Old School TV Style: Fashion Inspired by Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years

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Written by Chelsea - University of Oklahoma

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You knew this one was coming. One of my all-time favorite old school TV shows is The Wonder Years, the hit ’80s and ’90s series starring Fred Savage and Danica McKellar.

By the way, the dates above? They’re not typos. This show ran from 1988 to 1993, although the series itself was set exactly 20 years earlier. The Wonder Years did such an amazing job at recreating the feel of the ’60s and ’70s that many of us who saw it years later mistook it for a show filmed in the era!

Although this show featured many stylish characters sixties and seventies characters — hippies, housewives, preppy students, and more — this post will focus on Winnie Cooper, the sweetheart of The Wonder Years. Interested in stealing some of her innocent, mod style for yourself? Read on!

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The Wonder Years tells the story of a typical suburban boy from the ages 11 through 17 growing up in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Kevin Arnold, the protagonist of the series, faces hurdles in school, his dating life, and his life at home, and also encounters larger issues of the time, like the Vietnam war, counter-culture, and more. The series is narrated by an adult Kevin, who lends additional insight and humor to the events that unfold.

Kevin lives with his parents and older siblings, and mainly socializes with his best friend Paul and his neighbor Winnie Cooper. Winnie, the show’s heroine, is kind, thoughtful, wholesome, independent, and intelligent. She embodies the perfect “girl next door” archetype and serves as Kevin’s enduring on-again, off-again love interest throughout the series.

Despite its popularity, The Wonder Years was never released on DVD due to issues with licensing all of the amazing ’60s and ’70s music that the show featured. The Wonder Years is now available on Netflix Instant Watch – although it should be noted that the opening credits’ song “With A Little Help From My Friends” is not the Joe Cocker version featured in the show’s original airing and even syndication.

Winnie Cooper’s style is a unique mix of preppy, varsity schoolgirl looks and hints of ’60s mod. Even though she is very young, Winnie dresses almost like a “little woman,” in child-size versions of popular adult fashions. Winnie’s outfits somehow manage to look fresh and youthful, while at the same time mature. Crazy, I know.

For example, Winnie is often seen wearing mod-style dresses with tights while rocking blunt-cut bangs and a headband. She usually balances this “grown up” sort of look with youthful flat mary-jane slippers and a clean face.

Winnie’s style is also a great example of the preppy, wholesome, old school suburban teen looks seen on Happy Days, Grease, and The Brady Bunch. Varsity jackets and cardigans, rolled-up jeans, collared shirts, thin turtlenecks, pleated skirts, canvas sneakers, and more are her staples, and are a perfect match for her “girl next door” image.

Dress, Shoes, Headband, Bag, Tights

This first look has a colorful, fun, almost Boogie Nights-esque vibe to it! A colorblocked dress like the one above has a striking mod vibe to it, but is still sweet and wholesome enough to work for a girl like Winnie. Spice it up a bit with a pair of colorful mary-jane platforms and some polka dot tights. Finish the ensemble with a thin headband and a cross-body purse.

Shirt, Jeans, Shoes, Belt | Hair Photo Courtesy of Elle

This outfit is a great example of a casual, after-school look that Winnie might have worn while exploring the neighborhood or taking walks with Kevin. Plaid shirts were very popular during the ’60s and ’70s (as they are today!), and Winnie would have paired one with a relaxed-fit pair of jeans. Add classic white sneakers and a belt, and finish with foxy ’70s center-part hair.

Jacket, Turtleneck, Skirt, Shoes, Headband, Necklace

When Winnie wasn’t dating Kevin, she was usually on the arm of the school’s most popular athlete. Start with girly, studious staples like a turtleneck shirt and a pleated skirt, then add a varsity jacket and Converse sneakers for a fun and stylish outfit remix. Finish the look with a headband and a vintage camera necklace.

What do you think about The Wonder Years? What is your favorite episode? Favorite character? What other retro TV shows do you love? How do you feel about Winnie’s style? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

Posted on on January 31, 2013 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: 1960s, 1970s, Inspiration, mod, Old School TV Style, Preppy, TV, varsity jacket

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TV Fashion: How to Dress Like the Girls of HBO’s “Girls”

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AppId is over the quota
Written by Carina - Ohio University

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If you’ve visited planet Earth recently, I’m sure you’ve heard the endless buzz surrounding Lena Dunham’s Emmy-winning comedy show, “Girls.” The HBO series, which premiered last year and just began its second season, follows the lives of four 20-somethings, Hannah (Lena Dunham), Marnie (Allison Williams), Jessa (Jemima Kirke), and Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet) as they navigate life post-college in NYC.

Though Girls has received some valid criticism for its lack of minority characters, the show has also been praised for its cringe-worthy humor, despicably lovable characters, and, of course, its realistic take on 20-something fashion. The authentic styling on Girls is a departure from the “aspirational” costumes seen on “Gossip Girl” and “Sex and the City”… and that’s a good thing! The characters could actually afford everything they wear. I don’t even need to tell you how unheard of/awesome that is.

If you’ve been inspired by the down-to-earth fashion on “Girls”, you’re not alone. Below, I’ll give you a run-down of the four main characters, including tips on how to steal each girl’s signature style.

(Warning! Spoilers through the first episode of season 2).

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Hannah Horvath is a self-described “voice of a generation.” An aspiring writer with questionable taste in everything, Hannah is the poster child for the quarter-life crisis. Despite her natural talent and creativity, she can’t hold down a paying job, and now that her parents have cut her off financially, she’s in serious need of a safety net.

Burdened with the classic 20-something sense of entitlement and a passion for men who aren’t very nice to her (here’s looking at you, Adam), “getting it together” has been a lengthy process for Hannah. But that doesn’t mean she’s not trying! Brutally honest and unbelievably self-absorbed, Hannah is sort of a terrible person, but we love her anyway.

Product Information: Sweatshirt, Geometric Dress, Blouse, Belt, Oxford Pumps, Scarf, Tights, Necklace, Drop Earrings, Pleated Skirt, Green Dress, Coral Studs, Plaid Shirt, Tailored Shorts, Combat Boots

Hannah doesn’t exactly dress for success, but who says she has to? Actually, her wardrobe is kind of a nightmare. In a good way.

Hannah’s clothes are the ultimate rebellion from a Midwestern adolescence (believe me, I know what that looks like), featuring a weird mix of old sweats, quirky babydoll dresses and a mixed bag of accessories ranging from grungy boots and giant scarves to surprisingly understated jewelry. Not a fan? That’s good – Hannah doesn’t want you to be.

Mix colors & prints – Floral with plaid? Orange and green? Might as well go for it. Hannah’s big on experimentation, both in her life and in her closet. Play with your favorite colors and patterns and see what works for you. Personally, I’m a big fan of dark red with bright pink, but the possibilities are endless!Feminine shapes – As much as she loves lazing around in sweats, Hannah can work an A-Line skirt when she has to. She favors girly prints and retro styles that contrast beautifully with her many tattoos. Get the look by pairing high-waisted skirts with pretty blouses, or try a floral A-line dress, accentuating your waist with a brightly colored belt.Vintage vibe – Hannah’s clothes always look like they were expertly thrifted from Brooklyn’s hippest Goodwills, even if they’re really from Forever 21. If you have a favorite fashion era (I’m a ’20s girl myself), find ways to incorporate it into your daily look. Whether it’s a mod-inspired colorblock dress or crazy bright costume jewelry, Hannah would probably approve.Wear what you love – Out of all the girls, Hannah’s style is probably the most easily criticized… but I highly doubt she cares! This girl wears what she loves, and you should, too! If you love a trend but you’re worried what other people will think if you try it, it’s time to channel your inner Hannah and wear it anyway. After all, confidence looks great on everyone.
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

Hannah’s best friend and former roommate Marnie Michaels is the most put-together of the girls. A rational and responsible art gallery assistant, she can actually pay her rent (and sometimes Hannah’s, too).

Marnie finds her friends’ antics immature and exhausting because adulthood is a breeze for her…. at least, that is, until a nasty breakup, distance from Hannah, and the threat of unemployment begin to unravel her cool exterior. Now that she’s scrambling to get her life back together, Marnie’s learning she might not actually be as grown-up as she thought.

Product Information: Pearl Earrings, Black Pumps, Berry Dress, Tank, Trenchcoat, Gray Dress, Jeans, Belt, Watch, Studs, Bracelet, Peplum Top, Wedges, Pencil Skirt, Bag

For someone who deals with art for a living, Marnie’s wardrobe is surprisingly toned-down. She’s always impeccably dressed, and looks more like a law student than an aspiring gallery owner. Despite being a little boring, her wardrobe is full of classic basics (gorgeous trench coats, tailored blazers, sensible-yet-sexy heels, endlessly versatile dresses, etc.) – smart investments for every college girl.

Working girl – Unlike the other girls, Marnie can actually hold down a steady job, which means she has to look the part. Conservative, jewel-tone dresses and tasteful, chic accessories are Marnie’s wardrobe staples. Even if you aren’t working 9-to-5 just yet, you can still channel Marnie’s professional look by rocking a blazer with your skinny jeans, or trading in your Sperry’s for a pair of polished flats.Pencil lengths – Marnie can rock a pencil skirt like no one else. Get her look by investing in your own! Then pair it with a blazer and pretty blouse for an on-campus interview, or add a cute graphic tee and a fun belt for a more casual look.Casual elegance – Even when Marnie is dressed down, she still looks pretty and polished (well, except for that one Facebook stalking session). Her lounging clothes are well-made and have a great fit, so if you’re looking to emulate her casual look, don’t be afraid to splurge on quality pieces you can keep forever. To channel your inner Marnie, keep your look clean and fresh, even on your laziest days.Keep it together – “Tightly wound” is a polite way to describe Marnie’s personality, but at least she channels some of her Type-A craziness into making sure she always looks amazing. Accessories are key here, as Marnie always has the right belt or piece of jewelry to tie a look together. Invest in basic, well-made pieces like classic bags and scarves to enhance your outfits, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things, too!
Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Hannah and Marnie’s wild friend Jessa returns to the city in the pilot episode after another bout of trekking across the globe. A gorgeous Brit with unshakable confidence and a serious case of wanderlust, Jessa spends her days working as a nanny and helping her friends (particularly Marnie) let loose.

Always the thrill-seeker, Jessa has difficulty taking life seriously, which perhaps explains her whirlwind marriage to her polar opposite, a wealthy venture capitalist named Thomas-John. Only time will tell if she’s just off on another flight of fancy, or if she’s finally seeking a little stability.

Product Information: Bangles, Drop Earrings, Winged Blouse, Maxi Dress, Scarf, Coat, Jumpsuit, Palazzo Pants, Crochet Top, Bicycle Tee, Statement Necklace, Strappy Heels, Fedora, Feather Cape, Bag, Chandelier Earrings, Peeptoe Heels

Jessa’s style is eccentric, to say the least. Not one to stay in the same place for long, she’s clearly collected plenty of wearable spoils from her travels, which probably makes shopping for the basics seem extremely mundane. Jessa could take pretty much anything and turn it into a gorgeous ensemble, making her effortless, wordly look all the more enviable.

Thrifting is your friend – I’m willing to bet that nothing Jessa wears is brand new – she wears vintage finds and hand-me-downs like a queen. Hit up your local Goodwill or your grandmother’s closet to scout out some unique pieces, but make sure to get your finds properly tailored. The perfect fit can make a pair of $3 trousers look like a million bucks.Oversized pieces – Jessa loves billowy tops, flowing skirts, and wide-leg trousers. She wears so many layers that I’m not actually sure what her body looks like, but somehow, it all works. Get her look by pairing palazzo pants with a graphic tee, or try out a voluminous printed maxi dress.Exotic finds - Jessa has clothing from all over the world, but the extent of her travels really shows in her accessories. All of her jewelry looks like it was crafted by the finest artisans from every corner of the globe. To steal her style, dig up some souvenirs from your own travels, or just stock up at your local World Market. Only Jessa would be able to tell the difference.Play with texture – To most people, wearing a feathered cape to anything but a costume party is total insanity… but for Jessa, it’s just another day in the life. Snag her effortless (and daring) style by experimenting with textures. Sheer dresses, silky scarves, and wool sweaters might just equal fashion genius when paired together.
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

Jessa’s cousin Shoshanna moved to the city to attend NYU, expecting her life to be exactly like “Sex and the City.” A Carrie Bradshaw wannabe who still thinks Juicy tracksuits are cool, Shoshanna lives for celebrity gossip and inspirational self-help books. Though she’s younger and much more innocent than the rest of the girls, she’s often an unexpected source of wisdom. Her bubbly, offbeat personality easily makes her the show’s most lovable (and hilarious) character.

Product Information: Yoga Pants, Long-Sleeved Tee, Necklace, Blue Dress, Hoodie, Sparkly Studs, Lavender Dress, Heart-Shaped Studs Blazer, Pink Top, Black Belt, Peeptoe Sandals, Headband, Sequin Skirt, Flats, Bag

Shoshanna is so freaking cute, and you can tell just by looking in her closet. Since her parents still pay her rent, she probably has plenty of disposable income for expeditions to H&M and Zara, though that doesn’t keep her from living in her fluffy purple bathrobe. Her naivety shines through in her wardrobe choices, but you still can’t help but love her look.

Keep up on trends – Shoshanna is always in the know when it comes to… pretty much everything. If college girls are obsessed with something new, Shoshanna probably bought it first. (She loves products, after all.) Luckily, you probably already have a lot of these things in your closet, like quilted bags, yoga pants, embellished headbands, waist belts, nude pumps and sequined dresses.Sweet & girly – Shoshanna is like a little ball of sunshine in the “Girls” world, and it shows in her outfits. She favors pinks, purples, and feminine blues, and  will wear anything that sparkles or has a bow on it. Some might say her wardrobe choices are childish, but Shoshanna does a good job of pairing her girliest pieces with mature staples, like classic blazers and bold tops.Casual cutie – Shoshanna is a busy college student, which means she needs a lot of lounging time. Bring on the sweatpants, leggings and hoodies – preferably the sparkly kind from Victoria’s Secret PINK. If Shoshanna’s energy inspires you, throw out your old tees and baggy sweats and stock up on cute but cozy lounging pieces (especially if they’re pink). As far as yoga pants go, I predict Shoshanna will rave about how amazing they are at least once this season.It’s all in the details – Since Shoshanna’s wardrobe is very “average young college girl,” her bubbly personality really shines through in her accessories. Honestly, would this party outfit really scream “Shoshanna!” without that fascinator headband? Take your everyday looks from average to extraordinary by accessorizing with pieces that are uniquely “you.”

Which “Girls” character do you think has the best style? What’s your favorite moment from the show? Are you watching Season 2? Be sure to let me know what you think of the outfits in the comments, I love hearing your thoughts!

Posted on on January 29, 2013 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Allison Williams, Fashion Inspiration, Featured, girls, HBO, lena dunham, TV fashion, TV Fashion Inspiration

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COI-NYC's New Faux Fashion Tees Twist Miu Miu, Kenzo, And More

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New t-shirts from COI-NYC.
Photo: Courtesy of COI-NYC

So remember when we talked about how faux fashion t-shirts were having a moment? Well, that moment's quickly turning into more like an HOUR, considering the fact that practically four months later we're still talking about these twisted takes on designer goods. After invading the scene last year with its clever inversions of Givenchy ("Giraunchy") and Balenciaga ("Ballinciaga"), Manhattan underground label COI-NYC is back in action with even MORE haute couture inspiration that pays love to local neighborhoods. Miu Miu's morphed into "Niu Niu" York, Balmain's now "Brawlmain," and we can totally see fans like Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, and Rihanna rocking them in a split second.

At $60 a pop, these tops definitely don't come cheap...which is ironic right?! ESPECIALLY considering their undeniably sketchy fake merch vibe, reminiscent of knockoff kiosks and such. But despite-or perhaps because of- the irony, they were a Fashion Week mainstay last season, and we're calling their MVP status this time around. Leandra Medine AKA Man Repeller already knows which tee she's snagging...how about you?

Like us on Facebook so we can be friends and follow us on Twitter @MTVstyle to talk.

Related Content Faux Fashion Tees Are Having A Moment, Miley Cyrus Wears A Faux Fashion Brian Lichtenberg Sweatshirt, Get Beyonce's Criminal Damage Faux Fashion Sweatshirt, Michael Agwunobi's Tees Mix Hip-Hop With High Fashion

Tags Balmain, COI-NYC, Faux Fashion, Jil Sander, Kenzo, Miu Miu, Shopping, Trends

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Looks from Books: Fashion Inspired by Jane Eyre

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AppId is over the quota
Written by Savannah - University of Washington

Welcome to the latest edition of Looks from Books, which aims to prove that you can look smart, while still being book-smart, too. Fashion inspiration can be found between the pages of your favorite stories, on well-designed book covers, and in your favorite characters… if you read closely enough.

This week, we’re focusing on Jane Eyre, a feminist favorite that made a hero of every plain-faced, witty girl in English class, and inspired more than one clandestine peek into the attic.

Jane Eyre book cover via Amazon

Jane Eyre is a Gothic romance novel, written in 1847 by Charlotte Bronte.

The story explores the personal life and emotional growth of plain, unassuming Jane Eyre, from an abused, precocious orphan, to a witty, yet subdued, new governess at the house of the mysterious Mr. Rochester. The plot thickens when she falls deeply in love with her secretive employer, only to face new struggles.

Jane Eyre was originally published with the subtitle, “An Autobiography,” which points to the parallels between Jane’s life and Bronte’s own. The work is largely based on experience: Charlotte attended a school much like Lowood, where she endured tragedy; she later worked as a teacher, and then pursued a career as a governess. Of course, Charlotte eventually became a writer, and was then able to re-imagine her experiences with an amplified sense of drama.

A still from the 2011 movie adaptation of Jane Eyre || Photo via ELLE

Jane Eyre‘s most recent film adaptation, directed by Cary Joji Fukanaga, starred Micheal Fassbender as the enigmatic lover Rochester and Mia Wasikowska as our titular heroine, Jane. The costumes adhered strictly to those of the time period, featuring coiled buns, high collars, hoop skirts, and bloomers.

Although the days of hoop skirts are long since passed, we can find aspects of Jane’s simple, structured attire in many recent runway trends. Examples include the  androgynous silhouettes and understated feminine influences seen at Celine and Chloe Spring 2013, as well as the dour menswear-inspired suits of Anne Valerie Hash’s Pre-Fall 2013 collection. These modern-day trends could easily work in a Gothic feminist heroine’s wardrobe.

By integrating key themes and motifs from the novel, as well as Bronte’s writing style, you can try some of the season’s hottest trends and reference the intrepid heroine in your outfit choices, hopefully without enduring the same dramatic events she does.

Peacoat – American Eagle, Bowler Hat – ASOS, Headband – Nordstrom, Oxford Shirt – Uniqlo, Mary Jane Heels – Forever 21, Earrings – White House Black Market, Skater Skirt – Miss Selfridge, Embellished Belt – Asos, Vest – Zara.

While Jane Eyre can be viewed through the scope of many social commentaries – including class structure and religious right – the most enduring commentary allied with the novel is that of gender status.

Throughout the book, Jane confronts many men who, in some way, attempt to subjugate her to their authority: First, there is the hypocritical clergyman and Lowood headmaster, Mr. Brocklehurst, followed by the cold, intelligent St. John Rivers. Finally, there is our unlikely hero, Mr. Rochester, whose allure and mystique blind Jane to some horrible truths. Only when Jane is Rochester’s equal – financially independent, confident in herself, and fully capable of doing whatever she pleases – is she able to return to him as a partner.

Allude to this contrast by mixing of masculine and feminine styles in your wardrobe. A full skirt, ultra-girly mary-jane platforms, and jewel-embellished accessories give off a traditionally feminine aesthetic. Pair them with a men’s cut oxford shirt, peacoat, vest, and bowler hat for a contrasting and balancing, dose of masculinity.

Blazer – Maurice’s, Nail polish – Deborah Lippmann, Dress – Wet Seal, Mary Jane Shoes – Charlotte Russe, Belt – Cole Haan, Clutch – Akira.

One specific motif of interest within Jane Eyre is the color red. This motif is displayed in such features as the trauma in the Red Room; the color of Grace Poole’s hair; the cloak of “Mother Bunches,” the gypsy who tells Rochester’s guests their fortunes; and, of course, in the fires set by Grace’s phantom-like ward, Bertha. Bronte uses the sharp contrast between the novel’s bleak surroundings and these bold pops of red to indicate specific turning points or areas of interest in the story, as well as danger and concealment.

Reference this motif while trying the head-to-toe monochrome trend by styling your outfit around shades of red. However, avoid going overboard by mixing shades and textures within your attire. Pair a dark burgundy blazer with a bold red dress, then get started accessorizing. Extras like suede Mary Jane heels, a patent leather belt, and chunky glitter nail polish give multi-layered monochrome a mark of distinction.

Houndstooth Coat – Target, Striped Shirt – Oasis, Studded Loafers – Charlotte Russe, Lace Skirt – Chicwish, Polka Dot Scarf – Mango, Leopard Belt – Forever 21, Chevron Tights – Gap

The subjective nature of what is plain vs. what is beautiful takes center stage in both the romance and writing style of Jane Eyre.

Throughout the novel, Jane’s appearance is repeatedly described as plain and unremarkable. However, Rochester sees her active wit and lively spirit, and more than once remarks upon her “ethereal” and “other-worldly” beauty. Similarly, the settings Bronte describes – stone walls, endless moors, dark and concealed pathways – may be dreary and bleak, but the elaborate and vivid prose she employs while doing so grants them an unnatural allure.

Reference this unique mindset, as well as the mixed-prints trend, by styling minimalist and muted silhouettes with conflicting patterns, emphasizing that simple can also be interesting. To mix prints like a pro, base your look around one large-printed piece, like a striped shirt, and one subtly-printed piece, like a lace skirt, both in neutral tones. For outerwear, a houndstooth coat adds a small print for contrast, and accessories add more opportunities for integrating the trend.

Have you ever read Jane Eyre? If so, was it for class? What do you think of the Gothic Romance genre? What did you think of Jane herself? Did you see the most recent movie? Do you like the outfits? Let me know in the comments below! 

Posted on on January 30, 2013 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Androgyny, Books, Looks From Books, Mixed prints, monochrome, skater skirt

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