I'd say the look is iconic enough as is. Pairing a basque waist with a mini-skirt that is essentially peplum is a very flattering look. It's easy to laugh at the girls's outfits...but then you realize that the look is functional (the bows and skirt in the base form are too short to grab but provide just the right amount of modesty), balanced, and creates a very unique silhouette.
That being said, I would make some changes for animation's sake. I've gone over some ideas
before, but not in an organized fashion.
Get rid of those damn chest bows.
Agreed to the max...and this is coming from someone who
loves the chest bows.
While the chest bows look good in stills and act as an insignia, in animation, they are a pain of a detail to add. Furthermore, they're usually portrayed as stiff except for iconic moments, so they don't show any sort of motion.
However, without anything there, the chest is bare. I would let there be a hanging ribbon like in an actual Sailor uniform, but shorter.
Other changes I'd make are as follows:
- Removing the shoulder rolls and empire waist chest lines. Note how many fan costumes eliminate the two, and the shoulder rolls don't seem to do anything by make the look more bulky.
- Remove the back bows. Like the front bow, it looks nice, but is just an added detail to consider.
- Change the hip rolls to the secondary color. Of all the things I disliked about Toonmakers designs, this is one idea I actually liked. It draws attention to the hop roll and would help offset the white while accentuating the waistline.
- Have all the girls wear flats. Heels may give more character, but flats are easier to draw. Furthermore, flats instead of boots or heels would be be more distinct, even if it would give off a ballerina vibe.
- Extend the Sailor collar into a genuine cape. If these girls are superheroes, they need capes.