Unpacking The Unique Styles Of Heartbreak High

Starting off strong, Darren’s style exudes a self-confidence we could’ve only hoped to have in high school. One of the most compelling and entertaining characters on the show, Darren’s fashion echoes the complexity of their storyline with an eclectic mix of colour and cultural references. Played by James Majoos, the Hartley High teen seamlessly blends masculine and feminine tropes with a distinct retro flair. In a highlight look of the season, Darren pairs the traditionally feminine statement of a corset top with a bright neon durag, resulting in a modern, and refreshingly gender-bended take on 1990s streetwear motifs. The easiest way to channel this look: fitted tank tops teamed with baggy jeans and colourful summer camp jewellery.

A true standout of the show, autism activist Chloe Hayden traded in her flower crowns for chokers to play the kind and funny Quinni Gallagher-Jones. In line with her character’s love of all things fantasy, Quinni’s otherwise gothic style is offset with ethereal makeup, jewellery and whimsical floral motifs. Whether in a hoodie at school or out partying with friends, the delightful teen’s looks seldom lack a touch of glitter eyeshadow or colourful accessories for that other-worldly flourish. What beautifully unites best friends Quinni and Darren’s style (other than a distinct noughties influence) is their intention to dress only for themselves, something rare and special in a high school setting.

One of the show’s more literal takes on 1990s teen fashion, we can imagine Amerie’s effortlessly cool outfits slotting easily into the scenes of Clueless and other iconic vintage flicks. Alongside her casual rotation of cropped tanks and denim jackets, Amerie (played by Ayesha Madon) brings a girlish touch to her looks with a series of dainty jewellery and Y2K-inspired beaded necklaces. Leaning towards athleisure and more comfortable street style, the troublemaking teen’s wardrobe is more pared-back than some of her cohorts. Although still looking undeniably cooler than we did in high school, the choice to refrain from the loud colours and personality-fuelled wardrobes of her classmates was perhaps to signify Amerie still trying to find herself as the season unfolds. 

Although at first glance he looks just like all the boys we couldn’t stand in high school, Will McDonald’s portrayal of Douglas “Ca$h” Piggott truly tugged at our heartstrings. The wardrobe of our favourite self-identified “Eshay'' couldn't have been more true to that distinct subset of Aussie culture. As the season unfolds, it becomes clear Ca$h feels trapped within a dangerous social circle which is poignantly reflected in his costume design. The way Ca$h explicitly follows the uniform of his peers conveys a fearful desperation to blend in. Even if the polo shirt + gold chain combo isn’t one you can get behind, we’re giving full props to this kid’s precisely curated look and will be fascinated to see how it changes as his identity and relationships evolve.

One of the best dressed it-girls of Hartley High, the artful style of pink-haired Sasha So (Gemma Chua-Tran) lit up our screens. Perfectly offset by an edgy cropped mullet and Dr Martens sandals, Sasha’s feminine wardrobe made use of romantically draped lines and a soft, colourful palette. The ethereal, swoonworthy nature of Sasha’s looks speak to her status as the school’s resident heartthrob; Hartley girls either want to be her or be with her. Scoring some of the best metallic makeup looks of the series, our favourite teen queen combines the show’s Y2K influence with elegant button-ups and pearls, bringing an elevated twist to the Heartbreak aesthetic and truly making it her own.

Asher Yasbincek’s incredible performance as Harper McLean had us enthralled, not to mention it really put the “heartbreak” in Heartbreak High. As we’re increasingly shown what this teen girl has had to overcome, new strength and meaning is brought to her cool and confident style. Opting for the comfortable cuts of 90s grunge fashion, Harper's punk wardrobe conveys the same resilience as her character. With a rotation of oversized button-down shirts and chokers, we can appreciate the intentional call backs to outcast heroines of 1990s teen cinema. While we keenly await the release of Heartbreak High season 2 we’ll be wondering how this captivating character’s story unfolds and in what manner her style does too.