Television and movies can play such a vital role in how we carry ourselves through our own lives — especially when it comes to fashion. Being inspired by or copying a character's style from a show is just human nature. We want to dress like the people we admire. And there are so many shows out there with that fashion inspo. Sure, some of the styles may be out of reach for our budgets (hardly anyone can afford as many designer brands as the teens in Gossip Girl), but it's still fun to watch and enjoy and sometimes try to emulate.
And with period shows or throwback series that take place in other centuries or decades, it's also a trip to see how far we've come style-wise over the years. Have you ever watched a 1990s or early 2000s show and totally cringed at some of the stuff we used to wear? But it was trendy then and it will probably be trendy again, and that's why these 20 shows are some of the most iconic for their killer fashion sense.
'Sex and the City'
TV fashion should worship at the feet of Patricia Field. The famed costume designer has graced so many series with her expert eye, including most famously Sex and the City. She would put combinations of clothing together for Carrie and the gang that were so fresh and new they'd create their own trends. Truly, what is SATC without its fashion?
'Emily in Paris'
Patricia Field now works on the new Netflix series Emily in Paris, and she's brought her keen SATC eye to all of the fashion choices. Because the show is set in France, Patricia has highlighted things such as berets, the brand Chanel, and more iconic French fashion items. And with season two coming up, you just know Patricia will have some chic tricks up her sleeve.
'The Queen's Gambit'
The Queen's Gambit was set in the late '50s and '60s, so the costumes are all super retro. Anya Taylor-Joy may be playing a chess wizard in the Netflix series, but she's also a total fashion icon with her chic '60s mod looks of the day. We'd love her full closet now, please. So many great vintage pieces to choose from.
'The Bold Type'
Inspired by Cosmopolitan editor Joanna Coles' time at the magazine, The Bold Type focuses on three young Scarlet magazine employees who are figuring out friendship, boys, and career. Because they work at a fashion glossy, they have to dress the part, and the costume team certainly made sure they did. So many iconic millennial and Gen Z trends on display!
'Gossip Girl'
The 2000s series is so well known for its dramatic fashion. Since much of the Gossip Girl was centered on the wealthy New York elite, there had to be designer brands on display in almost every scene. The end result is a beautiful bouquet of fashion choices that work so well in the show but would maybe look a little over-the-top IRL.
'Killing Eve'
Who would have thought that a show about spies and assassins would also have such fab fashion? Villanelle (pictured here) may be deadly, but she's deadly in style. Imagine having the energy for spy work and a killer fashion sense at the same time? Sure, it's a show, so the costumes are chosen by a team, but it's still pretty cool.
'Gilmore Girls'
Gilmore Girls is set in the cozy and quaint town of Stars Hallow, Connecticut. And though it technically takes place year-round, the show is best known for its autumnal glory — including the cozy fashion choices, from scarves to beanies to beautiful pea coats. Lorelai's style in particular is the perfect blend of eclectic and on trend.
'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'
Amy Sherman-Palladino created Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, so it's unsurprising that they both have great costume design. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a period drama that takes place in the '50s and '60s, so the costumes are very of-the-time. The show also balances looking at the lives of housewives versus career women, so the style changes accordingly depending on the character and her situation.
'Scandal'
In Scandal, Oliva Pope is a high-powered DC fixer, and she's got the wardrobe to match. Actress Kerry Washington became a fashion icon after starring in this Shonda Rhimes series because of how stunning her character's wardrobe was. Her chic coats and designer bags always conveyed a sense of power and independence.
'Younger'
In Younger, Liza is a fortysomething who goes undercover as a twentysomething to get hired back in publishing after taking time off to raise her daughter. The result is a beautiful dichotomy of fashion between Gen X Liza and Millennial Liza. The clothing is key here to illustrate which version of herself she is in every scene.
'Game of Thrones'
The point of Game of Thrones is definitely not the fashion. It's a fantasy show about the life and death stakes of an entire realm. But the style is pretty glorious at the same time. We love everything from the Starks' cozy winter-is-coming coats to the chic dresses Daenerys and Margaery wore throughout the series.
'The Crown'
The fashion on The Crown has always been pretty spot-on to the real people the characters are portraying, but it wasn't until the introduction of the Princess Diana storyline that the style got really interesting. A lot of the late royal's iconic '80s and '90s outfits were re-created for the show, and it's so cool to see them in all their splendor — especially that iconic wedding dress.
'Friends'
Think of a '90 fashion icon, and you're probably imagining someone like Rachel from Friends. Her style was so synonymous with the decade, as was the cast's fashion in general. From Phoebe's hippy style to Monica's uptight and clean style to Rachel's super on-trend style, Friends set the bar high for '90s television fashion.
'Girlfriends'
Girlfriends ran from 2000 until 2008, so the show contains all those really 2000s trends like low-rise jeans, crop tops, cardigans, spaghetti strap tops, and more. A lot of those trends are coming back in style today thanks to the Gen Z-ers on TikTok, so rewatching the show may give you some fashion inspo for this season.
'Girlboss'
This short-lived Netflix series was inspired by the meteoric and dramatic rise of Sophia Amoruso, who created the fashion brand Nasty Gal. Since Girlboss is a show all about fashion, it just made sense that the costume team would pull together awesome looks for the characters to wear. A lot of the items were really chic vintage-inspired pieces, too.
'Riverdale'
As someone who coveted the vintage styles Betty and Veronica wore in the Archie comics, it was super thrilling to see that the modern reboot of the series didn't lose that chicness. Sure, the fashion is different in 2021, but Betty, Veronica, Cheryl, Josie, and more are just as stylish today on the show as in the printed comic version.
'The Great'
The Hulu period drama The Great follows the early years of Russian empress Catherine the Great, before she really rose to power. But even though the series explores history, it still has a modern feel to it — especially via the bold costumes. They match the aesthetic of the decade, but they also would look pretty cool in today's fashion scene as well.
'Bridgerton'
Speaking of modernized period dramas, Netflix's Bridgerton has a similar vibe to The Great. The Regency-era clothing in the series was dialed up to 11, making Bridgerton not only really pleasing on the eyes, but also kind of inspirational. It will leave audiences wanting to try elbow-length gloves, brocade dresses, and more.
'Queer Eye'
Most of the shows on this list are fictional, but Queer Eye is a reality show with killer fashion that deserves a mention. The five hosts all have their own unique style — from Karamo Brown's beautiful collection of bomber jackets to Tan France's effortless French tucks. And since they help people on the show learn to dress better themselves, you may even pick up a trick or two.
'Insecure'
Issa Rae is a total style icon IRL, so of course she also is in the show she created, Insecure. And while the fictionalized Issa has a lot to be insecure about (or she thinks she does), her sense of style isn't one of them. She and her friends have an effortlessly trendy fashion sense that's so fun to see on screen.
