Forget Kate Moss, forget Heidi Klum. I’m taking my style pointers from the people who pick out clothes for a living, who use an outfit to create a mood, to heighten the drama, to demonstrate character: costume stylists. Why emulate real people when you can follow in the footsteps of fictional character who, though they may make mistakes, shoot people, wallow in existential angst, or plot the downfall of their enemies, never make a sartorial misstep. Here are a few of my fashion inspirations from television:
Zoe Washburne from Firefly:
Skin tight pants, leather jacket, badass boots, an I-ain’t-fuckin’-around gun holster? Check check check check. Okay, so maybe I can’t carry a big damn gun around, or punch people out in bars for insulting my military background, or engage in mischievous space thievery, or be anywhere near the badass that Zoe Washburne is, but I can get a thick leather belt, some riding pants (I saw some at Target!), and some stompin’ boots and call it a day.
Chuck Charles from Pushing Daisies:
For when I’m feeling sweet as pie: feminine silhouettes, bright colors, and a sunny disposition. Not your average zombie. A couple of to-die-for vintage dresses (Etsy!), some bangs, at least one pair of ankle-strap pumps, and a becoming smirk is all you need for this look.
Meredith Grey and Christina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy:
Listen, sometimes I need to give off a vibe of, “Whatever, I’m way too tired from my awesome surgical career and overly dramatic personal life to bother dressing in anything but a long sleeve t-shirt and cords, but damn do I have fantastic hair.” Add a trench coat (khaki if you’re a Meredith, and leather if you’re a Christina) and you’re all set for Seattle.
Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl:
What television style post would be complete without a Blair Waldorf mention? The headbands, the coats, the dresses. All of it. But in some ways the original isn’t worth emulating because who can afford to do it right? That’s why I prefer to imitate Pajama Blair. A silky robe, impeccable nightie or matching sleep separates, nary a hair out of place. Sure, hardly anyone is going to see your fabulous lounging costume, since not all of us have minions showing up at our penthouse at all hours waiting for marching orders, but you’ll know how great you look.
Who are your television style heroines?
52 replies on “Heroines of Style: Television”
Pretty much anything from Skins in the past two years…I am excited for the newest series just to watch what Frankie wears.
Effy from Skins and Vince Noir from The Mighty Boosh are my style icons. That might not be a good thing since they both dress way over the top, but I’m sticking with it.
I’m pretty much a Liz Lemon slob most days but look forward to dressing like the Golden Girls in my later years.
My honorable nominations go to Shelby Woo and Claudia from Warehouse 13.
I really cannot believe no one has mentioned Clarissa. Did anyone on TV ever wear *anything* notable until Clarissa paired a spotted tie with a striped satin headband, four different layers + converse?
Oh, good call! Clarissa was the fashion inspiration of my childhood. That didn’t work out so well for me in small town midwest, but boy was it fun.
One time, I *created* a series of clay pins with some kind of pin-making kit (you know, like brooches? In the shapes of things like caterpillars? Printed with glitter?), affixed them to a denim skirt — like 10-15 of these things — and wore it over paisley leggings, with converse, scrunch socks, and a white man’s shirt. Without Clarissa, my mom would never have had the delightful experience of taking me to the grocery store dressed like that.