‘Mean Girls’ Fashion Rules: Pink on Wednesdays, Jeans on Fridays and More Notes From the Plastics’ Style Guide
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“Mean Girls” is back in the spotlight. Two decades after the original story written by Tina Fey hit theaters in 2004, the musical adaptation of the movie premiered on Jan. 12, introducing the Plastics to a new generation.
In “Mean Girls,” the Plastics is a group of high school students led by the character Regina George, who was first played by Rachel McAdams and is revived by Reneé Rapp in the new movie. The group, which was written as a parody of the American high school experience, shows off early 2000s and Y2K fashion with Juicy Couture sweatsuits, low-waisted bottoms and graphic tank tops.
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However, the Plastics had some strict fashion rules.
“On Wednesdays, we wear pink.”
Amanda Seyfried’s character Karen delivered one of the fans’ favorite quotes — and fashion rules — from the original movie, when she explained to Lindsay Lohan’s character, Cady, that “on Wednesdays, we wear pink.” The sartorial guidance prompted Cady to wear an oversized pink polo shirt to hang out with her new friends, who were dressed in pink cardigans with low-rise miniskirts.
Pink has made a powerful comeback to fashion in 2023 with Barbiecore dominating the runways and red carpets. And so did low-rise miniskirts, thanks to Miu Miu.
“You can’t wear a tank top two days in a row.”
Gretchen, originally played by Lacey Chabert, was responsible for revealing to Cady some of the regulations involving the Plastics’ wardrobe. One of the main rules was not to wear tank tops to school two days in a row.
Tank tops were a staple of ’90s fashion, popularized by Calvin Klein on the runway. The style became trendy again after it was seen on models at Loewe, Schiaparelli and other fashion brands during fall 2022.
“You can only wear jeans or track pants on Fridays.”
Without knowing the rest of the Plastics’ rules, Cady shows up at school wearing jeans on the wrong day. Gretchen informs her that they could only wear jeans and track pants on Friday, or she would have to sit with “the art freaks.”
Jeans were featured in spring 2023 collections by Chloé, Versace, Bottega Venetta, Givenchy and others. Meanwhile, track pants were a hit in 2020, when comfort became a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Only wear your hair in a ponytail once a week.”
The Plastics also had hair rules, including that members could only wear their hair in a ponytail once a week. Otherwise, they could be banished from the lunch table.
“You know I’m not allowed to wear hoop earrings, right?”
No Plastics member besides Regina George was allowed to wear hoop earrings, as Gretchen told Cady when they first became friends. The accessory carries a meaning of power throughout the movie, with Cady wearing hoop earrings when she becomes popular and Gretchen finally being able to wear the jewelry at the end when Regina has lost her control over her.
“You wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your friends first if it looks good on you.”
In one scene, Cady witnesses Regina giving a backhanded compliment to a student who is wearing a plaid miniskirt. “Oh my God, I love your skirt! Where did you get it?” Regina asks, adding the piece is “vintage, so adorable.” Later in the movie, Gretchen reveals another rule to Cady: you can only buy a skirt if one of your friends approves it first.
The new “Mean Girls” movie is currently in movie theaters and also features Christopher Briney, Ashley Park, Busy Phillips and more. The movie has grossed $43.8 million at the box office worldwide since it was released.
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