I agree with taking some of the detail off while working on the shading. It still looks really flat. Think about the curves with perspective too—the star is completely proportional even though on a curved surface. Some of the shading is getting there but the shading in straight lines doesn't really come off as shading.

Don't give up! Practice makes perfect, if it's difficult then it means it's a good learning opportunity.

Love the loop. 
Great stuff.

Thanks!

There's always a lot of talk surround this sort of topic.
Why wouldn't it be?

I'm pretty new and some of the art I've done just looks more cartoony than pixelated/pixely. I'm aware there is a lot of discussion on 'what is pixel art', but I guess I'm not really looking for validation but any pixel art no-nos that I'm doing to be pointed out or techniques I need to work on. Maybe some of my colors still don't have enough contrast?

First off let me say I like the art, think it looks good.

One aspect I would point out that I haven't seen changed between any of the drafts is the synchronicity of different parts that are blowing. If you are trying to achieve an effect of no wind to a gust of wind then ignore this, but if it is supposed to be a steady wind then I would offset it as objects being blown by wind appear more random.

To be more specific, the two bangs and two hair bunches on the side of her face start their movement and end their movement at the same time and move the same distance. If she was landing from a jump forward or there was an abrupt gust of wind this would look spot on. But for a steady stream of wind this doesn't look realistic. I feel like the shirt has the same feel to it.

If you don't want to randomize it too much you could probably offset when each part starts blowing. This would give it a more flowing feel then bouncing feel.

Also, I think your gif of her letting her hair down is really cool. I'm a newbie so enjoyed learning from this post. Keep up the good work!

Some random updates: