These days, we instantly associate style as being its own character in certain shows. Certainly, my fave Sex and the City is a prime example of that. But it wasn’t always the case. Long before Carrie and company graced our television screens with their killer style and enviable careers, those who came before them worked hard to earn their spots in both television and style history. They forged a path for decades to come so that we could enjoy the countless other shows that came after them to offer not only total outfit inspo, and induce major closet envy, but to motivate us to be the best and most badass version of ourselves! So hold onto your handbags as I go back—WAY back—to introduce you to the trailblazers who started it all! Here are my favorite style icons in the history of the small screen!
**NOTE: This was originally written for a website and was never used. It honestly was one of my favorite things to write like EVER, and I wanted to share it. I tried to proofread 86 times, and correct any grammar from “we” to “I”, etc, but I’m sure I missed one or two. Bear with me. Also, I guess I’m back to blogging after accidentally not blogging for a year!**
Marlo Thomas as Ann Marie
Marlo Thomas played Ann Marie—the original “aspiring actress who moves to New York City”—in That Girl. Throughout the show’s five seasons, she dared to wear the shortest skirts, boldest colors, and hottest trends of the times. Marlo pushed the boundaries and paved the way for some of our modern-day favorites! As the kids today would say, Marlo walked so Mary could run… (and toss her hat in the air!)
Mary Tyler Moore
Even before her own self-titled show in which she plays dream-chasing Mary Richards, MTM was a trendsetter when she appeared on The Dick Van Dyke Show as Laura Petrie and would often wear (GASP!) capri pants—something unheard of prior to the show airing! Shows of that era and prior often portrayed women doing their household duties in full-skirted dresses, and Mary was adamant that the show be more realistic. (Thank Mary that today, one of a girl’s greatest rewards is taking off her bra as soon as she gets home!🤣) As Mary Richards, Mary Tyler Moore continued to prove that not only did women belong in the workplace (and that they could look fabulous there), but that they could do a job just as well as—if not better than—their male coworkers and counterparts. Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for Mary Tyler Moore; to this day, “Put On A Happy Face” (AKA Mary’s Bad Day) is one of my favorite episodes of any TV show to date.
The Women Of Dynasty
Long before the 2017 TV reboot, Dynasty was a show that shaped the fashion of the eccentric 1980’s. Joan Collins and Linda Evans (literally) sparkled on screen as Alexis Colby and Krystle Carrington. Clad in the biggest shoulder pads and, at times, the lowest necklines, the villainous Alexis and compassionate Krystle provided a generation with hours of entertainment and held plenty of influence over the wardrobe choices of their viewers. Whether loathed or loved, these brazen babes encouraged women to go after anything they wanted—at any cost! (Although I don’t condone the catfighting that so often occurred!)
Soleil Moon Frye as Punky Brewster
She didn’t necessarily pave the way for future generations in the same way that MTM or Marlo Thomas did, however Punky Brewster inspired an entirely new up and coming demographic (hi!🙋🏻♀️) to embrace their individuality. From her trademark vests and mismatched sneakers to her desire to do anything she wanted thanks to “Punky Power!”, she was unstoppable and an incredible role model to those who watched her growing up. She was so amazing, they decided to reboot the series for a bit! Come to think of it, Punky’s probably one of the main reasons why I insisted on wearing polka dots and stripes…. together.
Fran Drescher as Fran Fine
As the “flashy girl from Flushing”, Fran Drescher lit up television screens everywhere for six years as she portrayed Fran Fine on The Nanny. And I was riveted by every single episode. There was nothing too excessive or extreme for our girl Fran, and seeing her insane outfits would be one of the highlights of my week. She would don the most mini of skirts, some outlandish patterns, and the highest hair, all while belting out her signature laugh alongside the occasional “Mistah Sheffield!” A little non-traditional to say the least, when it came to both fashion and nannying, Fran showed everyone that some rules were meant to be broken, and that you could be a terrific role model AND rock whatever you wanted to!
Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green
Undoubtedly the most stylish of the six Friends, we’re introduced to Rachel Green in full runaway bride getup, and she left an imprint on our hearts ever since. (Come on, you didn’t really forget that “The Rachel” was like THE most requested haircut throughout most of the show’s duration, did you?) Not only in terms of hair, but Rachel made everything she wore look effortless yet chic. With thousands of Pinterest boards dedicated to her style all these years later, the simplicity of her outfits has stood the test of time. Personally, I’ve always been more of a Monica, but I wouldn’t say no to a peek inside Rachel’s wardrobe!
The Women of Sex And The City
Wait, did you really think I would talk about the most stylish women on television and NOT include our favorite city-based babes? There are countless interviews in which Patricia Field has said that she considered the wardrobe of Sex And The City to be its own character. The show took fashion to an entirely different level we had never seen before, and it continues to inspire everyone who watches. There’s something for everyone when it comes to SATC: Carrie Bradshaw spoke to the girl who’s not afraid to make daring choices and make the most of her accessories; Charlotte York-Goldenblatt would usually draped in head-to-toe Burberry or a Park Avenue princess chic look, reflecting her optimism and showing that she’s a hopeless romantic; Samantha Jones would constantly rock a bold color and a low neckline to match her carefree yet badass attitude; and the strong-willed lawyer Miranda Hobbes would usually be dressed in dark colors and conservative coverage, but surprise us with a great pattern on occasion and we loved it!
**NOTE: this was drafted before And Just Like That…, which I will cover in an entirely separate blog post.
Leighton Meester & Blake Lively as Blair & Serena
Truth be told, all the characters (men included) on Gossip Girl have incredible wardrobe stories and style evolution. Obviously, S and Queen B take the cake. Blair Waldorf loved a good headband to complete her polished ensembles. She wouldn’t dare be caught in anything less than perfection from her headband down to her Mary Janes. Never afraid of patterns or pops of color, she always achieves a classic, clean-cut look. Serena van der Woodsen on the other hand, would channel all things ethereal with a much more relaxed sense of style. She’d often pair edgy and bohemian pieces together—the result being an effortless look that was often imitated, but never quite duplicated. Even now. And she married Ryan Reynolds IRL sooo….
The Ladies of Pretty Little Liars
Another show with a little “something for everyone”, PLL elevated the way teens and twenty-somethings dressed entirely. I’m pretty sure I’m aging myself here, but back in my high school days, I don’t think our heels exceeded 2 or 3 inches. (Except for my 4-inch leopard platform sandals from Steve Madden). As for the Liars’ sense of style, you had Emily who preferred casual attire more often than not. Spencer would always wear tailored and preppy outfits. Aria began the series as a trademark eclectic, rocker-chic girl. Hannah would opt for trendy, feminine pieces. Remember, these are only the four main “liars”, not including other key players in the show. PLL was another example of pushing boundaries as far as not only style and wardrobe, but with their topics of discussion and storylines (hello, the show’s main premise is the disappearance/potential death of a teenage girl). Each Liar’s style evolved over the course of the show, and now I hear there’s a new series coming out. I can’t wait to see the outfits on this one! ::Adds to list of shows to binge::
Well, you’ve listened to me ramble for long enough—thanks for reading if you stuck around, and if you think I’ve left anyone out, leave it in the comments and stay tuned for a follow-up post to this!
Vito says
Great read. Love it.