I've been starved for fashion inspiration; lately, I'm *dying* for something to light up my creative energy. Unfortunately, the same old content song, and dance thrown at us by influencers just doesn't cut it anymore. I need an outlet to turn to to help me reignite my love of fashion, something that will excite me to get dressed again.
I imagine that if I feel this way, others do too; I can't be totally alone in my indifference to styling lately.
I've found a secret to spoonfuls of inspiration that might surprise you.
Stop scrolling mindlessly through Instagram and TikTok and head to the big screen. Pulling inspiration from our favorite on-screen fashionistas with vintage classics and new delights!
In this post, I share 5 must-watch (or re-watch) tv shows with fashion inspiration to reignite your creativity.
1. Sex and the City
Sex and the City is the O.G. fashion series. Who could forget the opening scene of Carrie Bradshaw running around NYC in her tiered tutu?
20+ years and multiple spin-offs later, we are still talking about SATC. Why? Because the fashion and styling are ICONIC.
SATC was one of the first shows to name-drop designers explicitly. Manolo Blahnik's became synonymous with Carrie Bradshaw. Sales for the shoes skyrocketed. But it wasn't all about the designer names; it was about the styling. We have Patricia Field to thank for her styling magic.
Carrie was the first character to really show off what personal style meant. She didn't follow trends. She set them. Every time Carrie set foot on the screen, you thought, "that shouldn't work together, but it does ."It seemed unthinkable that a snake print bandeau top, striped sarong, and cowboy hat could fit together, but Carrie made it work. She brought experimentation back to fashion.
But the sense of style didn't stop with Carrie. Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte brought their unique expression to the table. Samantha and her skin-bearing outfits matched her unabashed sex appeal. Miranda, with her impeccably tailored suits, highlighted her ambitious nature. Of course, we can't forget Charlotte's posh wardrobe that totally highlights her classic and romantic personality.
These 4 women proved that we were free to be ourselves.
"I like my money right where I can see it. Hanging in my closet."
2. Gossip Girl
My opinion will be a little biased here because Gossip Girl is a BIG personal fave for me. The series is one of the main influences on my decision to become a fashion designer. I kid you not, I've re-watched the series 8 times. It's my comfort show. Throughout college, I had Pinterest boards filled with looks for the show. I dedicated a Menswear drawing project to Chuck Bass. And yes, I had the stereotypical internship in NYC where I frequented all the Gossip Girl filming locations while wearing a headband.
So why is the show so iconic for fashion?
Eric Daman, the costume designer, put Gossip Girl on the map as a cultural fashion phenomenon. (He previously worked under Patricia Field). He brought high fashion into the living rooms of mainstream America. There's a reason it's still talked about 10 years after the finale. He highlighted teen fashion in a way that had never been done before. By the end of the series, some of the biggest names in the fashion industry had made guest appearances, such as Tory Burch, Rachel Zoe, Cynthia Rowley, and Tim Gunn.
Much like SATC, the show gave representation to ALL style aesthetics. Even menswear! Each character had their own unique style. Blair Waldorf was classic, preppy, and Parisian. Serena van der Woodsen was quintessential boho. Jenny Humphrey represented cool girl grunge. Vanessa Abrahams showcased an eclectic urban style. Chuck Bass was the ultimate dapper gentleman. Dan Humprey was the token hipster. Nate Archibald was classic, oxford prep.
Everyone could connect to the style of a character in the show.
Now BRB while I go re-watch G.G. for the 9th time now!
"Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It's movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and would like to be."
3. Emily in Paris
While we were all quarantined at home, Netflix launched Emily in Paris. Many of us binged the first two seasons, and whether you loved it or hated it, you can't deny that the fashion was captivating.
When we were all begging for some escapism, Emily in Paris delivered. There's no doubt in my mind that we were all living through Emily. Her extravagant and statement-making ensembles were pulling us out of our sweatpants hell. We were always wondering what she was going to throw together next.
It may come as no surprise that the series is another Darren Star original (the writer of Sex and the City). So who do we have to thank for the styling? None other than the legendary Patricia Field.
Like in Sex and the City, she pulled looks straight from the runway. Throughout the two seasons, you can spot rising trends from designers like Chanel, Christian Siriano, Virgil Abloh, and Stéphane Rolland.
The show even features fictional designers and several over-the-top fashion shows.
But Emily's not the only one with a great sense of style. Her friends Mindy and Camille also pack a punch with their looks throughout the seasons. And we can't forget her chic boss, Sylvie.
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what season three holds for us.
"You may mock us, but the truth is… you need us. Without basic bitches like me, you wouldn't be fashionable,"
4. Euphoria
Euphoria has caused quite an uproar for its graphic and jarring depiction of teenage life, but if you can get passed the shock of it all, you may find inspiration for your next outfit.
The show's costume designer, Heidi Bivens, has been nominated for 3 Emmys for her styling. She uses a mix of vintage, thrifted, and designer pieces to convey each character's individuality and mental state.
The show has captivated viewers with its revival of y2k fashion. It may even be single-handedly responsible for bringing it back into the zeitgeist with its glittery eye makeup, skater style, and barely-there outfits. Fans are so in love with the style that they've even taken to TikTok to show off their recreations of the infamous looks.
Those of us who were around in the early 2000s can instantly see cultural references throughout the seasons. Maddy's risque and flashy outfits look like a mix of Selena and J.Lo. Rue's slouchy skater threads make her look like an Avril Lavigne album cover. Cassie is the embodiment of Britney Spears during her "Hit Me Baby One More Time" era. Kat takes grunge punk it-girl to a new level. Finally, Lexi looks like she was styled by Alexa Chung herself.
So use the show as a means to step out of your shell. Remember to keep an open mind to new ways of dressing. Even if you were around for the first wave of Y2k fashion, you now have a chance to adopt a different style from the time. If you're not one to bare some skin, maybe you get a little risky with a Maddy-esque outfit.
"Wait, I Don't Understand. If You're Not Auditioning For Oklahoma, Then Why Do You Look Like That?"
5. Friends
Friends might be hailed as the ultimate comfort show. We've all seen countless reruns that we turn on as background noise. The 10-season series has truly stood the test of time and given us many iconic catchphrases, but the fashion is something else iconic about the show.
As mentioned above, the 90s and y2k fashion is having a moment that makes Friends' outfits even more relevant today. Think crop tops, leather boots, and scrunchies.
Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe truly delivered. I mean, who didn't want Rachel Green's signature haircut and plaid miniskirts!? She was undoubtedly the group's fashion icon, given her job at Ralph Lauren. But Monica also served in her cowl neck slip dresses. And we can't forget Phoebe's crochet and maxi skirts.
So if you're looking for some wardrobe inspiration, turn on some reruns and be prepared to be bombarded with Pinterest-worthy looks because Friends truly will never go out of style.
"It's like all my life, everyone's told me, 'You're a shoe! You're a shoe! You're a shoe!' Well, what if I don't want to be a shoe? What if I wanna be a purse or a hat?"
Are you feeling inspired? I hope this rundown of my 5 must-watch tv shows has restored your love of fashion.
PRO TIP: While watching these shows, take screenshots of your favorite looks, so you have a recipe to recreate them.
Let us know your favorite on-screen fashionista in the comments below.
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