13 cartoon characters who are style inspirations

Beyonce, Cara Delevinge, Victoria Beckham - it's all very well and good having style inspirations and constantly double-tapping looks that you're digging on Instagram. But remember when you were a little sprout of a human being and didn't even know what 'fashion' and 'style' were? You turned to your fave fictional friends when deciding whether to wear your tutu or turn-ups for a day of play.

Think it's time we showed a bit of loving and looked at our childhood chums to inspire our wardrobes once more!

Gadget from Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers

No-one works a jumpsuit and crop top quite like Gadget. Functional fashion at its finest, this lil’ chip not only looked cute as a button in sweet shades of sugarplum purple and pink, but she also knew how to fix a plane or two. And yes, only she can pull off those goggles unfortunately. The rest of us would just look like part of steampunk movement…

Lola Bunny from Space Jam

This bunny could run circles round you on the court, while swooshing her ponytail – I mean, bunnytail – and looking effortlessly cool while doing so. Taking sportswear as fashion to a whole new level in her Toon Squad co-ord set, she could give off-duty Cara Delevigne and Kendall Jenner a run for their money. And can someone tell me how she doesn’t get a sweaty fringe while doing all this hopping around please? Bane of my life.

 The Ashleys from Recess

These girls may have been like the Mean Girls of the playground, but their outfits were the Clueless equivalent of the animated world and could teach Cher Horowitz a thing or two.

Yellow plaid and fluff-lined cuffs on cardigans. My magpie-like tendencies for all things kitsch are a-tingling.

Jane Lane from Daria

Jane was basically the bad-ass girl I longed to be as a goody two-shoes kid. That ear jewellery. That sharp black bob cut. Those boots! Her signature red shirt that she probably just threw on as she woke up and strolled into school late with her backpack slinged onto her back. Too cool for school. Literally.

Clarice from Two Chips and a Miss

This cartoon somehow being a staple in my childhood and I just remember being in absolute awe of Clarice singing on that piano, in what I now recognise as quite a weird, sultry Jessica-rabbit-esque way...as a chipmunk... But! Nonetheless, that doesn't erase the fact that that pale yellow necklaces and head crown are just fabulous. Especially when worn with a strapless bodycon LBD (little blue dress).

Daisy Duck

My love for bows and pastels colour, coincides with my outrage at how under-rated Daisy Duck. The girl knows how to accessorise! Yes, Minnie Mouse may be the queen of all things polka-dot, but co-ordinating a pink bow and heels, that compliments her matching lilac top and eyeshadow, all while setting it off with a jade green bangle? On. Point. She's a dreamy pastel dream wrapped up in uber-fluttery lashes. The epitome of girly girl y'all.

Disney Princesses

Look. You all already know that how much of a Disney nut I am from the time I've dressed up as a princess (more than once...) and how much Disney Princesses are my ultimate hair goals. But they're also style goals - and it's not all just prom dresses and tiaras y'all.
Pocahontas was all over fringing and suede before the 70s fashion revival rolled up into town, Aurora is the queen of working a hooded cape without getting hat hair (also, that shirt and corset layering is to DIE FOR), Jasmine knows how to accessorise her harem trousers with a gemstone headband and gold jewellery to a tee, and no-one has ever looked as good in Scandinavian embroidery and ribboned up braids than Anna from Frozen.

Oh, and let's not forget villains! The fierce headgear of Maleficent and the Evil Queen's robe - being bad never looked so good.

Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon

If you're looking for some nautical style inspo, then look no further than the scouts of Sailor Moon. Striped collars, jewelled toggles and neckerchief bows should be given as a starter pack to go with any kind of pleated, preppy skirt (who knew wands made such good accessories as well?)

 Even off-duty, these girls always looked as cute as a button! And let's not even get started on their hair. Growing up watching this anime gave me major swishy, shiny hair envy that I'll never be able to achieve.

Wonder Woman

We all know red, white and blue work flawlessly together, but no-one wears it quite as well as Wonder Woman herself. To fight crime and look like a bangin' super-babe with a golden crown while doing so as well, is no easy task! (How does she not constantly get wedgies in those hot-pants or spill out while running in her corset?!) And who needs a belt when you've got a lasso of truth! 

She-Ra

Oh, and let's not forgot what a sassy sister She-Ra is as well! Gold is obvisouly the superhero's choice of metallic (can someone tell me where I can get some get some gold boots please) but it never looks as amazing as when it's paried with bright whites! The Princess of Power is also the only gal I know how could pull off a crown decorated with ornamental wings and NOT look like an absolute tit!

The Powerpuff Girls

No-one can work block stripes quite like 3 girls who are made sugar, spice, and everything nice - must be chemical X malarky. This is a perfect example of how basic staples can be worked into different looks or styles. Tomboy, chic or kawaii - Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup have got you covered!

And let's just take a second at how fierce Miss.Bellum is working that power suit (and how much patience she has for dealing with that dozy mare of a Mayor of Townsville!)

Daphne from Scooby-Doo

If you'd told me that you can work a pair of pink tights without looking like a fool, I would've laughed you straight out of the hosiery department of the store. But Daphne has managed to make it work flawlessly while getting changed into a purple shift dress and lime green scarf in the back of the Mystery van. 70s vibes to the max - groovy!

Misty from Pokemon

My love for dungarees started from a young age, and it was probably due to my love of Pokemon as well and how well Misty wore her red braces with her denim shorts. Unfortunately, as a 23-year-old  with long dark hair, I can't work and short and spunky side ponytail as well as her. Might be something to do with the fact that I don't have the power of a Togepi by my side.

20 pieces of fashion advice from younger me

We all have photos from our past that make our cringe glands flare up - whether that be a picture of you naked in a bath as a kid, or a snap from that precious first time Vodka got the best of you. 

Or, y'know, when your mum dressed you up in the cut-offs of her curtains, or orange leggings layered under checked dress (literally WTF?)

But sometimes, perhaps your younger self knew better - you frolicked through life footloose and fancy-free, and you didn't care what anyone else thought, because opinions weren't even a thing in your cartoon & nap-filled world. You just wore whatever the hell you wanted!

So, I think it's about time I took some tips from lil' Amy when it comes to all things fashion and style.

1.) Always make sure your shoes are shined & buffed to the max

There's nothing that ruins an outfit more than mucky shoes - am I right? So make sure you can see your beautiful reflection in those babies. And if you want to team them with frilly socks and a preppy, pleated skirt, well, then you'll look all the better for it.

2.) Match your bag to your trousers

Especially when said bag features a Disney fashion icon, and those trousers are checked and cute af.

3.) Sometimes all you need is a matching set of leggings and sweatshirt

If casual-sporty-chic is what you're going for, then look no further. Oh, don't forget your light-up trainers as well.

Especially when that set features your boy Bugs Bunny and your homegirl Lola, all wrapped up in a poweder blue background - I wore this lil' duo to death. God I loved this outfit, I legit wish I still had it now.

5.) In fact, you can't go wrong with a co-ord set

Literally wore a striped long-sleeve with a red skirt the other week. And lemme tell you, look is still looking strong.

6.) Sassy slogan tees are always appropriate

Sometimes words are just too much effort, and all your need to say can be done so via a sassy slogan. 'Fashion goes first'? 'Cute not just clever'? Yep. Definitely all very important points to make as a teen.

7.) You can never wear too much sparkle

Can I have a garland made up of stars around my neck everyday please? Don't worry, I've already got the glittery tutu.

8.) A pair of shades will take your outfit to the next level 

Whether it's for protecting your eyes or blocking out the haters, you should always have a pair of sunglasses on hand. Essential y'all.

9.) Yellow is a killer colour 

Yellow is one of my favourite colours, and not only just because it's so goddamn cheerful and happy, but also cause it compliments olive-asian skin tone like a godsend. Work. It.

10.) Sometimes all you need is a throwback sweatshirt

Animaniacs and chill-out sweatshirts are both as brilliant as each other. And you know it.

11.) Remember that hats are always an excellent option 

Especially if that hat is worn backwards, and features a tuft of your fringe spilling out of it. That's how all the cool kids wear it right?

12.) Especially when you're being a baller

Sometimes, you listen to some Biggie Smalls, and just want to rock the day with some Stussy and an Air Jordan tracksuit.

13.) Collars and tartan go together brilliantly 

Look how smug I look on the right that my coller's so darn frilly and cute. And who do I think I am flashing the inside of my checked coat so you can see the full beauty of that tartan and chain get-up?! OOTD in the making.

14.) Never forget to use knitwear as a cover-up

As someone who is quintessentially British as hell, knitwear is always the right option - cardigans, jumpers, cable knits - you know it makes sense. (Odd rolled-up hairstyle: optional)

15.) Always remember to represent your idol

Remember to cross your arms because you're wearing an Ariel jumper and that means your DA BOSS, or if it's in the wash, then don't forget to leave the house without your My Little Mermaid colouring-in kit.

16.) When in doubt, remember your hair accessories

Minnie mouse ears, gemstone-studded cowboy hats - it's all good. 

17.) Don't forget your roots

Just like my homegirl J.Lo says, "Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got, I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the block." Remember where you came from guy and gals, and represent yo.

18.) Denim denim denim

Denim jackets back then. Denim jackets still now. Denim sandals worn with socks - not so much...

19.) If all else fails, STRIKE A POSE

WHO DO I THINK I AM. Arms in the air like I just don't care apparently. And I'm thinking I need to bring back those crossed legs as my signature move, right? (Also, is it mad to think the velvet-floral emsemble on the right is kiiiinda channeling Alexa Chung vibes? Long shot? Ok.)

20.) Oh, and the best accesory?

A great big, fat smile! 

Even when your sunglasses aren't properly on your face and your Barbie heart-shaped watch doesn't even tell the time, your outfit will always look on point if you're wearing the emotion, Happy No.5

Stay happy!

Until next time,

A.x