There are two things we can count on in life for easy, everyday escapism: television and fashion. Naturally, when the two come together, it’s that much more enjoyable.
And just like there are plenty of fashionable films worth their Prada, the small screen has had no shortage of fashionable TV shows to distract us from the daily drudgery of routine.
From period pieces boasting vintage costumes to ’90s favourites with eternally chic characters, keep scrolling for 21 of the most stylish TV shows ever made.
Gossip Girl
No list of fashionable TV shows worth its salt would be complete without Gossip Girl. One of the most influential series of the 2000s and 2010s, the show made its take on preppy Upper East Style one of the biggest trends of the decade. Moreover, each character’s style evolved throughout the years, and many of Blair and Serena’s outfits give us wardrobe envy to this day.
Killing Eve
Possessing a killer career (quite literally) and an equally killer sense of style, Killing Eve assassin Villanelle has made the show one seriously stylish affair. Appearing in an array of captivating eclectic looks—made even more dazzling by actress Jodie Comer’s brilliant onscreen presence—the show has given us everything from billowing pink Rosie Assoulin blouses and vintage Lacroix earrings (pictured), to oversized mustard Loewe coats paired with Ann Demeulemeester lace-up biker boots. Divine.
The Get Down
Set in the ’70s and directed by Baz Luhrmann, The Get Down is a visual feast for the disco era. Inspired by the archives of Halston, Gucci and Diane von Furstenburg, its spectacle of sequins, lamé and leather makes for highly escapist viewing.
The O.C.
Although some of The O.C.’s outfits have undoubtedly dated (it was the noughties, after all), there’s no denying that it was a fashion sensation. In fact, we would go so far as to say it was a masterclass in 2000s dressing, and did deliver its fair share of ‘It’-girl looks (like Marissa’s Chanel prom dress, pictured).
Suits
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.
Charlie’s Angels
From feathered hair to flared pants and pops of plaid, the original Charlie’s Angels TV series from the 1970s gave us plenty to love on the style front. It even birthed one of the most iconic hairstyles in history, the ‘Farrah Fawcett Flip’, which inspired an entire generation of women to adopt the ‘do.
Sex and the City
From Carrie’s $5 tutu in the opening credits, to making Manolo Blahnik a household name, Sex and the City easily counts as one of the chicest shows to have ever graced our TVs. Beyond Carrie Bradshaw’s many iconic outfits, each of the characters had their own sense of style (Miranda’s was underrated), giving the show plenty of variety as far as fashion was concerned.
Empire
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.
Downton Abbey
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.
Euphoria
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.
Scandal
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.
The Crown
Considering the ensembles on The Crown’s are often recreations of real-life royal looks, it’s unsurprising that the show offers plenty to enjoy as far as fashion goes. From bejewelled ball gowns, to elegant equestrian attire and dresses for diplomatic missions, there’s no shortage of regal style across the spectrum.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
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.
Mad Men
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.
Friends
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.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
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.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace
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.
Ally McBeal
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).
Made In Italy
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
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.
Big Little Lies
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.
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