School Uniforms In Retrospect, Winter 2011
Clearly about the fashion.
Winter’s almost over, and spring’s in the air. You can feel it here in Montreal where we got dumped with rain instead of snow (freezing rain, mind you, but rain nonetheless). You can feel it here on SJ where we recently posted the best-looking spring preview on the inter-webs (go comment, nurr hurr hurr). And on that note, you can feel it in the channels for Japanese cartoons as we’re about to switch from winter season to spring (there’s a reason for that spring preview, after all).
While the arrival of spring is a joyous occasion, I’m not ready to bid good-bye to the winter season yet. The shows haven’t finished, but I still think we should take a thoughtful and opinionated look back.
Opinionated? Yeah, that’s right. I usually withhold judgment until the last episode, but there are some elements of a show that can be judged before it’s done: music, animation, artwork, etcetera. And there’s one very important–and often neglected–element that I plan to highlight today:
School uniforms.
In case you need an example.
SJ has blogged many winter shows this season, and the majority have some variation of a school uniform. Wonder why. I thought this would be a good time to stop and compare.
Of course, this isn’t about girls in school uniforms or being a perv. Oh no, of course not. This is a highly educational experience for two reasons.
First, it’s a meaningful and informative way to explore a show in-depth. Why? I’ll get back to you on that one.
Second, it allows me to bring out my inner fruitfly and bestow upon you all my highly reliable and up-to-date fashion knowledge. I’ve extensively studied the recent New York runways, and I’m here to report the best and hottest trends:
- Micro-minis.
- Sailor inspired micro-minis.
- Plaid micro-minis.
- ZETTAI RYOUIKI.
- Girls in ties.
No worries, this list is 100% accurate. Now, let’s judge these series on how slutty fashion-forward their school uniforms are!
JUDGING TIME
You know it's bad if they have no official art of the uniform.
PROS:
- They’re school uniforms?
- Not pants.
EHHS:
- The buttons are kinda cute.
- I like the uniform for the guys. Old-school, old-men have mighty fine style. What? I don’t dress like an old man… Now, please return my pocket watch.
CONS:
- Butt bows. Look, everyone likes a little junk in the trunk, but these things look just dumb.
- That princess cut. It makes your arms look dumpy, and you’re most likely not a princess.
- They look complicated to take on and take off. It’s a lose-lose for both sexes.
- Geez, let’s see: depressing colors, dated silhouettes, not micro mini, and unflattering fit… Okay, we’re done here.
VERDICT: Gosick’s uniforms are as lame as its mysteries… Huh. And I actually wondered why I stopped blogging it.
Pick your fave 12-year-old waifu.
PROS:
- Well, you can count on Gainax to get the length right.
- ZETTAI RYOUIKI, Exhibit B.
- Sailor inspired. Glorious!
EHHS:
- My only saving sailor grace this season comes from a car commercial.
- The outfits can be customized. The result here all depends on the taste of its user… Let’s see: sports jacket–no, sailor skirt–yes, tights–okay, cape–GET OUT.
CONS:
- Ahem, these girls have the faces of pre-teens and the bodies of little boys. No thanks.
VERDICT: They look better in their mahou shoujo uniforms… Trust me, that’s not saying much.
Main cast in uniforms. Note the boys are the ones who really want to wear the uniforms
PROS:
- Customization! Substituting a bow for a tie is a move to approve. Girls in ties. They’re the best!
- No butt bows.
EHHS:
- Yellow and blue is a unique combination, but it’s not working. Bordering on drecktitude.
- The girls are required to wear skirts. Usually, this would be number one under pro, but…
CONS:
- The skirts are long. Well, these are 14-15 year-olds, so I won’t hold it against the show, but I will hold it against the outfits. By the way, that yellow is DOWDY.
- By the way, that bow is dowdy. And the fact that you have to button the shirt all the way is dowdy. And are there wrinkles in those sweaters? Real life touches in my anime clothing? NO.
- Blah, blah, blah bland.
VERDICT: NOT ENOUGH FABULOUS. Nor enough leg. Mitigated by the fact that these ladies are tweenage. Still, I’m glad I didn’t go to this school. No one wants to see their crush running around in potato sacks. Yellow potato sacks. At least, they weren’t subject to a hideous, droopy, mustard bow:
And Anna's still better than you. Eat it, haters!
I picked this because it was the best shot of the uniforms. Really.
PROS:
- CUSTOMIZATION. Hooray for slutty touches like ripping out the shoulders! You go, China!
- Hooray for slutty touches like mirco-minis! You see, Hourou Musuko? That’s how you do a pleated skirt!
- Hooray for nipple buttons! Although these look oddly square-like. Are they velcro?
EHHS:
- Customization. Ehh, Cecilia… Did you really have to lengthen that skirt?
- Um, are these body suits? Trench coats? How easy are they to take off, I’m wondering… That seems important in a harem show. Oh well. I’m sure the animation team can fix that problem.
- Their outfits are the same colors as the American flag. Let me think on that one.
- They look they belong in space. Well, this is a mecha show, but astronaut suits remind me of diapers, and diapers are not sexy.
CONS:
- $%#@, Customization! Flipping balloon pants? Come on, Laura. Heidi Klum is from Germany, so REPRESENT.
VERDICT: Isn’t this the season’s number one harem show? Sleek, I guess, but kind of a let-down. Luckily, these girls spend most of their time in body suits (also pictured in case you didn’t notice).
ZETTAI RYOUIKI: Exhibit A.
PROS:
- ZETTAI RYOUIKI. Oh, Madoka, the immense and growing Madoka fanbase may find grumble “whiny” at the very mention of thy name, but they fail to see the light. You are a very good girl!
- Plaid skirts. You can repeat that after me: plaid skirts.
EHHS:
- Excuse me, those skirts are too short. Even I have standards… PSYCH! Of course these are a pro. I’m just messing with you.
- Of course, those bodies are topped with those heads. No offense to Madokacons, but pancake faces aren’t hot.
- How do they put these things on? The tops, I mean, not the skirts. Well, at least their henshin sequences can remove them nice and quick.
CONS:
- ZETTAI RYOUIKI not required. Darnnit, Sayaka, you really did lose all your redeeming qualities in episode ten.
- The jacket edges look like shark teeth.
VERDICT: You know, Kyouko. You’re my favorite character, and I should tell you education is really important. If you get good grades, you can improve your status in the world. Maybe next time you won’t get suckered into becoming a magical girl. So… could you please attend class? The uniform is mandatory, by the way.
Exhibit D: Honey, those socks are too short for you.
PROS:
- GIRLS IN TIES. Your argument is invalid.
- The ties are pink.
EHHS:
- The gym uniforms are pink. For both sexes. Nothing says FABULOUS like having the school uniforms in the color of the rainbow. I’m guessing they’re easily mocked by their rivals.
- They’ve got a bit of sailor vibe going for them, but come on. Khaki skirts? They’re on an island for Chrissake. I expect full out sailor slut gear.
CONS:
- Oh, by the way? Those skirts? Could be shorter.
- This doesn’t count towards the winter season. (But I couldn’t pass up an occasion for girls and ties.)
VERDICT: Girls in ties PLUS gorgeous colors PLUS island school (leading to sailor uniforms). You’ve got all these great individual elements that should combine in the perfect way… and yet, the end result is a tad “meh.” Huh… now what show does this remind me of?
CONCLUSION
You know, the pundits are right. This is an awful, terrible anime season. Just look at these school uniforms! They run the gamut from dowdy to depressing to flamboyant to pedo. And there’s not enough ZETTAI RYOUIKI. Or plaid skirts. Or short skirts in general. What the heck, producers? I thought you liked making a little buck.
Still, amid a season of uninspired designs, it must be said that Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica got it together and managed to produce a school I’d apply to. The girls may have pita faces, but SHAFT has produced not only the best show of the season but the best school uniforms. Well played.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with my assessment that Madoka should be crowned School Uniform of the Season? What about the ladies–for those who put up with the fan service, do you have the same tastes as me? Or is my fashion knowledge flawed? (Say it ain’t so!)
Do you wish there was more Senjougahara in this post?
Here you go!
POLL TIME
NOTES
No, I didn’t link my other posts all throughout this one. That would be shameless.
This post would not have been possible without the screencaps by the folks at Random Curiosity. I know they’re a little obscure, but I highly recommend you check their site out.
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DJ Tukutz approves this post.
Sweet. Good man.
Lol who is that?
My recent post School Uniforms In Retrospect- Winter 2011
They don't call it the DJ Tukutz Award for nothin…
My recent post DDD Ep 26- The VEERRRRY late Oscars Episode
If it wasn't Winter 2011 only I would have went with K-ON's uniform and guess what? ANN also posted a similar post like yours Renn. It was about a vote on which school uniform you would prefer in 2010. K-ON's uniform got 1st place~!!
But besides that I'm torn between Hourou Musuko and Infinite Stratos : Can't decide on either…
My recent post Spring 2011 Anime Preview
K-ON just had a special episode released, so maybe it should've been on this poll lol. I was thisclose to putting up a picture of Mio for you, but I couldn't figure out where to put it. Hmm… Maybe next season.
Infinite Stratos definitely. :p
Yeah, sadly the episode is RAW still so I’m waiting for the subs to come out T____T It so SHOULD’VE!! *fan boy rage* xD jkz jkz
Learn Japanese. Then you don't have to wait… Although that is easier said than done. 2 years later and I can barely understand anything :p then again I did the basic 1A level twice thanks to the wonderful way I had to do it.
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I wish I could learn some Japanese but sadly over here we don't provide that facility… I could learn off the net but I'm lazy :P
My recent post Spring 2011 Anime Preview
* Butt bows. Look, everyone likes a little junk in the trunk, but these things look just dumb.
* That princess cut. It makes your arms look dumpy, and you’re most likely not a princess.
* Geez, let’s see: depressing colors, dated silhouettes, not micro mini, and unflattering fit…
Dude, you just insulted half of my wardrobe.
Hmm… maybe it's the wearer. Victorique looks alright in them. Apologies, but if it makes you feel better, you'd probably hate everything I wear, too. :p
Oh, so now you HATE what I wear?
I hate you, Renn–! /sob
haha, just messing with you c:
My favorite is Star Driver's because their colors remind me of watermelons, and their details are nicely designed.
Lol I typed this at five in the morning and went to bed thinking I'm an ass. xD Sorry! Anyway, messing or no, I really respect people who have their own personal style. I don't have my own, so maybe I'm just jealous.
I love watermelon colors… Hmm, I should've given it a better verdict. xD
I have to disagree with all of these.
You have to give this Anime a grain of salt, as with anything that is set in the past.
This is a period piece and if they are trying to keep it as accurate as they can, applying modern fashion trends are never going to work.
If you want to apply fashion trend to this, apply one that's right for the the 20s in Europe. These uniforms are probably to die for back then.
Good point. I'll bet if I'd have been stoked to go to Kujo's school if I had lived back then (for the uniforms no less!). I was unfair to Gosick (and to Vivi… Sorry, Vivi! :( ).
Though in my defense, I thought it would be fun to apply my ideal version of fashion to all anime, regardless of genre and period, because this post is just for fun, and I love skanky uniforms. xD
Butt bows are hot, they provide easy access but they give me the impression of class. It's like a neatly wrapped package with a nice bow on top :P
But yea, we needed more Senjougahara. Out of these lot though, my fav uniforms are probably the Star Driver ones, even if the colours somewhat clash :P
My recent post School Uniforms In Retrospect- Winter 2011
I like Star Driver's uniforms, but then I compare them to the Kiraboshi in my head, and it doesn't quite compute. Though I kinda like the men's version :p A bright green jacket and sparkling pink tie just work for the Galactic Pretty Boy.
I don’t know what butt bows are at all O__O But yes! SENJOUGAHARA~~~~!!!!! <3
edit* Don’t worry, I realized I was pronouncing bows as bowing down bow instead of the bow tie bow :\ fail…
I like the girls' uniform in Yumekui Merry the best.
I like them, too, but we don't blog Yumekui Merry here sadly. I think I like Merry's outfit more though. :D
You so should of added Kore wa Zombie desu ka’s uniforms!!! D: I just realized!! Why wasn’t that in!?!? *another fan boy rage* xD jkz jkz
><; Sorry, Tofu. I'll make it up to you somehow. To be honest though, I couldn't find that many uniform caps or pics for the show… Do all the girls wear them? All the time?
Lolol, I'm making everyone mad with this post. :D It's good to know school uniforms are such a high point of contention.
LOLS nah it’s all good Renn ^^
YESSS!!!!! xD brofist*
Star driver, Madoka and yeah Yumekui Merry best winter uniforms :D
Fosh! What about Kore wa Zombie!??! D: The school uniforms are nice as~
Just shows how forgettable they are… I only remember the masou shoujo costume.
Gosick for originality and staying relatively true to the time period. Two underrated qualities
Although Wandering Son's uniform is so great that even the men in the show want to wear it
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Intellectual reasons for admiring a school uniform? I'm way too shallow, but respect.
Ehh… Even I'd rather wear the girl's uniform at that school. That boy's uniform is sad. :p
wow!!! first time seeing posts as unique as this. well, it was unique for me! a fresh a idea for an aniblog. who would have thought to blog about the most smexy and obvious thing in anime? GREAT IDEA!! XD LOVE THE POST! :)
oh yes. and by the way….Bakemonogatari's uniform still comes in first for me :p
Aww, thank you very much! :) I'm touched someone appreciates me being a perv. xD
Senjougahara wore the ultimate uniform: a tie, ZETTAI RYOUIKI, short skirt, slightly sailor inspired, pink… Mmm…
Dragon Crisis + Rose + White stockings + Zettai Ryouiki = Squee
My favorite all time is Bakemonogatari (which i didn't realise was so popular) and all three uniforms in Strawberry Panic
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White stockings + Zettai Ryouiki is very good math! I haven't seen the show yet, but I hear Rose is quite cute.
If Bakemonogatari is a favorite, I see you have great taste in uniforms. I should check out Strawberry Panic. :D
Renn no ecchi xD
I voted Star Driver because I like the ties.
My recent post Spring 2011 Anime Preview
^AGREED – Gotta love the Star Driver ties.
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Lolol, sorry, Elyon. Expect a lot of that. ><; I'll try to make up for it in the future… maybe even next month. ;)
Both you and Asch have wonderful taste. :) I knew I was joining a great blog crew.
lol no need to apologize xD I'm just as bad.
HOW IS MADOKA WINNING?! Don't people like ties?!
My recent post Spring 2011 Anime Preview
People like plaid more. :p
What the, there's a poll now!
OTHER (Yumekui Merry)
Wish I could take credit, but it's all Bass. Go vote on the spring preview post, too, everyone! :D
MADOKA <3
I loveeee this post. If I was a guy I'd probably die of happiness right now.
Whut. Madoka has such plain uniforms, how is it winning? I think the houkago no Pleiades and Infinite Stratos uniforms are wayyyyyyy cuter. I wish we had uniforms now…
Aww, thanks so much! :) I thought of doing a boy uniform post for the girls, then I realized no one would want to see that. xD
Madoka had plaid mini skirts. I liked HnP's, but the girls looked too young. I'd feel like a pedo voting for them. xD
The boy uniforms don't have any real…fanservice…for us girls. <_< Derp.
Something tells me you like plaid…The girls looked really young in the HnP uniforms, but the design itself is adorable. Heck, I'd wear that! (if it was a bit longer…)
For a male uniform post, we would need a female touch. Otherwise, the enthusiasm won't seem genuine XD
And yea, looking back at the HnP uniforms, they are really good. Pity about the female subjects parading them though :P
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Were the uniforms in IS less customizable — or if they tilted more towards cute styles like Lin/Charlotte's they would be supreme (Is should be winning!). Oh, and ditto on the Yumekui Merry uniforms… all female characters in that series are über cute no matter what they wear though . The Oniikoto uniforms are kind of cutely simple too…
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Thanks! That's good to know! :D Happy pandas are the best.
I agree; IS got docked because balloon pants aren't sexy. General consensus says Yumekui Merry should've been on this poll, but we don't blog it here.
Ooh, I like Oniikoto's uniforms. I can't say face style is my thing though. xD
God Bass picked up a good writer.
I think I'm the only person who's voted for Houkago no Pleiades. Sure the girls who wear them are like children, but if we're just judging uniforms exclusively, then I like theirs the best. Now if you want to see it look good, take it off the 12 year-olds and throw it on a MATURE body… Does that make it better?
And I know from experience that wearing uniforms are not as glamorous as it seems…
Thank you! He picked up four of us.
It makes it infinitely better, thanks for that lovely mental image! Why didn't I see it before? HnP should be higher, too. But still, I prefer Madoka–I just love plaid.
Aww. Few things irl are as glamorous as they are in anime.
I think I'd feel very comfortable in Madoka's uniform, although the sleeves look kinda hard and uncomfortable. Also, Madoka, WHITE socks? ;__; Zettai Ryouiki, whatever, but not with white stockings -sighs- How can your mother let you out like that?
that's why I picked IS's uniform :3 Esepecially the customization is great! Nothing's better than giving your uniform a personal touch!
As the worst… I'd pick the Gosick one. I'd hate wearing those =__=
Haha, I like the white socks. I'm guessing they're not flattering irl. xD
Good choice, I must say. :)
I can't imagine it's easy to move in the Gosick uniform, but fashion is pain, so I've heard. xD
I approve of the use of Senjougahara as a Model. I wanted more picspam! But some is still good. xD
I prefer Star Driver unforms than Madoka any day. You need a body to match the Zettai Ryouiki, which the pita-faces don’t have. For me, it got fabukous very late, while Star Driver was always fabulous so maybe the reason for my preference.
I appreciate the approval. :) Sorry, sorry for the lack of picspam, but I couldn't spend any more than five hours on school uniforms. xD I have over 60 pages to write for school this month… :'( I'll remember next time.
Star Driver is pretty fabulous… I still loooove my plaid though, pita face or no. xD