5 TV Shows That Inspire My Style

I remember when I first started blogging almost a decade ago, I had written a blog about the TV show Gossip Girl and how I was thoroughly impressed by each character's style that suited their personality. The then matchy-matchy teenager wanted to be like Blair badly. Little did she know then that at times it's hard to define your self-style, and that's okay. Over a period of time, many iconic fictional characters and real-life role models inspired me and my style journey. As I got older, I realized I need not fit in a mold of a defined style but can make my own as I continue to experiment with fashion, and this will always be a work-in-progress.

In this process, I truly admired the work of the costume designers, who built those characters for us visually. They were the people who put in the efforts so that the characters came alive on screen for us. So, as I write down my favorite shows that are my fashion references, I will also share with you the names of the costume designers of the shows. Here they are:

Sex and the City (1998)

Costume designer: Patricia Field

Who can forget the opening credits as Carrie Bradshaw walks on the streets of Manhattan in a pink bodysuit and layered tulle skirt? It was not just her unique style (and, like me, her love for shoes) that caught my attention, but also Samantha Jones' daring fashion choices and color clashes always kept me intrigued.

Gossip Girl (2007)

Costume designer: Eric Daman

I was all about Blair Waldorf's pretty perfect style, plus I adored her headband game. As the show progressed, I grew fond of Serena van der Woodsen's bold style too. I was very excited when I got to know that there's a reboot coming up.

Schitt's Creek (2015)

Costume Designer: Debra Hanson

Moira Rose's bold accessories were always statement-making, and I was really into David Rose's sweaters and overall aesthetic. Even though Alexis Rose wasn't that outgoing with her fashion choice, I secretly loved her easy-breezy style the most.

Fun Fact: Daniel Levy, who played David Rose on-screen and was a co-creator of the show, would supervise the costume department along with Debra Hanson.

The Bold Type (2017)

Costume Designer: Lisa Frucht

Being part of a women's magazine, the protagonists—Jane Sloan, Kat Edison, and Sutton Brady— have to look the part. Although, it's their individual style that's worth taking note. Edgy Kat always has interesting earrings and makeup on, Jane defines the new norms for work casuals, and Sutton has a feminine simplicity to her. What attracts me the most is how relatable their clothing is and how one can easily see themselves in it. I hope the show gets renewed for the next season.

The Baby-Sitters Club (2020)

Costume Designer: Cynthia Summers

Are these girls in their early teens? Yes. Do they have some amazing fashion moments? Also, yes! Especially when it comes to Claudia Kishi, as she declares that she is good at fashion. Her jackets, her quirky earrings, and even her headbands really speak to me. Stacey McGill's city girl vibes are evident and intriguing, whereas I love how Dawn Schafer uses bold colors in her closet. Kristy Thomas and Mary Anne Spier have their own fashion expression throughout the 10-episode series.

Although these shows are aspirational (I mean, I will not have a designer closet like the Roses ever!), they are very inspiring. There is always something sartorial and stylish you can learn from them. For me, that's what makes them my evergreen fashion references. Do you have any favorite fashion characters? Let me know in the comments below.

Love,

Rashmi B.