Fashion Inspiration: Walt Disney’s Pocahontas
Pocahontas is an adventurous soul who thrives on nature and has a strong spiritual connection with the Earth. Although she only wears one outfit during the film, she is still a great source of fashion inspiration. So, for this installment of our Disney-Inspired Fashion series, rather than focusing only on the character’s clothes, I decided to get a little more creative and draw inspiration from her environment and from the songs in the movie as well.
Like the previous articles in this series, the purpose of this article is to use a childhood idol as inspiration for outfits that you can actually pull off as a college student. All it takes is a little creativity!
For more Disney-inspired looks, check out our past articles on Walt Disney’s Snow White, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Walt Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Walt Disney’s Cinderella, Walt Disney’s Princess Jasmine, and Walt Disney’s Princess Tiana.
About Pocahontas: Movie Summary
Pocahontas is the daughter of a Native American Chief. She thrives on adventure, but is also very wise, spiritual, and in touch with nature. Early in the film, Kocoum, one of her tribe’s greatest warriors, proposes to Pocahontas. Although she knows this is an honor, Pocahontas does not believe it is her destiny to marry Kocoum.
One day, Europeans, including Captain John Smith, arrive in America in search of gold. Although her tribe knows the dangers of Europeans, Pocahontas is naturally curious and ends up meeting John. They communicate with each other, and Pocahontas teaches him that her people are not savages, as the Europeans believe. Pocahontas and John Smith have many secret meetings, talking about their lives and cultures. Pocahontas even takes him to meet her spiritual guide, a tree named Grandmother Willow. Eventually, they fall in love.
One unfortunate evening, Kocoum catches Pocahontas kissing John Smith. Before he can attack, one of John’s friends shoots and kills Kocoum. John Smith takes the blame for it, and is taken prisoner by Pocahontas’s tribe and sentenced to death.
Pocahontas realizes that the execution will cause a war between her tribe and the Europeans, so she throws herself in front of John Smith right as her father is about to kill him. Her father then comes to his senses and does not murder John Smith. The cruel Governor Ratcliffe shoots at the Chief, but John Smith dives in front of him and takes the bullet.
Because of his injury, John Smith must return to England. He begs his love, Pocahontas, to accompany him, but she makes the heart-wrenching decision to stay. She believes her calling is to stay with her people, because they need her. The two kiss goodbye, and she tells him that even when they are apart, she will always be with him.
1. The Beginning
Throughout the film, Pocahontas wears a one-shouldered dress with a belted waist.
To translate her dress into the modern day look below, I used mostly neutral colors, but looked for texture and pattern to make the outfit wearable and interesting. I also added a pop of red with the earrings, reminiscent of Pocahontas’s red arm tattoo.
Earrings- M Butterfly, Shoes- Delia’s, Top- Modcloth, Bracelet- Fossil, Skirt- Jane Norman, Bag- Forever 21
2. After The Engagement
After Kocoum’s proposal, Pocahontas wears her mother’s turquoise necklace to symbolize their engagement.
To channel this look, I made an outfit with a one shoulder dress, which is similar in style to Pocahontas’s dress. I used a skinny belt to emphasize the waist, and added a turquoise necklace to pay homage to her necklace in the film. Finally, I chose leaf earrings to symbolize Pocahontas’s connection with nature and her spiritual guide, Grandmother Willow.
Necklace- Avalaya, Belt- Miss Selfridge, Dress- Urban Original, Earrings- Republic, Shoes- Piperlime
2. Just Around The Riverbend
Although Pocahontas is mostly portrayed as a serious person, the song “Just Around the Riverbend” shows her fun, spunky side.
To capture the essence of the song, I created an outfit around a brightly-colored dress with a tribal-inspired pattern. To add interest and light, I then added shiny accessories with gold details. I finished this look off with a tan bag, which reminds me of Pocahontas’s dress.
Earrings- House Of Harlow 1960, Shoes- Endless, Dress- Tilly’s, Bag- Urban Outfitters
4. Colors Of The Wind
Pocahontas sings “Colors Of The Wind” to explain to John how every part of nature is important and spiritual. This is one of the most colorful and epic scenes in the film, featuring autumn-hued leaves, twinkling stars, and a cloud of prismatic butterflies.
To channel the energy from this scene into an outfit, I used a long, colorful maxi dress and some adorable wolf earrings, both inspired by nature. I finished the look off with a wooden bangle, some pretty sandals, and a fringed bag that will move with the wind.
Bracelet- ASOS, Shoes- Target, Dress- ASOS, Earrings- Modcloth, Bag- Pacific Sunwear
Thoughts?
Are you inspired by Pocahontas? Which Disney characters would you be interested in seeing posts about in the future? I want to know what you think, so be sure to leave your thoughts in a comment!
Posted on on August 4, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Disney, Featured, Inspiration, Inspired by, Pocahontas
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Tara
THANK YOU!
The first outfit portray Pocahontas really well.
I love this post- Pocahontas is my favourite Disney princess/princess movie.
This comes just in ime for a costume party I have next week :).
Karissa - Elms College
This was definitely the hardest princess so far, and you did it with ease. Those outfits were so creative! Amazing job!
You should consider doing Swan Princess next! I know that it isn’t technically a Disney movie, but ah it is my favorite! :]
Emme
Hey Calli!
Thank you SO much for these Disney posts! They are creative and trendy and classic! These posts make me so excited for my own Disney vacay next week :-)
Maddie
I was so excited for this! I know it was kinda hard because she has like 2 outfits in the movie, but u did a good job anyway.
Jordan
I literally *screamed* when I saw this!! I have been waiting FOREVER for you to do Pocahontas. She is by-far my favorite Disney character!
Love the dresses and the wolf earrings!
Christy
Love it!
m
not a princess, but mulan might be an interesting one, since for most of the movie she’s dressing like a guy. ;)
Sarah
Oh, I just love these Disney posts! Great job with one of them more difficult princesses!
Bernadette
Hahah you did a pretty good job considering she never changes in the movie. I never noticed that till now.
Christina
I love these pieces!
Kimf
I’d love to see Mulan who is sometimes a princess and my favorite character. Belle from beauty and the beast would also be great.
SupaWaifu
I so wasn’t expecting great things from this. I thought there’d be more fringe, but I’m pleasantly surprised! This is possibly one of my favorite sets of interpretations. Especially the first outfit.
I know there’s already been a Tim Burton Alice post, but I’d love to see more wearable options for a Disney inspired Alice. Also Mulan!
Halen
WOW, i’m amazed how every time i think you won’t be able to pull it off (which is like, every princess haha) how you do it spectacularly! and it is true that the outfits are very wearble!
halendove.tumblr.com
Jana
I would love to see one on Giselle (from Enchanted) and one on Belle, as she is my favorite disney princess.
Jana
Oh yeah and I second the Swan Princess motion. That would be awesome.
Alesha
awesome job on this! however, you put two #2′s there lol just thought you’d like to know ;D
Shawna
I Would love to see a post about Anastasia!
hannah
Luv it!
Kay
Wow, this is really well put together! I love the first outfit best.
Kenna
At first I was skeptical but this turned out really well! Love the outfits!!!
D
I’ve never really liked Pcahontas but it was amazing what you did inspired on her. love the wolf earrings, must get them lol.
I third Swan Princess and second Anastasia, she is my favorite princess, the little Romanov.
Morgan
I love these outfits, especially the first one. I’m also seriously impressed you could do so much with a movie where the princess only wears one outfit! Please do Belle next!!! =]=]=]
Elle
Great post! Loved the accessories. You did a wonderful job for a character with such a limited wardrobe.
Yvonne
Yes yes and YES on outfit #2!!
Lalalina
This was such a hard character to do and you really did a fantastic job! I especially loved the outfit from the “Just around the riverbend” section! I really love the earrings and the tribal print dress!
Here is another vote for Mulan! She my one of my favorite Disney princesses! I would also love to see Belle
Shelly
I love how you pulled outfits from different scenes, even if Pocahontas wears just one dress throughout the movie! Awesome job.
Could you please do Mulan next? I’ve been waiting since the beginning of the series, and she’s shown up in lots of comments from every past article as well! It’d also be nice to see an Asian princess on here, after Snow White, Aurora, etc. were all covered ;)
Savanah
Love this! She must be my favorite Disney princess.
I think Giselle, from Enchanted, would be great. She’s such a crafty girl. Not exactly a princess, but she got close.
Hannah
Great job! I think you should do Anastasia as well!
M
It’s amazing how you took Pocahontas’s ONE outfit and made so many diverse ensembles! Looking forward to more; I’d love to see Mulan and Belle!
Paula
I remember how often I used to watch this movie!! Just about every weekend haha.
I’d also love to see Belle and Meg from Hercules.
Anna
This was a difficult princess, good job with finding so many different outfits. Love that last outfit, it is so “colors of the wind”!
Lucy
Every week you pull it off with ease! Such a good post! Agreed with the earlier suggestion of Mulan!
Caitlin
so creative! I love all of these posts, you have such great ideas. keep up the good work :)
Gracey
I love ALL Of these outfits! the colors are so amazing :) awesome post
Christi
Where is Belle? I love all of your disney posts but my anticipation for Belle is killing me. She is by far my favorite.
Lilic
Do Kida from Atlantis :D
Isabel
I seriously love how to managed to create a ton of looks from Pocahontas’s one outfit. She is my favourite! This post is awesome.
Sharon
the disney serie is definitely one of my favs!
the last dress is SUPER gorgeous and fits with the theme so well :)
amazing job!
Zai
You should do Jane from Tarzan :D she’s one of my favorite characters from disney I’d love to see that!(: Great Job on Pocahontas!
Anne
YAy Thanks so much for doing pocahontas!! i thought it would be really cool to see trendy outfits based on her.. can you please now do Belle and Giselle ?!
Nish
mulan mulan mulan! and belle, belle, belle! haha
Amazing job and just in time too :D
Shanise M
I love this post especially the last dress! Great job!!
Kelsen
Love this whole series!
Jane Porter from Tarzan would be great, I’d also like to ditto Belle and Mulan, or Giselle, or maybe Wendy Darling.
Valerie
I love this post and I can’t wait to see more. I’d like to see Mulan, Tinkerbell, and Megara in future posts.
Ashanti
OMG Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess! (along with Tiana) but these are my favorite posts because you can still be a disney princess but without the whole costume-y affect.
Sari
YES. <3
I've been saying since Day 1 that I wanted to see a Pocahontas post since so many of us love her! And this post really exceeded my expectations!! Granted, some of these outfits I wouldn't wear, because they simply aren't me. But I certainly appreciate them, and if I saw anyone wearing this outfits, I would automatically think of Pocahontas. You captured it really well. Thanks, Calli!
Marisa
Lovely how you did four Pocahontas outfits while Pocahontas herself wears the same dress the whole time. Very nice outfits!
Kate
Pretty. The third outfit is my favorite. I love love love this series of posts!
Dominique
I love this series! I think you should do Mulan next (even though she’s not technically a princess).
Lily
I’d love to see a Belle post! She’s by far the best Disney Princess!
Syd
This series is great. I know everyone’s been asking for Belle, but I have a few to throw out: Mulan, Megera (from Hercules), Alice in Wonderland, Esmeralda (from Hunchback of Notre Dame. SHE would be the most fun to do, IMO), and despite not being Disney, Anastasia.
Wendy
I’ve been waiting since the first one if these to see Belle! She’s my favorite princess by far because she has a brain ancient sitting waiting around for a man to save her like snow white and Cinderella. Please do her next! Belle all the way.
Priya
Fantastic Job!!! Please do the snow queen next?
Brittany
I just found these posts and went through every single one!! It is sooo amazing how you can pull such inspiration from these and make such awesome outfits :) I would love to see Belle next. She is my absolute favorite disney princess :D
Stephi
i LOVE these! i was wondering what princess you were planning on doing next? i would love to see belle or mulan done next, especially belle.
liana
next disney princess should be mulan
janey
i dressed my daughter during her custom day in school as pocahontas and she loved it…. i love jasmine and would love to see some of your inspirations so i can copy them:)
Meley
This is beautiful, I especially love the last dress you chose, it completely reminded me of the scene.
Lydia
I really LOVE this one!! Do you mind doing Jessie from toy story?? Can’t find a outfit for Holloween!!:( Or mabey Wendy or Jane from peter Pan also a Ice Princess outfit would bw great!! You did AWESOME!!