BTS season is the perfect excuse to totally transform your vibe. And who better to guide you than the most iconic screen queens of all time? We’re talking more than just a makeover montage. Each of these heroines has served not only looks, but serious life lessons. Now they’re teaching a master class in achieving your goals, standing up for yourself (and your squad) and tackling any challenge that comes your way (though fingers crossed you don’t run into any Demogorgons IRL).
Find your fave, then channel her leading lady energy—or, hey, borrow a little brilliance from all six gals. Cue your slo-mo strut through the hallways…
Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)
Pretty much everyone knows the story of our favorite Gemini vegetarian defying all expectations at Harvard Law (“What, like it’s hard?”). But thanks to the upcoming Elle series (dropping on Amazon Prime next year), we’ll get a peek at what she was like as a teen. Spoiler alert: We’re guessing Miss Woods brought just as much sass and class to high school. With her unshakable
optimism, she’s always kept life cheerful—proving that being bubbly and being brainy are definitely not mutually exclusive.
First-day fit check: To keep things more classroom than courtroom, go for preppy touches—like an oversized blazer, polished loafers or a pop of pink—instead of a power pantsuit.
Quote to live by: “You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”
Extra credit assignment: Go out for something unexpected—whether it’s varsity volleyball, class secretary or that engineering internship you’ve been secretly eyeing. Elle’s story proves you never know what’s possible…until you apply.
Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)
Hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Gilmore Girls first premiered (we’ve been trying to channel Rory’s studious vibe ever since). Cross your fingers for a cast reunion this fall (please, manifest with us), then tap into some of Rory’s academic superstar energy. Even while navigating drama, love triangles and enough coffee to power a small town, she stayed laser-focused on her Ivy League dreams.
First-day fit check: Think upgraded Chilton Prep: a plaid skirt, a slouchy navy sweater and an annotated classic novel peeking out of your tote. Bonus points for bookish accessories.
Quote to live by: “Who cares if I’m pretty if I fail my finals?”
Extra credit assignment: Submit something to your school newspaper or literary mag. A book review, a hot take on the caf’s pizza or that short story you’ve been quietly drafting—whatever it is, putting your voice out there is peak Rory.
Anna Coleman (Freaky Friday)
To celebrate the release of Freakier Friday (in theaters Aug. 8), may we interest you in a rewatch of one of the most legendary DCOMs? Anna’s rebel girl attitude definitely made this nostalgic flick an instant classic. And while we can’t recommend getting detention twice in one day or throwing down with your mom at dinner, there’s something iconic about Anna’s unapologetic love for her music, her friends and (with a little nudge from a magical fortune cookie) her family, too.
First-day fit check: Go full garage girlie with distressed denim and a tee repping your fave band. A studded belt = the ultimate finishing touch.
Quote to live by: Basically the entirety of Pink Slip’s “Take Me Away” performance.
Extra credit assignment: Balancing homework, extracurriculars and family stuff can be, well, freaky. Start a new weekly tradition—a Sunday hike, game night or even just breakfast—with your mom, dad, sibs or the whole crew.
Wednesday Addams (Wednesday)
She’s sharp, spooky and so over everyone’s nonsense—and she’ll keep marching to the beat of her own cello when she returns to Nevermore Academy in season two (part one drops Aug. 6). She may not love compliments, but we can’t help admiring her gift for sleuthing out hard truths, dropping dark humor into any creepy situation and fully owning her outcast status.
First-day fit check: Goth ‘n’ gloom might not be your thing (but if it is, go all-black everything and rock those chunky Docs). Even perfect pigtail braids are a subtle nod to Wednesday energy.
Quote to live by: “I act as if I don’t care if people dislike me. Deep down…I secretly enjoy it.”
Extra credit assignment: Plan a solo date where you dedicate an hour or so to whatever weird, wacky or wonderfully niche hobby makes you happy.
Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
True, Annabeth is kind of destined for greatness (having the literal goddess of wisdom and war as your mom definitely helps). But she doesn’t just coast on good genes and natural ability—she puts in the work and thinks 10 steps ahead. Outsmarting monsters on the daily takes serious strategy and grit…and tbh, so does wrangling Grover and Seaweed Brain.
First-day fit check: Time to debut that tie-dyed summer camp tee your bunkmates signed in Sharpie.
Quote to live by: “Today feel like a winning kind of day to you?”
Extra credit assignment: Snag a planner, then map out your biggest goals for the coming months. Annabeth wouldn’t go into battle without a blueprint, so why should you?
Eleven (Stranger Things)
Ever since she wandered into Hawkins with her shaved head and trusty Eggos, El’s been showing us the true meaning of strength. Newsflash: It’s not just about flipping a massive van with your mind. Being fiercely loyal to the ones you love and showing up when it’s hard are what really give her that Quiet Girl power.
First-day fit check: The ’80s called and gave you full permission to go retro chic: bold neons and high-waisted jeans for the win.
Quote to live by: “Friends don’t lie.”
Extra credit assignment: The first few weeks of the semester can be downright overwhelming for everyone. Host a de-stress session (DIY spa night, movie marathon or dare we say D&D
game?) to give everyone in your group a much-needed escape without them even having to ask.
Hey, girl! Just to let you know, this originally ran in our August/September 2025 Issue. Read our print mag for *free* today when you click HERE!
Want more back-to-school inspo? Check these out!
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📚 5 eco-friendly supplies to add to your list this back to school szn
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