Ten of the most fashionable television shows of all time

There are truly fashionable shows out there. Some of them are drenched with style, grace and absolute individuality, which is why it made this list so hard to do. And the fact that we are looking at fashionable shows throughout time makes it even more difficult. But we’re going to try anyway and have fun doing it…

Mad Men

Whether you watch this show for the drama or the fashion, Mad Men is incredible and we’re not just talking about Joan’s wardrobe or Roger Sterling’s swag-tastic suit.  This show not only made costume designer, Janie Bryan, a star (she collaborated with Banana Republic), but it also inspired multiple other designers’ catwalk shows and resulted in the now memorable “Mad Men effect”.

Gossip Girl

It was the show that made hair bands cool again and definitely had everything a fashion lover needed. The show managed to represent every single style out there, from the queen of prep school chic Blair Waldorf, Serena van der Woodsen’s effortless but still gorgeous, slightly boho ensembles, Chuck’s endless supplies of expensive tailor-made suits, to little J’s now notorious transformation from sweet teen to rebellious, rocker style. Yes, the show had it all but most importantly, Gossip Girl showed that you can defeat an enemy and look designer-ready at the same time.

The O.C.

Providing a sunny window into the life of California’s rich and beautiful, The O.C. (especially the first season) was fashion fodder for us Brits. From Coop’s cute sundresses to Summer’s bohemian style, everyone had the cool beach look down to a perfect T. However, you can’t leave out the boys, with Seth’s nerdy sweater vests and not forgetting Ryan’s love of tank tops and weird string necklaces; we never wanted to be a California kid so bad.

Sex and the City

Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte….honestly people, do we really need to say any more?

Ugly Betty

We never saw main character Betty as ugly, but when you work in a world where everyone wears Jimmy Choo heels to the office every day, you’re definitely going to be judged by your looks. However, Betty still always remained true to her style in this over-the-top portrayal of work at fashion magazine, MODE. But to be honest, she was only one of the many interesting and fashionably dressed people in Ugly Betty. With Wilhelmina’s power dressing, Amanda’s insane receptionist wardrobe and Daniel’s stylish suits against Claire’s elegant look, we viewers were spoilt for choice. And we loved every minute of it. 

Downton Abbey

A show where many characters are called “Lady” is immediately stylish to us, but the beautiful, period drama costumes definitely back it up.

The City/The Hills

Okay, even though these were reality TV shows and there was always a big debate about whether it was real or fake, there is no denying that these Hollywood and city ladies (and men) knew how to dress, both on and off the reality TV screen.

Whether there was bitching or backstabbing, gossiping or shopping, make-ups or break-ups, drinking or on holiday; everyone still managed to make time to look fabulous for the camera. We’re ready for our close up…

Dynasty

The original soap opera and maker of one of the best cat fights television has ever seen, without a doubt, Dynasty was probably the best fashion representation of the 1980s to ever appear on TV. The hair, the glamour, the diamonds… I mean come on… if Joan Collins’ shoulder pads don’t give you a clue, then I don’t know what will.

 

Absolutely Fabulous

Oh Edina and Patsy… these ladies were always up to something. Embarrassment and drunken disorder were their middle names. But damn did they look fabulous while doing it, even if it was in their own unique and Ab Fab “darling” way.

Saved by the Bell and Beverley Hills 90210

Okay so this is two, but we were trying to pick one and we just couldn’t decide. However, one thing we can decide on is that these shows mutually defined 90s style and both epitomised its colourfully pop and grunge sides. Both classic shows were must-watch for 90s styling and there was so much to choose from.

Beverley Hills 90210 had Brenda’s teenage take on grunge and Donna’s epic collection of sundresses and denim cut-offs. While Saved by the Bell brought us Kelly Kapowski who was so 90s perfect that her famous high-waisted denim cut-offs, cropped over-sized t-shirts and varsity jackets have even been copied by most of our favourite high-street shops.

Flavie Belanco