aesthetics that will give your holiday outfits the lift they deserve.
Be forewarned: the following looks lean OTT rather than office Christmas party-friendly. There are no LBDs in this mix, nor are there pointy heels. Instead, here are outfit ideas true to the spirit of three classic cartoons: The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
Whether you’re a diehard cartoon fan or a nostalgia addict, the holiday season is the ideal time to assemble a quirky yet glamorous look from your favorite vintage cartoon!
1. The Powerpuff Girls
With its zany plots, low-brow humor, and bright and bold aesthetics, The Powerpuff Girls (1999-2005) is one of the most beloved cartoon series ever, especially for little kids. Originally from Hanna-Barbera and later produced by Cartoon Network, it’s centered on three little girls of pre-school age with superpowers ranging from flight to x-ray vision. Every episode follows level-headed Blossom, sweet Buttercup and tomboyish Bubbles as they zip around town fighting crime and saving the day, all the while staying true to their toddler selves. This means the heroics are interspersed with tantrums, playground showdowns and bed-wetting!
The Powerpuff Girls is all about treading the fine line between cute and edgy, so I’ve pulled together a holiday outfit that fuses the show’s pop-art-infused style with grungy, late 90s influences. Referencing team leader Blossom’s red, pink and orange palette as well as the vintage cartoon’s copious use of black linework, I anchor the outfit in a chunky neon pink sweater and black faux leather pants. An orange shoulder bag and white resin earrings keep things cute, while a pair of chunky Mary Janes underline those rock chick undertones. For an extra kick, apply NAMING’s eye glitter in pink or orange – very Powerpuff Girls colors.
2. Johnny Bravo
Not all holiday looks need to be amped up. In fact, exuding casual cool could be equally alluring during a season when everyone is making extra effort to look glam! For a look that’s breezy yet put-together, turn to Johnny Bravo, the late 90s animated TV show featuring a dim-witted hunk whose womanizing ways almost always end in romantic failure. With his macho posturing and comically bad pick-up lines, Johnny might not be the best role model in terms of social etiquette, but his uniform of tight black tee, jeans and sunglasses could be depended upon for some serious swagger. The cartoon series’ clean and cheery visuals, which are reminiscent of a comic strip, also provide excellent inspo for effortlessly sleek ensembles.
Taking key elements from Johnny’s signature look, this womenswear version in black and blue steers clear of parody while staying true to our hunky hero’s slick and polished image. This royal blue turtleneck is perfectly complemented by two-toned jeans with zip-up hems, especially when you throw an oversized black blazer into the mix. To undercut the tough-look-vibes, add a retro-style handbag in pastel blue, and then up the drama with a feline flick eye makeup look. For a high-glam finish, opt for Johnny’s favorite accessory − sunglasses.
3. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Girl power at its most potent, the 2018 reboot of the classic 80s animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is part epic fantasy, part adventure comedy − and so much more than a cute cartoon. Loved by little kids and millennials alike, it swaps the unapologetic sexiness of the retro version for a more realistic and modern vision, focusing on orphaned Adora as she grows into her powers as the legendary She-Ra. From leading the Rebellion against the evil Horde to probing her complicated feelings for frenemy Catra, Adora proves that femininity comes in many forms, and that vulnerability and superhero status aren’t mutually exclusive.
One thing both versions share is the general design of She-Ra’s warrior costume, which combines flirtatious white skirts and a flowing red cape with golden headgear. Regal and sassy, this outfit stands out against the candy colors of the She-Ra landscape. Paying homage to the aesthetics of both versions, I’ve assembled an outfit blending hauteur with street edge. The cream-colored mini skirt and the fitted jacket scream uptown chic, while the burgundy cutout top, golden headband and white cowboy boots ooze attitude. Remember to complete the look with a bold, bright lip, even if vibrant makeup isn’t usually your thing! After all, as the theme song of the 2018 version goes: “we must be brave.” And that probably goes for our holiday makeup as well.
