While the fashion world is usually focused on what’s new, there’s been a recent shift towards looking back to the past. Nostalgic nods like Peter Pan collars and Mary Jane shoes are all having a moment, prompting a ‘girlhood’ trend that is all about grown-up dress-up; a fun and liberating way to present yourself to the world.

Dressing like you’re off to a children’s birthday party has become entirely acceptable, with celebrities and influencers wearing hair bows, bloomers and sparkly socks. We’re thinking of bow-tied bonnets on Jessie Bush and Zeena Shah, Alexa Chung’s Simone Rocha ballerina dress and Molly Blutstein’s adorable, crochet sailor collar. 

I have looked at these outfits enviously, like a child being carried empty-handed out of a toy shop. 

But, what’s that got to do with Studio Ghibli? Well, the obsessions go hand-in-hand. The iconic Japanese animation studio has a worldwide reputation: its films are multi-generational household names in Japan (Spirited Away, Ponyo and Howl’s Moving Castle all appear in the top 10 highest-grossest films in the country), while in the UK and US these titles enjoy a cult following.

Studio Ghibli’s unique aesthetic, fable-style storytelling and powerful world-building has made it a nostalgic muse. Fashion powerhouse Loewe has enjoyed three sell-out collections inspired by Studio Ghibli films, reimaging its fantastical tales across garments and accessories. Of-the-moment New York-based label Sandy Liang often references the girlishness of Ghibli characters, such as Ponyo or Kiki, as design inspirations. Her current collection features a whole line named ‘uniforms’, spanning pleated pinafores, wrap-around apron dresses and frilly collared shirts, a chic reimagining of girls’ schoolwear – much like those that feature in the Ghibli films. 

The release of the studio’s latest title The Boy And The Heron, which features the voices of Robert Pattinson and Florence Pugh among others, has prompted style aficionados to take further inspiration from the world of Ghibli, digging deeper into a childhood aesthetic. Influencer Luena Gama recently shared an Instagram post modelled on the film Kiki’s Delivery Service, proclaiming it ‘Ghiblicore’. Featuring a colour palette of red, white and blue, it nails the schoolgirl vibe, and is further accentuated with white ankle socks and a hair bow. 

Speaking to Stylist, Gama explains why she loves using the films as style inspiration: “I call my Ghibli-esque outfits ‘serotonin ’fits’ because it’s about how they make you feel more than anything. I love the movies because they evoke such a sense of nostalgia and appreciate the beauty of the mundane. Using that idea, any simple silhouette can be made more Ghibli by adding tiny, thoughtful details like long red bows and a flowy skirt.” 

So, how can you get the Ghiblicore look for yourself? As with the girlhood trend, overarching themes look to silhouettes that remind us of childhood, such as puff sleeves, A-line skirts and shirts with sailor, frilly or Peter Pan collars. You’ll also find many of Ghibli’s most-loved characters, including Sophie from Howl’s Moving Castle, rocking a cottagecore aesthetic with Victorian-style dresses and vintage accessories, such as high boots and wicker hats. As for colour schemes, stick to primary hues like navy, red and white or pale pastel shades and you can’t go far wrong.

As a Ghibli fan, I too have long been inspired by the allure of its playful feel and the kind of small touches that Gama mentions. 

Using my favourite brands of the moment, keep scrolling for three looks that pay homage to Studio Ghibli’s most famous films and characters, all with a modern twist.

Images: @sarahduriani; Ghibli pictures from GKids; courtesy of brands