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Movies and television are filled with some of the most iconic fashion-forward characters around. From Carrie Bradshaw to Rachel Green, these characters determined fashion for entire generations, popularizing certain brands and promoting certain styles. Which of these women influenced your fashion? Even now, there’s a thing or two to learn from these greats.
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1. Fran Fine
Fran Fine is the main character of the 1990s sitcom The Nanny. She comes across as flashy and over-the-top, but her warm heart and impeccable fashion sense had fans glued to the screen. From her designer skirt suits to her two-piece sets, she was certainly one of the most stylish TV characters ever.
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2. Denise Huxtable
Denise was portrayed by the talented Lisa Bonet in The Cosby Show. As the second-oldest child of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, Denise was free-spirited and rebellious, and her creativity shone through her closet. She wore colorful mixed patterns and even donned animal-print headwraps.
3. Holly Golightly
Audrey Hepburn was already a fashion icon, but she hit gold when she played Holly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This classy and stylish character defined the look of an era with her iconic black Givenchy gown. Plus, her long gloves and stylish sleepwear were also big hits.
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4. Rachel Green
Everyone’s favorite girl next door, Rachel Green, was portrayed by Jennifer Aniston in the iconic sitcom Friends. Rachel was always interested in fashion and was even a professional shopper at this point. Some of her iconic looks included that green dress! Plus, the “Rachel” haircut was a whole thing in the '90s.
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5. Andy Sachs
The Devil Wears Prada is an iconic fashion film that was released in 2006 and starred Anne Hathaway. Anne played Andy, who was a journalism graduate, optimistic, and full of fresh fashion ideas. This was evident by her wardrobe, including boots that never ended, and all the best accessories.
6. Carrie Bradshaw
Sex and the City may be about New York City and dating, but it’s also about fashion. Carrie, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, inspired many shoe collectors and helped popularize Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos. She also had great accessories, and let’s not forget that newspaper dress.
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7. Cookie Lyon
Cookie Lyon is played by Taraji P. Henson in the musical drama Empire. She’s a self-made woman who rises from poverty, and her fashion sense showcases just how bold she is. From gold suits to bright fur coats, she had that big girl boss energy.
8. Blanche Devereaux
Blanche Devereaux was a beloved and unapologetically flirtatious character from The Golden Girls. She was portrayed by Rue McClanahan, and the character certainly dressed like the Southern belle she was. Her outfits are high-concept and sultry, and she proves that dressing hot has no age limit.
9. Alexis Colby
Alexis Carrington Colby is undoubtedly iconic and was played by Joan Collins in the 1980s soap opera Dynasty. She was cunning and glamorous, and this was clear to see by the dramatic flair with which she dressed. Her jewels were larger than life, and her fur ensembles were envious.
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10. Elle Woods
Everyone fondly remembers Elle Woods’ iconic pink wardrobe. Throughout this film, Reese Witherspoon portrays Elle as she works her way up to a law degree. The courtroom was full of pink, as Elle showcased how ambition doesn’t mean giving up fashion or femininity.
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11. Cher Horowitz
It’s hard to forget Cher’s iconic yellow and black plaid suits. She was fashionable, ditzy, and adorable. Portrayed by Alicia Silverstone, Cher will always go down as one of the best-dressed characters in her school—and in movies as well.
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12. Tracy Chambers
Diana Ross portrayed Tracy Chambers in the 1975 film Mahogany. The movie follows a fashion student as she works her way and struggles into the position of a model. The show included a dreamy high-fashion wardrobe that viewers couldn’t look away from.
13. Blair Waldorf
Considered one of the best-dressed girls around in the TV universe, Blair Waldorf blends femininity with new-money wealth. She was played by Leighton Meester in the teen drama series Gossip Girl. She’s rich, dramatic, and has plenty of pattern prints.
14. Hilary Banks
Hilary Banks was the well-meaning but short-sighted daughter in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She was probably the best-dressed too, popularizing hats, cute coats, and some of the best jewelry around. Her fashion was also fun and approachable, adding to her appeal.
15. Lucy Ricardo
If you love Lucy, you might love her outfits too. The quintessential 1950s housewife, Lucy Ricardo, was played by Lucille Ball. It was one of the first major American sitcoms on TV, and it helped define the 1950s fashion sense, including frocks and fit-and-flare dresses.
16. Megan Draper
It’s hard to forget Megan Draper, as she perfectly captured the fun and flair of the '60s. While she had stiff competition on the set of Mad Men, Megan was both strikingly pretty and had the best wardrobe around with miniskirts and paisley prints.
17. Lorelei Lee
Marilyn Monroe is in herself a fashion icon, but some of her best work is during her time in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Marilyn plays Lorelei Lee, who performs stellar numbers like Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend. The fashion industry still hasn’t gotten over that pink dress, with celebrities like Madonna paying homage to it.
18. Serena van der Woodsen
Played by Blake Lively, Serena was the main character of Gossip Girl, but even her wardrobe fell a bit short compared to Blair’s. Still, if you’re not a fan of Blair’s preppy looks, you’ll identify with Serena’s more mature and eclectic style. From her stylish coats to long leather boots, Serena was certainly an icon.
19. Vivian Ward
Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman is simply something to behold. Her acting chops paired with her fashion-forward outfits left an impact on the industry. Some of her best looks include the infamous cut-out dress, over-the-knee boots, and that polka dot derby number.
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20. Catherine Tramell
Catherine Tramell was played by Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct. This hot thriller movie goes down in history for its exhilarating plot and Sharon’s stunning beauty. Catherine’s outfits are minimalistic, elegant, yet somehow provocative. Some of her best work includes her white robe and turtleneck dress.
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