From the kaleidoscope of colorful outfits seen in Encanto, released in November 2021, to the high-tech space suits of Lightyear, released in June 2022, Disney's designers and animators are more than well-versed in creating bright and iconic costume pieces for their animated and live-action characters. From something as simple as a pair of glasses to something as high-tech as a space laser, Disney knows how to dress their casts in style.
Regardless of complexity, making magical icons has been the company's business for decades. It's great that the company can make full ensembles like spacesuits and ballgowns, but a true testament to the company's design talent is how they can make one item or prop practically a symbol of the character that wears it.
Eeyore’s Tail (Winnie The Pooh)
In an obvious gag on pin-the-tail on the donkey, the famously gloomy Eeyore is constantly losing his tail all throughout the Hundred Acre Woods. The occurrence is so common that it served as one of the plot points for the 2011 film, and it's followed the donkey around for as long as fans can remember.
Made more distinct by the addition of a charming pink bow, Eeyore's tail is just as recognizable as one of Pooh's many "hunny" pots, or Tigger's stripes. It's truly a case of simple yet effective character design.
Dr. Facilier’s Hat And Talisman (The Princess And The Frog)
Dr. Facilier is without a doubt one of Disney's most popular villains. He's easily one of the most dapper, and his look is topped off (literally) with a skull top hat. Of course, no Disney practitioner of the dark arts can perform their craft without a conduit for their powers, so a mask-like talisman helps to serve this purpose in which he conjures his illusions and displays of dark power.
Of Disney's wicked magic users, the Shadow Man is a product of his time when it comes to his fashion statement. While someone like Jafar might opt for elaborate robes and a snake staff, Facilier prefers a much classier approach to his twisted tools of the trade.
Jack Skellington’s Sandy Claws Suit (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
It could be very easy to chalk up his bat bow tie as his most distinguishing costume feature, but that honor better fits the Sandy Claws suit worn by Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Not only does it represent Jack's newfound obsession with the holiday, but his transformation from Pumpkin King to the head of a holiday takeover.
Beginning life as a sketch over his Pumpkin King portrait, the suit is what signifies Jack's trip over the edge. This concept is only further cemented by Jack snatching Santa's hat right off his head. Fortunately, his misguided damage is able to be repaired before Christmas is lost.
Mary Poppins’ Umbrella (Mary Poppins)
Although the use of her umbrella is much more prominent in the books by P.L Travers is more frequent in the book than in the movie adaptation, Disney's version is easily the most iconic. Mary Poppins has a variety of costume changes throughout the movie, but she's never far away from her mode of transportation.
A sleek, black umbrella with the head of a parrot is seemingly close at hand for the magical nanny and is as iconic with her character as her bottomless carpet bag. Whether it's a trip to see Uncle Albert or a Jolly Holliday in a chalk-picture countryside, she never leaves home without it.
Yen Sid’s Hat (Fantasia)
It's one thing to be a very famous article of Disney clothing, but it's another to be one of the most powerful magical artifacts in the animated realm. The conduit for Yen Sid's, and later Mickey's, magical powers might look a bit stereotypical in terms of design, but sometimes the simple approach is the best one.
The sorcerer's hat is how both Yen Sid and Mickey conjure forth their magical abilities, although the master doesn't necessarily need its aid. It has since become both the symbol of Fantasia, Disney Magic, and the icon of Disney's Hollywood Studios for years, and thus an unforgettable piece of magical costume.
Captain Hook’s Hook (Peter Pan)
Most villainous fictional pirates can be pointed out with an intimidating feature like Blackbeard or One-Eyed Willy, and Captain Hook is certainly qualified. Not only does his infamous iron claw have huge intimidation and lethal factor to it, but it comes with quite a harrowing backstory.
Hook literally had his hand lopped off and fed to a hungry crocodile by his flying nemesis, and it's been his origin story ever since. However, what he lost in digits he more than made up for in an iconic weapon and namesake.
Cinderella’s Glass Slipper (Cinderella)
Out of all the classic Disney fairytales, there are few quite as famous as Cinderella's iconic glass slipper. Since it's such a key element in her overall plot, it makes perfect sense that it would be such a recognizable piece of her look. Cinderella's magical ballgown can look any way a designer wants it to, but she simply isn't Cinderella without the slippers to drop at the ball.
While Disney wasn't the first to utilize the imagery, theirs is still arguably the most famous adaptation of the Charles Perrault tale. Whether the narrative takes place in a faraway kingdom or in the San Fernando Valley, any take on the character practically demands a recognizable pair of shoes.
Donald’s Sailor Suit (Mickey Mouse And Friends)
In terms of cartoon history, Donald Duck is typically known for two things, his fiery temper and nautical attire. While Donald has had a number of different vocations in his decades-long career from clock-cleaner to a member of the U.S. army, he's always reverted to his classic blue sailor ensemble.
From his hat to his buttoned shirt, the outfit is to Donald as a pair of red shorts are to a certain mouse. In fact, Paul Rudish's newer (and stranger) Mickey Mouse cartoons make a small handful of references to Donald's attire on multiple occasions.
Minnie’s Bow (Mickey Mouse And Friends)
To an extent, Minnie's bow is what separates her from her beloved beau, but that doesn't mean it's just a simple costume piece meant to differentiate the two characters. After her pillbox hat went out of fashion, Minnie was quick to turn a simple accessory into an icon of her style.
Minnie's bow is as recognizable as Mickey's ears, especially if the theme park merchandise is to be believed. The bow has been around so long that it practically becomes part of her head, and any exclusion of it would undoubtedly result in mass confusion.
Mickey’s Shorts (Mickey Mouse And Friends)
Although characters like Minnie, Goofy, and so on have changed their looks over the decades, the master mouse himself continues to be the shining example of consistency with his hardly-ever-changing ensemble. Many toons might sport white gloves and giant yellow shoes, but only Mickey has the iconic red shorts.
Mickey might don a variety of different outfits for special occasions like his sorcerer robes or even a tuxedo at the theme parks, but his shorts are the default wardrobe choice across a multitude of media. Needless to say, Mickey pretty much had it made right out of the gate.