(Not Just) a Style Icon: Jackie Burkhart

At only 14 years old Mila Kunis landed the role that would catapult her into fame, the shallow and shrill voiced Jackie Burkhart. Created to be the comically mismatched to the open-minded and modern intellectual Donna, Jackie was the annoying cheerleader, whiny and demanding girlfriend, and starch anti-feminist. But as time has passed Jackie has been appreciated by women more and more for her unflinching self love, "come as I am" attitude, and extremely relatable lines (i.e. "If I could run across the beach into my own arms, I would."

Without further ado, I present February's (Not Just A) Style Icon: Jackie Burkhart.

Outfit #1- The Charlie's Angel Fantasy Jumpsuit

One day while hunting through the racks at The Salvation Army I found this little number curled up in a ball on the floor, and snagged it as an impulse buy, telling myself even if I didn't wear it I could still use it as a Charlie's Angels Costume. Little did I know I would be needing it for this project. Life is funny that way. I love the boldness of this outfit. Jackie is one of those characters who wouldn't leave the house if one hair was out of place, but she's not afraid to wear something a little different because she knows she looks good.

Outfit #2- Summer Lovin' Sundress.

This is one of those Jackie outfits that can't be described by any other words but "pretty". It's a simple dress but the tiny floral print and circle skirt make you feel like a princess. While Jackie likes to make a statement and boss everyone around, she still likes to feel feminine and sweet.

Outfit #3- Not So Drab Denim Skirt

When I think of denim skirts I tend to think of old ladies at craft fairs, but dolled up with a cute top, chic scarf, and summery platforms, the denim skirt feels like a fun alternative to pants, which can be stifling in Bakersfield heat. Also how cute is the neck scarf? Not just anyone could wear that comfortably.

Outfit #4- Plaid Midi Skirt and Boots Combo

Bow down to Jackie Burkhart, the Queen of the Midi Skirt! Sorry, but no chance of finding this tea length multi-patterned skirt, because it was handmade by moi from scraps of left over material. I made this skirt for the summer to be worn with tank tops and sandals, and it never occurred to me that I could wear it during the winter. With a peek-a-boo sweater and knee high boots this outfit is perfect for Autumn in Wisconsin.

Outfit #5- Groupie Chic

Even Jackie likes to relax once in a while in cute high-waisted jeans and a band tee that was probably a gift from Hyde. The least "high maintenance" of all her looks, this outfit is comfortable and perfect for hanging out in Eric Forman's basement.

Outfit #6- Bell Bottoms

I don't think you could call it "That 70s Show" if the most stylish character didn't wear bell-bottoms. Unlike Donna with her plain true blues, Jackie likes to spice up her denim with cute little accents like the daffodils on these vintage bell bottoms. It's honestly shocking how much denim Jackie gets away with wearing, simply because of the little details that make each item unique.

Outfit #7- Sporty w/ a side of stripes

Another thing Jackie wears constantly are horizontal stripes, which aren't hard to find since they're very trendy this fall. Paired with a coordinating silk jacket, the stripes go from nerdy to fun.

I always felt that Jackie got the short end of the stick when it came to character development. Always stuck as somebody's girlfriend or Donna's best friend she hardly ever got to express anything more than a funny one liner or petty grievances, but thanks to Mila Kunis' interpretation of the role she always appeared to have a mind of her own. I personally love Jackie because she taught me that its okay to pump yourself up sometimes. She was never afraid of talking about how cute she was or how much she cared about her hair, which was a pretty bold thing for women to do then. Even though the show was actually filmed 20 years later than the year it was set, Jackie was still a victim of our internalized misogyny. We were supposed to find her annoying because of the way she loved herself. Luckily, now we are finally realizing that being a woman and a feminist is all about being free to make choices, and Jackie is finally getting the love she deserves. This month let us all be a little more like Jackie and show ourselves some love, whether its just doing a face mask or complementing ourselves.

Thanks for reading!