21 Of The Most Fashionable TV Shows Of All Time

While it might not be traditionally fashion-oriented show like Gossip Girl, Suits had plenty of admirable ensembles to offer in the fictional work wardrobe department. Between Jessica’s elegant take on feminine tailoring, Rachel’s knack with a slick, power pencil skirt and Donna’s ability to elevate the humble shift dress, the show’s portrayal of corporate dressing was definitely one of the small screen’s best.

Defined by its ‘go big or go home’ aesthetic, Empire‘s affinity for faux furs, plunging jumpsuits, animal prints, bold jewellery and body-con looks by the world’s greatest designers is definitely nothing to be sneezed at. Style-wise, Cookie Lyon (played by Taraji P. Henson) made the show, easily ranking amongst the most stylish fictional characters in history.

Offering Edwardian era fashion at its finest, Downton Abbey provided viewers with a plethora of stylish silhouettes and designs from the period. As the show’s timeline moved into the ’20s, so too did its fashion, with fringed flapper dresses and chin-grazing bobs reigning supreme.

In the case of Euphoria, beauty is fashion, and makeup takes centre stage to create a visually stunning drama unlike any other that came before it. Whether it be the over-zealous appreciation of glitter eye shadow or creative use of rhinestones and other dazzling embellishments, each character’s distinct aesthetic speaks to deeper elements of their life, psyche and past traumas.

While it may have been a political show with a fast-paced plot, Scandal delivered its quota of sartorial excellence, thanks to the inimitable Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington). Given in her role as the White House’s communications director where she ‘neutralised’ PR disasters, it’s unsurprising that Olivia’s trousseau consisted primarily of cream, ecru and champagne hues in timeless cuts.

Another period piece brimming with style, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s costume designer Donna Sakowska won a Costume Desginers Guild Award for her work on the comedy. And it’s not hard to see why, with lead character and aspiring comic Midge Maisel’s wardrobe a stylish ’50s affair featuring statement accessories and plenty of colour.

Spanning 1960 through to 1970, Mad Men gave us an entire decade of vintage fashion to devour. The beginning of the era served us cinched waistlines, cat-eye sunglasses and immaculate coiffures, before evolving in the latter half—much like the characters—into psychedelic prints, shift dresses and bell bottoms.

A case study in classic ’90s style, Friends gave us all the best the era had to offer. From plaid pants and decade-appropriate micro-mini skirts with knee-high boots (Rachel), to old school athleisure and classic mom jeans (Monica) and even Phoebe’s quirky, boho pieces, there was something for everyone.

Home to one of the most stylish (and underrated) ’90s characters of all time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was nothing short of a colourful, fashion treasure trove. While show star Will Smith made bold statements with street wear multiple times per episode, it was Hilary Banks’ outfits and her ’90s take on rich girl dressing that kept us enthralled on the style front.

Given the premise of the series, it’s unsurprising that this anthology in the American Crime Story was a significantly more fashionable affair than the ones that came before it. Besides sourcing vintage Versace for the show, costume designers Lou Eyrich and Allison Leach produced custom pieces inspired by the late designer’s work, examining archived museum pieces to recreate the garments with integrity.

Before there was Suits, there was Ally McBeal. One of the biggest proponents of the miniskirt suit, corporate litigator Ally McBeal had a knack for making her work attire equal parts professional and playful, and made all of us want to dress like her (without the law firm part).

Dubbed a “love letter to the masters of Italian fashion”, Made In Italy puts incredible style front and centre. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Milan, the show pays true homage to some of the country’s greatest designers—such as Valentino, Giorgio Armani and Missoni—by only using real vintage pieces from the designers’ atelier archives (some of which have never been seen on TV before). A sight to behold.

Dynasty gave us the ’80s ‘old money’ in all its audacious glory and the clothes to go with it. Think: behemoth shoulder pads, feather boas and big hair with bigger (almost) diamonds. Glorious.

While we occasionally questioned the events of the second season, we definitely did not question the fashion when Big Little Lies came back for a second round. Beyond their fabulous costume parties (who could forget the ‘Audrey and Elvis’ theme from season one?), the show pulled out bolder, more nuanced looks to enchant its viewers.