Fashion

Clarissa Darling's Style Translated For Adult Life

by Julia Guerra

November 6, 2015

We've seen a killer comeback from the '90s this season, both in the fashion world and beyond. A sequel novel to the Clarissa Explains It All series entitled Things I Can't Explain: A Clarissa Novel by Mitchell Kriegman releases Nov. 10, satisfying all the Clarissa cravings of '90s tween queens everywhere and making ladies everywhere wonder — how do you dress like Clarissa Darling in 2015 without looking, well, dated?

In the novel, Clarissa's flashing forward to 2015 with a New York zip code, furry feline, and a can't-kick caffeine addiction that seems to come with city living. Despite dramatic changes in scenery and social circle, Clarissa fans can expect to catch up with old friends, tie up lose ends, indulge in informative diagrams, and obsess over her evolved, but still unique, style.

The '90s were an experimental time, but although individuality was encouraged in the fashion sphere, there were few like this charismatic character who fully embraced the trend. The art of dressing oneself is an act of self expression, and it was through her unique clothing choices she exerted a sense of confidence that young girls and women to this day admire.

In theory, I think we're all in favor of individuality, but when it comes to style, many would rather stay on-trend than deviate from the norm due to fear of judgement. I can only speak for myself, but I admire those who can pair neon leggings with a leopard skirt and somehow make it stylish. The idea of dressing out of the box is intimidating as an adult, but as an adolescent, experimentation is not only embraced, it's almost expected in a way I wish it were as a 24-year-old.

"Clarissa's style is less intimidating because she was so young," costume designer Lisa Lederer, who worked on the original Nickelodeon series, tells me. "She just wants to be herself out in the world. She has a strong sense of self [that teens have today]."

It's true that teens today are maturing rather quickly, and have a greater sense of self at the ripe age of 13 than I had even at 16. The difference, however, is that the influence media has over a young girl's sense of style has shifted. While Clarissa's character encouraged a unique, true-to-oneself look, shows like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars offer distinct style guides to adhere to. We are still inspired to have fun with fashion, but more often than not we fall into specific categories that require particular pieces.

Before catching up with Clarissa myself, I had my predictions regarding her signature style's evolution into adult hood. Considering every fabulous mix and match of crazy colors and opposing prints, I had her pegged for a street style star with runway-esque ensembles, or a thrift store-savvy spender.

I wont spoil her shopping secrets; you'll get your fill from this spectacular novel. However, I can provide you with a Clarissa-inspired how-to-guide so you can better your alternative-era buys, based on these three very grown-up scenarios depicted in Kriegman's novel.