Any self-respecting Mean Girls fan can point to one or more ways the movie influenced her closet in the early aughts. From the numerous Juicy Couture tracksuits sported by Queen Bee Regina George (Rachel McAdams) to the shimmery gloss and smudged liner of good girl-gone-bad Cady Heron and the general preponderance of various shades of – say it with us now, “On Wednesdays we wear…” – pink, the 2004 film was a veritable time capsule of early 2000s trends. With the advent of Mean Girls the musical on Broadway – whose script was penned by original screenwriter Tina Fey, and garnered an impressive 12 Tony nominations – the film is back in a big way.
Luckily, though, its fashions are not, with Gregg Barnes’ costume designs planting the sartorial world of the piece firmly within the 2010s. The designs not only bring a new dimension to characters we know and love – with the look of each deviating significantly from their path in the film – but also are surprisingly wearable. Get in, reader! We’re going shopping – through the looks from the Mean Girls musical that you need to recreate ASAP.
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#10: Janice’s Denim Jacket
Janice’s look has gone from grrl rock in the movie to soft grunge, and we’re here for her transformation. This not-so-average denim jacket perfectly complements Janice’s artistic identity, and pairs great with patterned fishnets, a choker, and Janice’s signature sarcasm.
#9: Karen’s Metallic Miniskirt
“My name is Karen/My hair is shiny/My teeth are perfect/My skirt is tiny,” the perky-but-airheaded Karen trills in the song “Meet the Plastics.” Tiny though it may be, Karen’s flashy pink mini gives off serious ‘90s vibes, and should be replicated in your wardrobe immediately. Karen may not be the brightest of the bunch, but thanks to its metallic finish, her skirt most definitely is.
#8: Aaron Samuels’ Preppy Polos
Kyle Selig upgrades Aaron Samuels’ famously tousled hairstyle with a sleeker, more refined look. (And yes—Regina was right—his hair does look better pushed back.) He pairs the style with sharp, patterned polos that declare his priorities loud and clear: school, his mom, and his friends. It’s a look—and a lifestyle—worth emulating.
#7: Gretchen’s Lace-Up Stilettos
While the movie Gretchen is the epitome of demure, upscale female styles of the 2000s – cardigans, plaid skirts, white gold hoops and all – the Gretchen of the musical makes some bolder fashion choices that point to her character’s longing to break free of Regina’s rule. A prime example is the floral embroidered lace-up stilettos she sports in Act I: part boot, part heel, and entirely too much in the best way possible.
#6: Regina’s Button-Up Halter
There isn’t much about Regina George that’s subtle. “My name is Regina George/And I am a massive deal,” she sings, and her fashion choices are usually no less blunt. Her lunchtime halter in the scene in which she meets Cady, though, is more than wearable.
#5: Ms. Norbury’s Mathletes Ensemble
Ms. Norbury may be surrounded by students in matching polos, but her cropped pants and chic loafers say otherwise. Her look outshines anything from the original film—and proves she’s not your typical math teacher.. She’s a cool math teacher. Speaking of which…
#4: Mrs. George’s Stiletto House Slippers
It’s not just the fur-covered platform heels that make this look stand out. It’s how the whole outfit helps Mrs. George blend seamlessly into Regina’s room—nailing the vibe of a stylish, stay-at-home mom.
#3: Damian’s Teal Flannel
A flannel shirt layered over a graphic tee? We’ve seen that before. But a flannel shirt in an eye-catching color, with coordinated sneakers, sported by this tap-dancing musical theater fan? In Cady’s words, positively “grool.”
#2: Regina’s Secret Agent Garb
In Act II, Regina officially goes to the dark side – literally, as she dons head-to-toe black that perfectly complements her villainous, James Bond theme-esque solo, “World Burn.” It’s the perfect look to sport while handily smiting your enemies, or belting out one scorcher of a revenge song.
#1: The Spring Fling Attire of…Everyone
The Plastics have evolved into their own individuals. The geeks proudly embrace their identities. During the Spring Fling finale, “Stars,” no one wears pink. Janice and Damian sport matching paint-splattered tuxes—a fun nod to their artistic sides. Karen and Gretchen wear orange and turquoise dresses that complement each other but don’t mimic Regina’s white feathered showstopper .Channel these contrasting vibes on your next girls’ night out.
By Danielle Moore
