There's no studio that can quite nail its animated wardrobes like Disney, which has produced some serious iconic looks over the years. From the ballgown silhouette of Cinderella's dress to the rainbow of colors of the Madrigals in its latest film, Encanto, each Disney film makes sure that the style game is unique and on point for its main cast of characters.
Whether they're heroes or villains, princes, or princesses, Disney characters from all walks of life tend to have iconic outfits. And it's not always about ballgowns – some just have a certain flair for fashion that even non-animated folk would envy.
Megara (Hercules)
As a self-aware, sarcastic damsel in distress, Megara is definitely not a typical Disney princess. Her past is checkered, but she still plays the role of the love interest, all while looking fabulous in a long, purple, Grecian dress.
It's only logical, considering the Ancient Greek mythological concept of the movie. Regardless, the unique style helps Megara stand out as a truly unique Disney character – especially paired with her bouffant ponytail and killer brows.
Jane Porter (Tarzan)
On a research trip to study gorillas, Jane meets (and soon falls in love with) Tarzan, a man himself raised by apes. His upbringing couldn't make him any more different to Jane – a fact underscored by their first meeting, where he wears nothing but a loincloth and she's in a prim and proper corseted dress typical of the era.
As the pair fall in love, however, Jane's own style becomes less and less refined. Her wardrobe includes yellow shirts and khaki dresses and, at the movie's end, her own jungle-friendly skirt and crop top. Even living in the jungle, she manages to make everything look chic.
Prince Naveen (The Princess And The Frog)
Naveen changes a lot over the course of The Princess and the Frog. At the beginning, he's just a vain and selfish playboy of a prince. Thanks to Tiana, he ends the movie as a kind and compassionate man. One thing that doesn't change? His sense of style.
A lot of his looks are typical royal fare, with elaborate suits, sashes, and crowns. It's his casual wear that's really slick though. The effortless flair of his rolled-up shirtsleeves and flat cap make him Disney's best-dressed prince by far.
Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
Everything about Maleficent is iconic – from the fact she vows deadly revenge over not being invited to a party, to her elegant yet intimidating black and purple ensemble.
When she holds her arms aloft, there's no silhouette quite as powerful as Maleficent's jagged cut cape. Combined with her distinctive black horns, she makes for one of Disney's most sophisticated villains (who definitely would have made a fashionable addition to baby Aurora's christening).
Miss Bianca (The Rescuers)
She might be a rodent, but Miss Bianca is better dressed than most humans. Over the course of The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under, she balances her role as the Hungarian ambassador for the Rescue Aid Society with consistently sharp outfits.
Most of these feature furry hats coordinated with bows, tailored coats, and pearls. Classy, just like her – and arguably classier than any animated mouse has any right being.
Esmeralda (The Hunchback Of Notre Dame)
Courage and kindness make Esmeralda the best character in The Hunchback of Notre Dame – but her outfits don't hurt either.
From her first appearance in her red and purple dress, to her usual white shirt and purple skirt fit, she has a colorful, bold wardrobe that perfectly matches her personality. Her clothes are much more wearable than that of most female Disney characters – and also much more grown-up, just like the movie itself.
Isabela Madrigal (Encanto)
The entire Madrigal family is blessed with magical abilities in Encanto. Isabela's is very specific – she can will flowers to grow – but it's all part of her reputation as the pretty, perfect one in the family.
Admittedly, this leads to some pretty hefty burdens for Isabela. However, it also contributes to one incredibly stellar wardrobe, with uber-feminine looks heavy on purple, lace, and (unsurprisingly) flowers.
Elsa (Frozen)
Elsa has multiple looks over the course of her adventures in Frozen and Frozen 2 (not to mention two animated shorts). Born with the ability to create and manipulate ice and snow, she spends most of this time grappling with her powers and identity after years of keeping them secret.
In shades of blue and icy white, adorned with shimmering jewels and diamonds, Elsa's outfits are reflective of her own powers. They're as elegant and intricate as would be expected from the Queen of Arendelle. According to Vox, the design team even drew inspiration from real-life designers such as Elie Saab and Alexander McQueen to nail that luxury feel.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
As a princess of the Disney Rennaissance, Jasmine was more confident, independent and outspoken than some of those who came before her.
Her outfits reflected the same shift. Over the course of the movie, she has several colorful sets, with her most iconic look being her turquoise crop top and pants. But what really gives her the edge are her accessories – namely her gold jewelry.
Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians)
Of course, the best-dressed Disney character is the one who became a villain in the name of fashion. Determined to create the ultimate fur coat, Cruella embarks on a mission to steal Anita and Roger's Dalmatians.
Murderous intentions aside, Cruella knows her stuff. Her existing fur coats are flamboyant yet chic, while the black and red attire underneath is true to her name. Lime green eyeshadow and accessories are the final touch, pulling together for a dashingly devilish look.