Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Shojo and fashion have shared the same space for a long time. They have been dependent on each other, and their close interaction has led to several inspirations for cosplayers. In fact, one simple search for Shojo-inspired fashion would lead you to hundreds of Pinterest boards.
Unfortunately, most of these clothing inspirations might serve you with the same cottagecore/soft girl aesthetic. But is Shojo fashion really limited to these waist-snatching corsets and frilly laces? Or has the manga/anime-inspired fashion scene just gone stale?
Shojo anime-inspired fashion is stuck in the past
The current trends of Shojo-inspired fashion no longer adhere to the current trending series. It almost seems like the aesthetic is stuck in the past with the addition of fast fashion elements. Yes, mixing vintage styles with current trends is the way to go, but completely detaching from the dressing style in theanime scene does not do the Shoujo genre any favors.
Shōjo Anime Reached its Absolute Peak With 1 Manga That Sold Over 30 Million Copies by 2018
Take some extremely popular Shojo anime, for example. Sawaki fromKimi ni Todokeis a prime example, as her aesthetic is completely misrepresented. In reality, she wears long skirts and dresses and follows a more modest attire. Haruhi, fromOuran High School Host Club, also prefers wearing modest dresses when she is not in her usual tomboyish clothes. Nanami fromKamisama Kissdoes wear short skirts but she often couples them with long jackets or turtlenecks.
Thus, even in the classic Shojo anime, the attire of the characters varied based on their personalities. However, the fashion inspo pages make it look like every Shojo female lead has the same personality and preferences. This could lead the audience to have a misleading view of the genre. Once again, these women are extremely well-developed characters and are not clones.
The ages-old Shojo fashion aesthetic is hurting the genre’s perception
Of course, frilly styles were also popular at one point, but that does not dictate the Shojo fashion scene anymore. Let’s take a look at some recently popular Shojo series.My Dress Up Darling‘s female lead, Marin, loves cosplay, but on a regular basis, she can be seen switching from shirts, oversized hoodies, cute tops, or even casual tee and denim combo.Horimiya‘s Kiyoko Hori also prefers comfort over style.
Another character, Mitsumi, fromSkip and Loafer, is often seen wearing overalls or simple t-shirts. Once again, all of these characters wear clothing according to their personalities. None of them can be lumped under the same fashion category.
‘Ouran High School Host Club’ Captured The Most Important Aspect of Storytelling That Modern Anime Greatly Lack
At the end of the day, the soft girl aesthetic might be hurting the opinions of non-shojo readers about the genre. These inspirations are stuck at one specific point in time and no longer adhere to the current shift in trends. The fast-fashion culture, coupled with viral TikTok videos, is simply overexaggerating the pink, super girly, and feminine clothing, whereas the reality of the Shojo genre is changing all the time.
Aaheli Pradhan
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :1556
Aaheli is an Anime Content Writer at FandomWire with 1300+ published articles. With five years of experience under her belt, she is a living, breathing encyclopedia for anime and manga. From Shonen and Shojo to the most niche anime, nothing escapes her radar. Her poisons of choice are Assassination Classroom, Gintama, Ouran High School Host Club and every Ghibli movie ever. She believes in living a slow life, surrounded by incomplete art projects and her beloved cats.
More from Aaheli Pradhan
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Fighting Girls Review and Ending Explained: Koume and Tiara’s Rivalry Hid a Deeper Loneliness
Fighting Girls: What Is ‘Takopi’s Original Sin’ Creator’s New One-Shot About?
Recommended
What Did Justin Baldoni Say to Isabela Ferrer? Alarming Revelation in Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Nice’s Return Just Gave ‘To Be Hero X’ Its Highest-Rated Episode of the Season
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
All LinkedIn Games Solutions for Today (July 04, 2025)
Every Breaking Bad Villain, Ranked by How Badly They Underestimated Walter White
Shojo anime
