If you’re a Renee Rapp fangirl who self-labels as “almost too gay to function,” you’ve probably already headed to the theaters to view the recently released Mean Girls musical movie. This cinematic recreation of Broadway’s “Mean Girls”, based upon the 2004 hit comedy, has received mixed reviews, as musical fanatics and Y2K sitcom fangirls tear apart the movie’s unconventional approach to two beloved classics. Despite widespread approval of Rapp’s allegedly lesbian queen-bee Regina George, Angourie Rice and Tina Fey were criticized for their failure to meet Broadway expectations and their stale acting performances, in the respective roles of “homeschooled jungle freak” Cady Heron and her “drug-pushing” math teacher. Like many fans of the 2004 masterpiece classic, I watched the trailer with anticipation, excited about the expanded diversity and “modernized” approaches which had been advertised for the re-release. While Avantika Vandanapu (my new celebrity crush) and Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Disney’s Moana, met the moment with classic takes on Karen and Janis, one painfully noticeable detail dampened the spirits of the entire film. SHEIN! The villain of the fashion industry herself, clearly got her grimy paws on production’s wardrobe, and a once designer-clad Regina George was shoved in the same tacky prints seen on pop-up ads and in the discount bins at Savers (no hate to Savers, I owe my wardrobe to them). In her million dollar mansion, Regina sits in cheap plasticy fabric that is ill-fitted to Renee Rapps gorgeous form, and her equally wealthy sidekicks don’t look much better.
The film’s costume designer, Tom Broecker, claims that the outfits were
“Reinvented” for a Gen Z audience, telling Glamour; “we made a very conscious decision to make this film look like 2024 and not 2004. Although fashion has decided to come back to the early 2000’s, it was important to everyone involved that this reflect the world of 2024”
Maybe authenticity isn’t the best policy? Afterall, a true-to-reality Mean Girls would see Regina and her click in the latest Lulu lemon leggings, lugging 80 pound Stanley cups to class. Nevertheless, after the iconic fashion moments of the 2004 classic, I was left wanting more. Here are my personal style takes on how the 2024 film adaptation could have approached modernization, in a way that testifies to the queen-bee status of their characters, while updating the vintage looks that Rachel McAdams pulled off so flawlessly.
First, our two beloved sidekicks, Gretchen Weiners and Karen Smith.
Karen Smith, played in the 2024 adaptation by Vandanapau, is a dumb-blonde archetype in a supermodel’s body. Her boobs can tell when it’s raining, and her favorite holiday is Halloween, but given that she’s an it-rich-girl, I think her style would be girly and lighthearted with a taste of slutty.
Karen Smith would rock this playful pink top from the Versace resort collection, with matching pumps to pay homage to the return of 80’s-era platform heels in the 21st century. She would pair her heels with plain schoolgirl knee-high socks, which would compliment her Nana Jacqueline Amica Heart Shorts, and leave little cheek to the imagination. Carrying a Coach mini-umbrella (an ode to her rain-predicting talents) in her YSL Pink Khalala tote bag, she would be upscale and sexy, but she wouldn’t upstage her senior, Regina George. This look would be flattering to a curvier frame, match her sugary personality, and would look fabulous strutting the halls of McKinley high.
Versace Jacquard Sleeveless Top
Nana Jacqueline Annica Heart Shorts
The second (and senior) of Regina’s sidekicks, Gretchen Weiners, heir to her dad’s toaster strudel empire, is as preppy as she is full of secrets. In a desperate campaign to fit in, Gretchen’s picks would lack individuality but would be rich with elitist indicators of status. Of course, Gretchen would be carrying a Van Cleef bracelet on her wrist, paired with a Cartier love necklace. Honestly, Gretchen would be the most likely out of the trio to have gotten a Stanley cup for Christmas, but she tossed it the second Regina said it looked tacky. Gretchen would wear a preppy Maje Cropped Knit Cardigan, which she paired with a Reformation two-piece that she saw on her favorite influencer. Her Stuad White blocked boots from Sax Fith Ave. would be simple but classy, and she’d top off the look with a preppy long champ bag, which is pink to match Wednesday’s attire.
Longchamp Le Piliage Travel Bag
Van Cleef Vintage Alhambra bracelet
Cady Heron, the intolerable yet relatable main character, would ditch her mother’s L.L. Bean hand-me-downs on her trek to popularity, but retain some denim influences. As a clout chaser, she would need the new it girl items, but wouldn’t have the fashion experience (or funds) necessary to follow in Regina’s footsteps. Nevertheless, Heron would assemble a Tik-Tok worthy wardrobe, most of which was likely shoplifted. As a modern twist on Lindsey Lohan’s sexy denim skirt, Cady would pair a denim Diesel skirt with an understated pink Dolce & Gabbana top, securing her place by Regina’s side. Regina might have lent her last season’s Dior Saddle Bag, but Cady has the performance necessary to make it look brand-new. Cady might just swap her tickets to Ladysmith Black Mambazo for a pair of Givenchy Shark-Lock cowboy ankle boots with aged leather, but she wouldn’t have the style acumen to locate appropriate designer jewelry. Cady would get the Annie hoop earring from Revolve, hoping they might catch Aaron Samuels eye in math class.
Dolce & Gabbana Cropped Sweater in Ribbed Silk
Dior Mini Saddle Bag in “Melocoton Pink”
Givency Shark Lock Cowboy Ankle Boots
And lastly, queen b*tch Regina George. Regina doesn’t just have money, she has the it-girl factor and good taste. Even when sweatpants are the only thing that can fit her, those sweatpants are Juicy Valour and make her ass look great. And Renee Rapp’s 2024 take on Regina is a lesbian, according to the actress herself, making her outfits an even more glamorous (and slightly campy) performance of femininity. The gem of Regina’s closet would be a hot pink crocodile skin Birkin Bag, enough to make any group of local teenagers drool. She would be decked out in an iconic Coach charm bracelet, and her classic customized “R” necklace with 14K diamonds. Straight Regina might have shopped retail, but 2024 gay Regina knows the real finds are vintage; Regina would pair a Valentino Couture mini skirt with a vintage Y2K Dior Filth Silk Corset, styled after her beloved Burn Book. If one was to peek under the door of the janitor’s closet, they might just see a pair of Miu Miu satin platform sandals as Regina cheats on her jock boyfriend.
Amelia 14k Gold Diamond Initial Pendant Necklace
Hermes Rose Scheherazade Hot Pink Crocodile Birkin Handbag
Miu Miu Satin Platform Sandals
Agree with my takes? Think they’re a little bit much for a midwestern public high school? Let me know in the comments below. And if you’re a costume designer looking to cater to the youth of America, delete Shein’s number from your contacts and give me a call.
