Victorious's Influence on Personal Style
Written by Olivia Daly
Victorious is arguably the most influential Nickelodeon sitcom of our generation. Following six teens who attend Hollywood Arts High School, the show was not only memorable for its whimsical and hilarious plotlines, but distinctive fashion looks that defined and inspired a generation. This show is one of the last mainstream examples of personal style. In the 2020s, personal style is dead. Everyone tries desperately to keep up with the trend cycles perpetuated by social media and fast fashion. We all dress the same, individuality has all but faded from the scene.
The teenage students of Hollywood Arts all had a distinctive personal style that aligned with their personalities. First up is Jade West, the quintessential goth girl. Her character is known for her alternative style. In sporting all black ensembles and materials such as lace, fishnets, and leather, Jade’s look furthers her edgy and quick-witted character. Not one to back down easily, Jade’s fashion was used as a medium for expression as she stormed the halls and screamed at anyone who got in her way. She intimidated and often bullied her peers, and looked good while doing it.
Trina Vega was another recurring character on the show. As the older sister of the show’s leading lady, Trina was known for her loud obnoxious personality, and outright delusional levels of self confidence. This was well documented in Trina’s wardrobe choices. As someone who needs to be the center of attention, her obsession with the fictional yet iconic “Fazzini boots” (six-inch heeled booties in statement colors), helped bring her to life as she stormed the halls of Hollywood Arts. Her outlandish shoes emphasized her over the top, larger-than-life personality.
Even the teachers at Hollywood Arts were defined by their style. Erwin Sikowitz, the school’s eccentric drama teacher, had a penchant for baggy clothes, clashing patterns, plaid scarves, and mala beads. His long hair and love of expired coconut milk (which he claimed gave him visions) fed into his new age hippie look. Sikowitz was known for his eyebrow raising methodology when it came to acting, and his style was no outlier. Sometimes without shoes, but always with an interesting outfit, his style was a mixture of homeless and spent-a-year-meditating-in-Cambodia. Sikowitz’s fashion helped to develop his characters role as comic relief and make every storyline he was involved with more ridiculous.
What I think we can take away and learn from Victorious is to be ourselves. You don’t have to go out and buy a new wardrobe just because the internet has switched their favor from “Coastal Granddaughter" to “Coquette” or “Mob Wife”. Aesthetics on TikTok change in the blink of an eye. It’s out of control and frankly, ridiculous. Don’t follow blindly just because “blueberry milk nails” and “cookie butter hair” are being constantly pushed. Dressing like yourself and staying true to you is the most rewarding process. Avoiding the endless chase after the trend cycle of the week saves time and money. Developing one’s personal style creates a wardrobe with longevity and authenticity. If there’s one lesson to be learned from 2010’s children’s programming, it’s that fashion is one of the most powerful mediums of expression: have fun with it. Your look is your first impression to the world, so why blend into the crowd?
Edited by Katherine Rubinstein and Brett Byers
