Jem
Not the most popular, but the best (and most glamorous) cartoon ever made—Jem ran from 1985-88. Jem was the pink-haired front woman of a band called The Holograms. She battled rival band The Misfits (a blue-haired punk band)—both on and off the stage.
But Jem’s true identity is that of Jerrica Benton, who through the use of her earring can transform from her more polished self to her alter-rockstar-ego, Jem. There's rock-and-roll, romance and even fashion design. Shana, The Holograms drummer, designs the groups outfits. Netflix it. Trust me.
Jane: Daria
Jane from MTV's Daria is the cartoon version of my Kurt Cobain loving, sixth grade self. Though my blunt cut was an accident we shared the same hairstyle along with the same attitude towards life: down with authority. Her blazer, miniskirt combat boot trifecta—it’ll never really goes out of style.
Judy Funnie: Doug
And then there’s Judy Funnie from Nickelodeon's Doug, was the cooler older sister of Doug Funnie. Judy and her poetry loving self would hang out at the Honker Burger, spewing wisdom and making everyone jealous of beret and slouchy, purple boots. Coolly mysterious glasses? Check.
Patty Mayonaise: Doug
We should all be so lucky to find a guy whose love goes as deep as Doug’s did for Patty Mayonaise. While nowhere near as edgy as Judy, she had the cute, junior high school girl thing down pat. Scrunchie socks with pink converse. Love.
Jasmine: Aladdin
In Disney's 1992 film, Aladdin the only world Jasmine showed me was that of the genie pant. She was the first to put the Arabian nights chic look on the map. If only she could have convinced Aladdin to throw on a shirt under that vest. Come on, it was a little skimpy—even for a cartoon.
Smurfette: The Smurfs
The Smurfs! It was Smurfette’s fault that I nagged my mother for years to gain permission to dye my skin blue (eventually I succeed in what ended up being a much better look than my Simpson’s phase). Perhaps it’s her lovely disposition, her soft voice, or her delicate all-white eyelet look—but the only female Smurf had it going on even though she had no actual direct competition.
Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles: Powerpuff Girls
Powerpuff Girls Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles are masters not only of the universe, but of monochromatic, mod looks. They’re defending Townsville (creative!) from evil villains while wearing minidresses and they can fly. It’s seriously impressive.
Jessica Rabbit: Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Jessica Rabbit from 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit goes down as the sexiest cartoon that was ever drawn. Is that iconic red dress Valentino? Let’s just say it is.
Rainbow Brite
Rainbow Brite aired in 1984. She had a handy tool called the “color belt” that had magical, color enhancing capabilities. And don't even think about getting on her bad side, because she could just as easily strip you of color, leaving you sad and grey (if you deserved it). Powerful accessories aside, the girl successfully wore every color of the rainbow at once—no easy feat. The '80s shoulder detail, the rainbow moonboots—I still want it all.
Judy Jetsons: The Jetsons
If watching the Jetsons made you think that cars would be able to fly by the year 2011, you're as disappointed as I am. But stylewise, Judy Jetson was indeed a head of her time. Her look is vaguely reminiscent of a few Balenciaga and Hussein Chalayn pieces. Structured, futuristic style sure did suit Judy and it seems she's the inspiration behind many recent collections.
