Raised by Dolls
How Playtime Became a Blueprint for Personal Style
When I think about the girl I am today — the way I dress, the things I love, the energy I carry — I can’t help but credit a surprising source: dolls.
I know, it might sound a little funny. But growing up, dolls weren’t just toys. They were my first style icons. My first chance at self-expression. My first glimpse into what it could feel like to dress up, to dream big, to create a whole identity through clothes, makeup, and attitude.
And looking back, I think depending on which doll you were obsessed with, it might just say something about the kind of style you gravitate toward now.
(Maybe I’m just saying that because I adored my Bratz dolls and now I have a giant lips couch sitting in my living room... but still. Coincidence? I think not.)
Of course, I don't think it manifests that way for everyone…But I do think it's interesting to think about how our early style influences shaped the way we see fashion today. Let’s get into it:
Barbie
Aesthetic: Classic, polished, aspirational
If Barbie was your girl, you probably have a soft spot for timeless pieces with a twist. Think sleek silhouettes, coordinated outfits, statement accessories. Barbie was all about having the perfect outfit for every occasion — and she made it look easy. If you loved Barbie, you might lean toward a more polished, pulled-together style, even when you're just running errands.
Bratz
Aesthetic: Bold, edgy, glam
If you were a Bratz kid, you know the assignment: attitude. The chunky boots, the tiny handbags, the oversized sunglasses — Bratz were fashion risk-takers before we even knew what that meant. God love em. If you loved Bratz, there’s a good chance you’re not afraid to go bold with your style now: platform shoes, dramatic makeup, and clothes that make a statement without needing to say a word.
Winx Club
Aesthetic: Whimsical, ethereal, Y2K fairycore
If Winx Club had a chokehold on your childhood, you probably have a love for playful, colorful, slightly magical style. Think mesh tops, mini skirts, glittery accessories, and a general vibe of "I could be a fairy if I wanted to." There’s an effortless, dreamy feeling to the way Winx fans often approach fashion — it's fun, it’s flirty, and it never takes itself too seriously.
My Scene
Aesthetic: Cool girl, urban chic, fashion-forward
My Scene dolls were kind of like Barbie’s cooler, trendier cousin who lived in a penthouse apartment. If you were into My Scene, your style now might have a bit of that early 2000s glam-meets-city vibe. Maybe you love mixing designer with streetwear, layering statement pieces, or throwing on a trucker hat and heels like it’s 2004 again. You just have it — without even trying.
Polly Pocket
Aesthetic: Playful, colorful, maximalist
If Polly Pocket was your favorite, you probably have a playful approach to fashion. You don’t take clothes too seriously — and why should you? Mixing colors, patterns, textures — it’s all part of the fun. There's a sense of nostalgia and whimsy in the way Polly Pocket kids tend to dress even now: they see their closet as a playground, not a formula.
Monster High
Aesthetic: Goth glam, alternative, punk
Monster High girls knew early on that different is cool. If you loved Monster High, you probably have a darker, edgier twist to your style now — leather jackets, combat boots, bold makeup, unconventional accessories. Monster High celebrated uniqueness and individuality in a way a lot of other brands didn’t, and that attitude shows up in your style today.
American Girl
Aesthetic: Classic Americana, vintage influence, storytelling through style
If American Girl dolls were your jam, you probably have an appreciation for storytelling through fashion — even if you don’t realize it. Maybe you love vintage shopping, or you’re drawn to pieces with a little bit of history. You probably appreciate good craftsmanship, meaningful details, and a certain timelessness in your closet. (Also: there’s a 100% chance you still love a good pair of boots, just saying.)
When you really think about it, dolls were some of our first muses. They taught us how clothes could tell a story, how style could be a form of imagination. Whether or not you still identify with the doll you grew up loving most, it’s interesting to think about how those early influences quietly shaped the way we dress — and maybe even the way we dream.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I dive into why it’s kind of sad we were expected to "grow out of" dolls so fast — and what that says about creativity, girlhood, and growing up in a tech-obsessed world.
Because sometimes, I can’t help but wonder... if technology hadn't taken over, would there have been an even more evolved, grown-up version of dolls? Would dressing up and creating characters still be seen as cool?
And honestly... I’m not saying I want to dress up dolls every day.
(But I’m also not saying I don’t.)
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆