Forget Elaine: The Animated Ladies Of Yesterday Are The Real Style Inspirations

Much has been made about the recent resurgence of Elaine Benes’ signature Seinfeld style. But if you think about it, many recent style trends were already worn by the ladies of classic Saturday morning cartoons.

The Chipettes: While their male counterparts, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, were content to run around in oversized turtlenecks and baseball caps, the Chipettes stepped things up a notch, each developing their own signature styles. All three of these ladies wouldn’t be out of place in any trend watch piece today: Jeanette has her oversized specs and her oversized, slouchy tee, Eleanor is combining a preppy look with a touch of menswear and the very hot trend of socks with dress shoes, and I’m pretty sure everything Brittany is wearing can currently be purchased at American Apparel.

The Holograms: Jem was the front woman, but the Holograms were always much cooler and way more stylish. Everything they’re wearing in this pic could probably be found in one of the September issues: military cuts, leggings, bright colors, fitted jackets, dress shorts, and a nod to early 90s styles with the sharp, geometric haircuts.