Being a child and walking into a toy store in the 2000s for the first time was a pivotal moment. You were given ultimate voting power to choose whatever doll your heart desired (if your mom wanted to buy it, of course). Looking back, it’s hard to ignore why we were so attracted to these dolls in the first place: their taste in fashion. As we slowly start to enter our 20s, maybe it’s time VALLEY took a walk down memory lane to revisit our childhood and our closet.
Inspiration Since Birth
The lineup of doll brands seemed endless to us. These dolls not only kept us entertained but reinforced femininity through their different clothes and hairstyles.
With toys as influential as these, the marketing for style is just as important; finding inspiration for your style now, with the dolls you adored as a kid, might be the most convenient way of finding your aesthetic.
Barbie
She is not a doll, she is the doll. The iconic doll we all know and love Barbie, basically coincides with the color pink. With Barbie becoming a household name again in 2024, why not also commemorate her love for pink?
Most of Barbie’s clothes, if not all, were made to be bold, colorful and eye-catching. When considering your new wardrobe, throw in some statement colors to make yourself stand out, like green, yellow and of course, pink!
American Girl
American Girl dolls weren’t just play tools for us, they were our friends. What was so popular about these dolls was how relatable they were. Although they were intended to represent historical figures and events, they have expanded immensely, even inspiring a series of different movies based on each doll.
If you want to recreate a true American Girl closet, tap into the upcoming winter vibe. Layering patterned sweaters and jackets is convenient for the cold weather and can add a bit of your childhood to your wardrobe. Fun hats and earmuffs can add some flare.
Monster High
These Monster High Dolls were created to prove it’s not just okay to be different, but cool. Layering different patterns and sporting eye-catching accessories were just some of the elements in these dolls’ scary wardrobes.
Although you might not be attending high school with vampires and zombies, you can be just as stylish as these dolls. Just add some unique statement pieces to your closet like patterned tops, bright scarves or giant gold hoops. Get creative with it! Bonus: add colored tinsel in your hair to represent these ghouls’ killer hairstyles.
Bratz
Almost every one of us had a Bratz doll growing up or begged to own one. Although Barbie seemed to be the most mainstream, Bratz encouraged the “edgy” side of us as children. In a way, their clothes had embodied the 2000s perfectly, showcasing a signature “Y2K” look.
In order to dress like a Bratz doll, you have to embrace the 2000s to the fullest. Low rise jeans, baby tees and funky heels are some inspirational pieces you can add to your closet.
As we reach adulthood, revisiting our childhood memories can heal us and inspire us, even in the depths of our closets. Tag us at @VALLEYmag on Instagram if you recreate any doll look!
