SICK, SAD WORLD

Daria Turns 20: A Fall 2017 Style Update For Your Favorite Misanthropic Cartoon

by Lauren McCarthy

In 1997, Daria Morgendorffer, her sister Quinn, best friend Jane, and a whole crew of memorable faces entered the pop culture stratosphere with the debut of Daria, MTV’s cult favorite cartoon series following the world’s favorite misanthropic teen and the quirky characters that orbited around her. As recognizable as she is for her dry sarcasm, Daria unwittingly became something of a style icon, with her chunky glasses, lace-up combat boots, and army jacket–all style motifs we’ve seen on the runways season after season. In 1999, W highlighted the stylish crew from Lawndale in our annual Television Issue, dressing them up in the finest wares from the likes of Versace, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano. This week marks the 20th anniversary of Daria‘s debut, and in honor of the milestone, we’ve selected looks straight from the Fall 2017 runways that would be just perfect for the Morgendorffers and co. Pause the episode of Sick, Sad World, and click through to see all the looks.

1

The cast of Daria in W‘s November 1999 issue; illustrated by Karen Disher.

2Daria in Gucci

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Even Daria wouldn’t be immune to the allure of Alessandro Michele’s Gucci. Picture this look as she makes her first misguided attempt of infiltrating the Bushwick art scene.

3Jane in Proenza Schouler

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Cooler than thou Jane, meet cooler than thou Proenza Schouler. This patent leather look in her favorite color palette is the perfect 2017 update.

4Quinn in Prada

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You know the members of the Fashion Club would be Miuccia Prada fans. There’s no way Quinn could resist this luxe version of her own pink, printed sweater.

5Brittany in Versace

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By 2017, Brittany has ditched the pom-poms, but still leans to the nostalgia of Lawndale High’s blue and yellow school colors. Enter, this frilled but strong Versace look.

6Trent in Saint Laurent

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Trent was always a closeted Hedi Slimane fanboy, but he still really supports what Anthony Vaccerello is doing at the house. Now, if only he could get his hair to look just like the model’s….

7Mr. Morgendorffer in Calvin Klein

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After years of Quinn’s nagging, Mr. Morgendorffer finally got a new suit. He does not know who Raf Simons is, but likes the classic plaid detailing.

8Mrs. Morgendorffer in Altuzarra

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Mrs. Morgendorffer, it seems, was always ahead of the fashion curve. This Altuzarra suit–complete with matching red shoes–is begging for a spot in her closet.

9Daria in Dries Van Noten

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Not many people can pull off a green and orange color palette. Daria and Dries van Noten, however, make it work.

10Jane in Adam Selman

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Jane will undoubtedly skip her high school reunion, but should she change her mind, may we suggest this dramatic Adam Selman shirtdress?

11Quinn in Jeremy Scott

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It’s the dream outfit Quinn was never allowed to wear outside the house. Boy Trap, indeed.