Jon M. Chu’s blockbuster movie Wicked serves as an adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical and even outdoes it in certain respects. Upon its release in November 2024, it quickly became one of the most successful movies of the year; Wicked has even become a top contender for some Oscars categories. Wicked‘s cast is led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who give great performances as Elphaba and Glinda respectively. While the pair start off as enemies, by Wicked‘s ending, their friendship is solidified as one of the most important aspects of the film.

While Wicked showcases the injustices occurring in Oz, the main characters’ relationship is its most heartwarming storyline and influences their understanding of the world. The significance of their relationship is reaffirmed throughout the film through the songs, their behavior, and even their clothing choices. As the film continues, audiences can track the phases of Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship through the slow changes in their interactions. Though it is very easy to miss, Wicked actually includes a subtle, yet sweet, costuming detail that hints at their growing friendship.

Glinda Adopts Elphaba’s Pinafore Uniform Style In Wicked

Despite Being Seen As The Trendsetter, Glinda Actually Follows Elphaba’s Lead

When Elphaba first arrives at Shiz University, she can be seen in a black pinafore-style dress with a black top underneath; after she becomes an official student, her uniform also copies this style but with slightly more color. Her school uniform is often a striped pinafore dress with a light blue shirt underneath. In Glinda’s earlier scenes, her outfits are quite different, featuring lots of pink and other light colors with more flowing silhouettes and ruffles. However, in one scene, after their friendship takes form, Glinda’s uniform changes to match Elphaba’s style.

While neither of the women wears the same uniforms as their fellow students at Shiz, after the two become friends, Glinda can be seen in a light-colored striped pinafore with a pink half-sleeve top underneath. Though her dress is still distinct from Elphaba’s wardrobe because of its light color, it very clearly copies Elphaba’s style. Because almost no one else at Shiz wears a uniform like this, Glinda’s change in outfit can definitely be seen as a reflection of her changing feelings for Elphaba and the effect that she has on Glinda.

The Real Meaning Of Elphaba & Glinda’s School Uniforms

Elphaba & Glinda’s Outfits Show Their Influence On Each Other

Both women already stand out from everyone else in Wicked, but Elphaba’s outfits are clearly more in line with the uniforms of the other students, though their darker color points to Elphaba’s status as the outcast. In contrast, Glinda’s pink clothes show her personality and the attention that she receives from everyone. However, once they become friends, Glinda and Elphaba have a mᴀssive influence on each other, even down to subtle details in their fashion senses.

Additionally, Wicked‘s use of the pinafore dress is also a nod to Dorothy’s outfit in The Wizard of Oz. The blue gingham dress is now iconic, and it is often seen as representing her youth. Having both Elphaba and Glinda wear the same style connects them to Dorothy and points to their similar idealism and naivety. However, given Wicked‘s ending and how it intertwines with The Wizard of Oz‘s story, it seems unlikely that the youthful fashion will be seen again in Wicked: For Good.