Top 10 Fashion Icons in Teen Movies

Sharpay Evans’s Barbie doll style sets her apart as the greatest dresser in the “High School Musical” franchise. Nothing is too sparkly or too pink for the blonde bombshell. Being a drama kid, she has absolutely no chill, and it’s amazing. Tiaras aren’t just for royalty, they’re a key wardrobe staple. Her style is, in a word: fabulous. Her brother Ryan might seem like an understated dresser compared to her, but he makes a statement of his own with his trademark hats. Unlike the majority of the “HSM” boys, Ryan isn’t just stuck in plain tees or sportswear. He always jazzes up his looks, and the results are epic. Nobody does an outfit like the Evans kids!

Per director Darren Stein, this dark comedy’s title reflects “the duality of the poppy sweetness of the girls, of high school and of youth, versus the whole idea that this thing could break your jaw.” The movie’s kitsch, candy-colored palette hammers the message home: the girls you have to watch out for are dressed in the brightest colors. Courtney Shayne, otherwise known as “Satan in heels” is the queen bee of her school’s “flawless four.” Almost every ensemble in this movie makes a statement. But Courtney’s outfits are particularly bold, skin-tight, and sexy. She also knows how to work her heels. Her look is basically a nineties take on a teenage femme fatale, and we’re in awe.

The heroine of this underrated teen drama has a killer ensemble for every occasion, from hanging out to dancing the night away. Her Brooklyn style certainly wouldn’t look out of place in any of the most beloved nineties shows. But more than that, Chantel is on another level. Whether she’s going casual in her high waisted jeans or all dressed up to go out, each look is memorable and effortlessly cool. She loves her big earrings and can definitely rock a colorful hat any day. Plus, her youthful and bold outfits make her stand out and reflect her personality, but they also feel real. She dresses like a teenager, not a mini-adult, which is definitely refreshing to see.

Lola definitely brings the drama, both in her life and her wardrobe. Each outfit becomes a new role for her to play. When her favorite band breaks up, she comes to school in her own variation of mourning dress. And she tackles the dance mat battle in the most stylish workout gear ever. This drama queen isn’t afraid to blaze her own trail and get creative. Her bottle cap necklace epitomizes her approach to fashion - it’s memorable and uniquely Lola. But her most iconic outfit is her red dress. It’s originally meant to be a costume for the school play. But she adds her own flair to it when wearing it to Sidarthur’s final concert. For Lola, there’s no such thing as overdressing.

Before “Charmed,” there was “The Craft.” And Sarah, Nancy, Bonnie and Rochelle walked so the Halliwell sisters could run. The foursome’s style falls combines the preppy look and the grungy oversized styles that dominated the nineties, and mixes them with the alternative “mall goth” fashion that was also emerging at the time. Needless to say, the result is epic. Chokers and lace-up boots are combined with slip dresses and cardigans. There’s tinted sunglasses, stacked necklaces and knee-high socks - and of course a whole lot of black. The supernatural movie’s story follows a coven of teenage witches who struggle with high school drama while attempting to manage their dark gifts. But at least they look great doing it!

The eponymous clique from this eighties cult classic is instantly recognizable. With their big hair and even bigger shoulder pads, the Heathers rule the school. Heather Chandler’s statement plaid jacket and red scrunchie create one of the movie’s best looks. Although her pink dressing gown is pretty memorable too - and not just because she dies in it. The queen bee’s funeral also provides an opportunity for the other group members to bring their fashion A game. And who could forget Veronica Sawyer? Her style is less preppy and her wardrobe contains a lot of blue and black, contrasting with the pastels and brights favored by the other girls. It’s appropriate, as she’s about to get mixed up in something very dark.

Although it was released in the ‘70s, “Grease” is set in the 1950s. For teenage girls, this was the time of poodle skirts and ponytails. But unlike Patty Simcox and her girlfriends, the Pink Ladies go against the grain and challenge the status quo. They’re the cool kids, so they embody a more casual fifties look, rather than the clean cut attire of their peers. Their trademark matching pink jackets took any top and pant or skirt combo to a whole new level. It’s safe to say these greaser girls gave the boys a run for their money. Their hairstyles complete each look and make them stand out from the crowd, even setting them apart from the other rebel girls of fifties period pieces.

Even if you’ve never seen “Rebel Without a Cause” you may be familiar with the iconic image of James Dean in that red jacket and jeans. The 1950s really embraced teen culture, and this coming-of-age drama could be described as one of the first teen movies. Dean, who died about a month before the film was released, steals the show as a troubled suburban teen. Jim Stark embodies the classic fifties rebel look - white shirt, jeans, and a statement jacket. But even when he’s dressed more traditionally, with a classic button-down and tie, he never looks boring or stuffy. What can we say? James Dean knew how to make anything look good, and he more than delivered with Jim Stark.

The Plastics are teen royalty and as such, they set the trends. Even if the holes in the t-shirt thing never did catch on in real life. In the aughts, short skirts and velour were the order of the day. But costume designer Mary Jane Fort wanted to stay contemporary while also giving the movie’s clothes a timeless look. “In the '50s,” she says, “your nails were done, your hair was done, and your dresses were impeccable.” The Plastics certainly delivered on all those fronts. But achieving that flawless style doesn’t happen by accident. As we all know, you have to follow a lot of rules to rule Girl World.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Cheetah Girls, “The Cheetah Girls” franchise (2003-08)
Galleria, Chanel, Aqua & Dorinda Each Have Their Own Uniquely Memorable Style

Jade, “Bratz” (2007)
She’s the Punky Fashionista of the Group

Lara Jean Covey, “To All the Boys” franchise (2018-21)
Her Preppy Style & Pastel Palette Reflect Her Sweet Personality Perfectly

Anna Coleman, “Freaky Friday” (2003)
This Rocker Chick Brings It at Every Age

The Clovers, “Bring It On” (2000)
This Cheerleading Squad’s Style Still Holds Up

Cher Horowitz’s yellow plaid ensemble has become a fashion staple, and for good reason. But combine Cher and Dionne’s wardrobes, and that’s when the real magic happens. Their styles are slightly different - Cher’s is preppier, Dionne’s is bolder - but their outfits always compliment each other. Both are unmistakably nineties girls. And together, they’re absolutely unbeatable. They’re super popular, ultra rich, and love a label. But they’re not basic fashion followers. Everybody else wants to emulate their style, because it’s clear that they have fun with their clothes. Every ensemble is thoughtfully executed, and the young women wear a lot of outfits throughout the course of the film. We guess that’s why Cher needs that closet!