Long before celebrity stylists, fashion influencers, actresses, models and costume designers became style icons, TV shows were moodboards for aspiring fashionistas. Although there were many great shows to watch during our childhood, the ones that we almost completely forgot flaunted the clothes that people actually wore. While designer names had yet to be a part of our cultural lexicon, the apparel that the characters wore reflected their personalities. In fact, the lack of designer names basically forced us to focus more on the plot of the show. If we had to name five of our favourite old school TV shows that had really amazing fashion and eye-catching plots, they were V.I.P., My So-Called Life, The Nanny, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Married with Children.
While all of the above are currently not syndicated, the aforementioned launched stylish characters with covetable outfits. Now that we are constantly trawling through Instagram for #ootd inspiration, little do we know that these ’90s TV shows actually invented the trends we love.
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https://www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/gallery/fabulous-fashion-forward-90s-tv-shows-that-started-all-of-your-favourite-trends-on-instagram/
Fabulous Fashion Forward '90s TV Shows That Started All Of Your Favourite Trends On Instagram
Mae McKagan
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mae mckagan
The daughter of Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Bella Hadid doppelganger pairs a hot pink blazer with a matching leopard print top.
Photo: Instagram
Jordyn Woods
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jordyn woods
Dressed in a Louis Vuitton top, model Jordyn Woods keeps it simple without any jewelry.
Photo: Instagram
Carlotta Kohl
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carlotta kohl
The model and photographer channels her inner Barbie by pairing a hot pink blazer with a metallic purple bra. (Seriously, this outfit is the closest thing to what Vallery Irons would wear today!)
Photo: Instagram
Dua Lipa
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dua lipa
The songstress pairs a GCDS Hello Kitty sweater with matching hot pink Alexandre Vauthier satin boots.
Photo: Instagram
Kristen Noel Crawley
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kristen noel crawley
The brainchild of KNC Beauty pairs an Off-White polkadot crop top with these playful high-waisted pants. (Just switch the crop top for a work-appropriate spin on this trend!)
Photo: Instagram
Tina Leung
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tina leung
The Instagram star keeps it safe with a white t-shirt and pointy pumps.
Photo: Instagram
Layered Sheer Top
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melissa joan hart
Long before models started donning this trend, Melissa Joan Hart wore a sheer white mesh shirt with a matching tank top to school.
Photo: Getty
Off-The-Shoulder Denim
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melissa joan hart
Sorry, Demna. Sabrina Spellman invented THIS spellbinding fashion trend.
Photo: Getty
Delilah Belle Hamlin
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delilah belle hamlin
The daughter of actor Harry Hamlin and reality TV star Lisa Rinna layers a sheer camouflage printed top with a sparkly bralet.
Photo: Instagram
Bella Hadid
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bella hadid
During a shopping trip in Tokyo, Bella Hadid wore a sheer vintage Fendi tank top with a matching sheer overlay.
Photo: Instagram
Caroline Vreeland and Shea Marie
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caroline vreeland shea marie
The BFFs coordinate in matchy-matchy Canadian tuxedos and boxing gloves.
Photo: Instagram
V.I.P.
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pamela anderson
Although we remember Baywatch, this forgotten TV show is where Pamela Anderson gets to flex her fashion chops. Playing bodyguard Vallery Irons, the blonde bombshell ditches the all black uniform for playful pastels, bold brights and incredible iridescent fabrics.
Fun fact: She was one of the executive producers.
Photo: Getty
Shiny Mini Skirts
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pamela anderson
A little shine never hurt nobody, especially for Vallery Irons.
Photo: Lawton Entertainment
Jacey Duprie
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Jacey Duprie
Fashion blogger Jacey Duprie styles an off-the-shoulder denim dress with white sandals. Sabrina Spellman would've fallen in love with this combo today.
Photo: Instagram
Maeve Reilly
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maeve reilly
The influential celebrity stylist to Hailey Baldwin to Bebe Rexha styles a black bralet underneath a lace 3/4 sleeve top with ripped jeans at Coachella.
Photo: Instagram
Gizele Olveira
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gizele olveira
The Brazilian model/blogger wears I AM GIA's snakeskin two piece with sleek black booties.
Photo: Instagram
Sita Abellan
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sita abellan
The Spanish model/DJ/designer mixes two variations of snakeskin with a graphic tee.
Photo: Instagram
Animal Print Two Piece
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pamela anderson
Two pieces are the peanut butter and jelly of fashion. Pamela Anderson takes the trend to the next level by rocking a faux fur leopard print jacket and a matching micromini.
Photo: Lawton Entertainment
CL
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cl
The rapper makes brushing our teeth look so glamorous in a velvet leopard print PJ set.
Photo: Instagram
Cailin Russo
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cailin russo
The musician stuns us in Miaou's matching leopard denim two piece.
Photo: Instagram
Hot Pink
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pamela anderson
Stopping crime has never looked so criminally chic. Pamela Anderson shows us how it's done in a skintight hot pink catsuit.
Photo: Lawton Entertainment
Rocky Barnes
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rocky barnes
The blogger and influencer turns a party-hearty sequin skirt into a daytime staple.
Photo: Instagram
Caroline Daur
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caroline daur
German jetsetter and fashion influencer injects a dose of California cool with shield sunnies, combat boots and braided hair.
Photo: Instagram
Sabrina The Teenage Witch
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sabrina the teenage witch
Long before the animated series and Netflix reboot existed, none of it wouldn't have happened without the original TV series starring Melissa Joan Hart, who plays the titular witch. Compared to us, she was this lucky to flaunt her über cool wardrobe to school.
Photo: Getty
Chaps
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christina applegate
When festival fashion wasn't a hashtag, Christina Applegate rocked leather chaps on top of jeans with a suede fringe jacket.
Photo: ABC
Taylor Hill
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taylor hill
The Victoria's Secret catwalk queen covered her legs in a pair of Nasty Gal pleather chaps at Coachella.
Photo: Instagram
Rita Ora
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rita ora
Before hitting the stage in Coachella, she couldn't resist having an #ootd post in a pair of Christian Cowan chaps.
Photo: Instagram
Rumi Neely
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rumi neely
The blogger turned designer throws a sexy spin on the trend by layering a sheer floral print shirt on top of a bralet.
Photo: Instagram
Belts outside the waistband
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christina applegate
Wearing a belt one size too big is a sin, but Christina Applegate redeems us of this fashion crime by insouciantly slinging it on her hips.
Photo: Everett Collection
Shay Mitchell
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shay mitchell
Dressed by Chloe Bartoli, the Pretty Little Liars actress coordinates her red accessories with an understated black belt.
Photo: Instagram
Hailey Baldwin
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hailey baldwin
The newly engaged model taps into her inner Kelly Bundy by wearing a leather belt over her jeans.
Photo: Instagram
Olivia Culpo
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olivia culpo
The former Miss Universe winner wears a flouncy white skirt and Nirvana graphic tee with black belt at Stagecoach.
Photo: Instagram
Cross Jewelry
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christina applegate
Sorry, Instagram influencers. Kelly Bundy did it first when she paired XL hoop earrings and a cross necklace with a red crushed velvet dress.
Photo: Pinterest
Married with Children
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married with children
This biting sitcom was unlike any family-themed show on TV. The characters often sparred with one another over money, ambition and intimacy. Christina Applegate, who portrays the ditsy daughter Kelly Bundy, became an accidental style icon thanks to her rocker chic wardrobe.
Photo: Getty
Striped Sweater
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claire danes
As a quintessential staple of grunge fashion, the influence of Kurt Cobain has been passed down to breakout star Claire Danes.
Photo: Getty
My So-Called Life
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My So-Called Life
Released for one season, the classic teen TV drama stars Claire Danes as Angela Chase. While the show concentrates on Angela's struggle with finding her identity in high school, it also showcases real-life teen issues from homophobia and substance abuse. Although it's a bummer that it got cancelled too soon, this cutting-edge show set up a legacy to cement teen fashion into the mainstream.
Photo: Getty
Christina Aguilera
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christina aguilera
The "Liberation" songstress reins in an ode to her name with a pair of cross earrings.
Photo: Instagram
Hair Clips
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my so-called life
Rayanne Graff, played by A.J. Langer (a.k.a. The Countess of Devon), made maximising hot in an era of minimalism. Mixing and matching different aesthetics from laid back boho to sporty casual, it's honestly hard for us to describe her style. But what we're living for is a massive array of hair clips.
Photo: Getty
Harling Ross
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harling ross
Man Repeller's Fashion Editor channels her inner Carrie Bradshaw by rocking a pastel ultraviolet hair clip with a matching jacket and soft ringlets.
Photo: Instagram
Sabina Socol
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sabina socol
Who What Wear's contributor leaves us swooning over her fuss-free effortless hair. (We're going to copy this look!)
Photo: Instagram
Elsa Hosk
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elsa hosk
Usually, the Swedish Victoria's Secret model wows us with her rock-hard abs and street style. This time, she amps up her game with a big bold black hairclip.
Photo: Instagram
Rihanna
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rihanna
Sporting an all-white outfit at Coachella, the jill of all trades came through dripping in Kelly Bundy's signature element of hoop earrings and a gigantic cross necklace.
Photo: Instagram
Western Dressing
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my so-called life
No stranger to wearing the most eccentric combinations, Langer channels her character's exuberant energy by pairing her Western shirt with a bralette and flower earrings. Also, who can't forget that sky high pony, too?
Photo: ABC
Jasmine Tookes
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jasmine tookes
The Victoria's Secret model slays outside the catwalk with a palm-sized cross earring.
Photo: Instagram
Alexia Elkaim
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alexia elkaim
The Miaou designer takes an unconventional spin on the trend by wearing a belt inside the loop.
Photo: Instagram
Courtney Trop
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courtney trop
The blogger of Always Judging channels My So-Called Life's grunge goddess in a bejeweled Ellery dress.
Photo: Instagram
Lady Gaga
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lady gaga
The extravagant singer/songwriter may have stashed her Joanne pink hat away, but elements of her Western-inspired garb appear in the form of a high-neck black dress and wide brim fedora hat.
Photo: Instagram
Eva Chen
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eva chen
Posing alongside Halima Aden, Instagram's Director of Fashion Partnerships cozies up for a selfie in a comfortable striped sweater.
Photo: Instagram
Chiara Ferragni
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chiara ferragni
The Blonde Salad blogger makes airport dressing look fun in a graphic rainbow sweater with an anklet.
Photo: Instagram
Caroline De Maigret
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caroline de maigret
The French street style darling bundles up in a Proenza Schouler sweater underneath her Chanel tweed jacket.
Photo: Instagram
Ines De La Fressagne
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ines de la fressagne
The model/designer/author layers her sweater on top of a white button-down shirt.
Photo: Instagram
The Nanny
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the nanny
Although Fran Fine earned her income as a nanny, she surely did not dress the part. The former cosmetics saleswoman brought in her high fashion flair to her new day job as a nanny for a British Broadway producer's kids. Combining fashion and comedy in one show, it was no secret that The Nanny turned Fran Drescher into a star.
Photo: Getty
Checkerboard Print
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the nanny
Fran looks oh-so-fine in a checkerboard print skirt and tight red turtleneck sweater top. If we can copy this look for fall, we will totally do it 100 percent.
Photo: Tumblr
Romee Strijd
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Romee Strijd
Who says that you can't mix the same print? The lingerie model makes a big splash in a RE/DONE x Solid and Striped one piece and hoodie.
Photo: Instagram
Chiara Mastroianni
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Chiara Mastroianni
The singer/actress channels her inner cowgirl in Gucci's biker jacket version of the classic Western shirt.
Photo: Instagram
Pixie Geldof
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Pixie Geldof
The daughter of rocker Bob Geldof models for Alexa Chung in a cheerleader-esque sweater.
Photo: Instagram
hbsg-fran-drescher-coloured-tights
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Alexa Chung
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Alexa Chung
White tights look daunting to wear, but the designer letsit pop with a matching iridescent dress and sneakers.
Photo: Instagram
Emili Sindlev
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Emili Sindlev
The stylist jazzes up a H&M skirt and Chanel bag with a pair of powder blue lace tights. Shall we say that this is literally #ootd goals?
Photo: Instagram
Poppy Jamie and Suki Waterhouse
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poppy jamie suki waterhouse
The co-founders of Pop & Suki coordinate in '60s inspired getups and coloured tights for their campaign. Copy this look if you want to twin with your BFF.
Photo: Instagram
Priyanka Chopra
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priyanka chopra
Mimi Cuttrell styled the actress in an orange satin Off White suit for a Vogue x Saks dinner party.
Photo: Instagram
Nadia Lee Cohen
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Nadia Lee Cohen
Better known for her kooky campaign with GCDS, the British photographer channels Jackie O and Fran Drescher in a monochromatic pastel blue suit.
Photo: Instagram
Arissa Cheo and Emily Lam Ho
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arissa cheo emily lam ho
Socialite/designer Arissa Cheo and her friend, Emily Lam Ho coordinate in matching blinged out sunglasses. But, the latter channels the teenage witch in an off-the-shoulder denim jacket.
Photo: Instagram
Monochromatic Brights
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the nanny
Monochromatic dressing certainly did not come out from Instagram, mind you. Fran Drescher wore this winning combo first.
Photo: Getty
Kylie Jenner
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Kylie Jenner
The millionairess and newly appointed GQ cover star looked gorgeous in a slime green Fendi two piece. Fran Fine would've certainly approved of this outfit for mommy duties.
Photo: Instagram
Kourtney Kardashian
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kourtney kardashian
It seems like Kylie's not the only one who has a predilection for following Fran Fine's fashion blueprint. Kourtney stays true to the formula by wearing a turquoise blue bandeau and high-waisted pants.
Photo: Instagram
Gwen Stefani
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Gwen Stefani
The dynamic solo artist shows us what made her fall in love with her style in the first place at her Vegas show. All dressed up to the nines in a checkerboard two-piece and palm print pants, she makes this mismatched set pop in front of the cameras.
Photo: Instagram
Bebe Rexha
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bebe rexha
Stuck on a style rut? Sling your skinny belt low at the hips.
Photo: Instagram
Emily Ratajkowski
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emily ratajkowski
Although the model/designer/actress didn't settle for a pixie cut or this crazy loud handpiece, we love how she wore a ravishing red satin matching two piece set.
Photo: Instagram
Simi and Haze Khadra
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Simi and Haze Khadra
The Palestinian twin DJs never fail to wow us in their matching streetwear meets high fashion style. Here, Simi shines in a neon orange and denim jacket. Showing a little skin has never felt better.
Photo: Instagram
Miley Cyrus
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miley cyrus
Long before the "Malibu" songstress cleaned up her Instagram (including the more PG images!), she set tongues wagging with a Christmas tree's amount of layered necklaces. A simple black Stella McCartney dress never looked so sinfully sexy until Miley brought it to life at the Met Gala.
Photo: Instagram
Pyper America Smith
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Pyper America
Our recent cover girl struck a pose on the streets of NYC in a belly baring crop top and chaps. Unlike the assless pair that's been making rounds at Coachella, she wore a pair of hotpants with attached legwarmers.
Photo: Instagram
Sandara Park
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Sandara Park
Usually caught in more casual garb, the singer channels a Westworld visitor in a black wide brim cowboy hat, charcoal denim jacket and frayed white dress with millenial pink Gucci fur loafers for Paris Fashion Week.
Photo: Instagram
Ruby Aldridge
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Ruby Aldridge
Have we lost our minds for completely forgetting that Lily Aldridge has an equally stylish little sister? Dressed in an optical illusion checkered neon green top, she makes it pop with a '60s inspired Twiggy graphic eyeliner and matching black bottoms.
Photo: Instagram
Aurora James
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Aurora James
Brother Vellies designer knows how to start a party. Copy her look by jazzing up a prairie dress with a statement bag.
Photo: Instagram
Charlotte McKinney
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Charlotte McKinney
Running out of ideas on what to wear on a campus tour? Copy her school-appropriate look with crisp white jeans, pointy ankle boots and a simple black satchel. (P.S. We wish that outfit was uploaded on her feed!)
Photo: Instagram
Soo Joo Park
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Soo Joo Park
The California-bred cool girl certainly would've left Rayanne Graff pleased in a crochet cowboy hat and Hawaiian print shirt. (Note: this is perhaps the most weather-appropriate combo for our climate!)
Photo: Instagram
Leonie Hanne
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Leonie Hanne
The influencer slays the streets of Paris in a pair of red Givenchy cowboy knee-high boots with an airy chiffon dress.
Photo: Instagram
Winnie Harlow
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Winnie Harlow
Our former cover girl's #ootd game can't be outdone without a bling bling Meshki chain skirt.
Photo: Instagram
Savina Chai
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Savina Chai
Fran Fine's blueprint got passed down to this stylish cool cat. Dressed in a Louis Vuitton top, Chai adds an on-trend French girl touch with tiny sunglasses and a beret.
Photo: Instagram
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