When it comes to style icons, sometimes the most inspiring come from the fictional characters who’ve graced our screens. From classic sitcoms to blockbuster movies and beyond, some of our greatest fashion heroes over the years have been TV and movie characters whose wardrobes we could only dream of having in real life. Whether you’re inspired by the Old Hollywood glamour of Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8 or the modern-day boss that is Taraji P. Henson in Empire, there’s a fictitious style muse out there for us all. In no particular order, click through to look back at the most stylish women on both the small and big screens over the years.
From: Harper’s Bazaar US
Related Articles:
Iconic Beauty And Style From The Most Fashionable Films
https://www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/gallery/stylish-fictional-characters/
The 51 Most Stylish Fictional Characters Of All Time
Mrs. Robinsons, The Graduate
image
Anne Bancroft
She may be one of the most iconic seductresses in the cinematic history, but Mrs. Robinson's wardrobe is just as legendary. With leopard coats, silky slips and that sheer little black dress, Mrs. Robinson (played by Anne Bancroft), not only invented the term "cougar" but also wrote the style book for it.
Photo: Getty
Fran Fine, The Nanny
image
Fran Fine
With her designer skirt suits, body-hugging dresses, and matching two-piece sets, Fran Fine not only became the most stylish nanny of all-time, but one of the most stylish characters to ever grace our televisions.
Photo: Getty
Elvira Hancook, Scareface
image
Elvira Hancook
Michelle Pfeiffer transformed into a 1970s fashion dream as Elvira Hancock. From perfect slip dresses to plunging necklines and that chic all-white suit, Hancock's wardrobe stole the show in Scarface—and continues to inspire to this day.
Photo: Getty
Denise Huxtable, The Cosby Show
image
Denise Huxtable
Played by Lisa Bonet, Denise Huxtable became one of the '90s coolest-dressed characters with her animal-print head-wraps, cool hats, and mixed patterns.
Photo: Getty
Scarlett O'Hara, Gone With The Wind
image
Scarlet O’Hara
Epitomizing the ultimate Southern Belle, Scarlett O'Hara boasts a wardrobe full of oversized hats, romantic ruffles, and velvet Victorian dresses in the classic film.
Photo: Getty
Andy Sachs, The Devil Wears Prada
image
Andy Sachs
Post fashion-closet makeover, Andy transforms her style from drab to high-fashion with looks we all wanted to copy. "Are those...the Chanel boots? Yes, yes they are."
Photo: Getty
Alexis Colby, Dynasty
image
Alexis Colby
Queen of drama, throwing shade, and over-the-top glamour, Alexis (played by Joan Collins) became an instant fashion icon on the 1980s soap opera. With her countless fur ensembles, one-shouldered frocks, and larger-than-life jewels, she's easily one of the most glamorous characters to ever appear on television.
Photo: Getty
Edina and Patsy, Absolutely Fabulous
image
Edina and Patsy
Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone made for the ultimate fashion duo in the classic British sitcom. While they each had their own sense of style (Eddy an over-the-top fashion victim and Patsy more classic and chic), both fashion industry "professionals" transformed television with their hilarious fashion insights and closets.
Photo: Getty
Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany's
image
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
From the opening scene's iconic black Givenchy gown and full-length gloves to that pink party dress and unintentionally stylish sleepwear, there's a reason Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) remains one of the most stylish characters in cinematic history.
Photo: Getty
Cookie Lyon, Empire
image
Cookie Lyon
From an endless collection of colorful and animal-print furs to gold suits and more bling than you could dream of, Empire's Cookie Lyon is the baddest boss bitch on TV—and she's got the wardrobe to back it up.
Photo: Getty
Gloria Wandrous, Butterfield 8
image
Gloria Wandrous
Though her costumes consisted only of slip dresses and fur coats, Elizabeth Taylor seamlessly merged glamour and sex appeal as Gloria Wandrous in the 1960 film Butterfield 8.
Photo: Getty
Rachel Greens, Friends
image
Rachel Greens
It's no coincidence that the Friend who loved to shop the most was also the one with all the outfits you wanted to copy. She may be best known for "The Rachel" haircut, but Jennifer Aniston's character had a myriad of '90s outfits every woman wanted to wear.
Photo: Getty
Joanna Shayton, Overboard
image
Joanna Shayton
Before her amnesia and new life in Elk Cove, Oregon, the young heiress, played by Goldie Hawn, had the most glamorous yacht style—all stored in her famous cedar closet, of course.
Photo: Getty
Kelly Garrett, Charlie's Angels
image
Kelly Garrett
Though all three of Charlie's Angels on the '70s sitcom were well-dressed, Kelly Garrett [Jaclyn Smith] had some truly next-level looks.
Photo: Getty
Mary Tyler Moore, The Mary Tyler Moore Show
image
Mary Tyler Moore
The poster child for single, independent women everywhere, Mary Tyler Moore was a TV icon in more than one right. Aside from her groundbreaking feminist sitcom, Moore had a working woman's wardrobe that lit up the office.
Photo: Getty
Cher Horowitz, Clueless
image
Cher Horowitz
With her computerized closet of plaid suits, platform shoes, mini skirts, and Calvin Klein dresses, Cher Horowtiz was not only the best dressed in her school, but one of the best dressed of the '90s.
Photo: Getty
Blanche Devereaux, The Golden Girls
image
Blanche Devereaux
Age is truly nothing but a number, as demonstrated by sultry, fashion-forward Southern belle Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls. From flashy date-night looks to a collection of award-winning loungewear and silk robes, Blanche proves there's no age limit on dressing sexy.
Photo: Getty
Tracy Chambers, Mahogany
image
Tracy Chambers
In the 1975 film, Tracy Chambers (Diana Ross) goes from struggling fashion student to globe-trotting model in the most breathtaking couture. With show-stopping gowns and elegant hats, Ross's character had the dreamiest high-fashion wardrobe.
Photo: Getty
Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy
image
Lucille Ball
The style inspiration for every woman in the 1950s, Lucy's memorable looks included post-WWII printed frocks and fit-and-flare dresses resembling Dior's New Look.
Photo: Getty
Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
image
Elle Woods
Adding an abundance of pink to the courtroom, Elle Woods proved there's no career path or industry too serious for playful, fun fashion.
Photo: Getty
Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl
image
Blair Waldorf
Blair Waldorf instantly emerged as the Upper East Side's most influential style star with her ultra-girly headbands, mix of patterns and prints, and highly-stylized school girl uniform. Wealthy New York teenager or not, her sense of style inspired all ages.
Photo: Getty
Serena Van der Woodsen, Gossip Girl
image
Serena Van der Woodsen
And for those who didn't identify with Blair's ultra-preppy wardrobe, Gossip Girl birthed another style star with Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively). With a little more edge than Blair, Serena's closet was both sexy and eclectic.
Photo: Getty
Penelope, La Piscine
image
Penelope
For those wanting to a very Parisian summer style, Jane Birkin's character in the 1969 French film had all the basics—white crochet cover-ups, simple bikinis, and gingham dresses—down pat.
Photo: Getty
Hilary Banks, The Fresh Prince of Bel-air
image
Hilary Banks
Though the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air may have boasted several well-dressed characters, Hilary Banks had the most fun fashion on the series. In her rise to a prominent weather reporter, her wardrobe transformed into suit separates and blossom hats topped off with the best jewelry.
Photo: Getty
Bonnie Parker, Bonnie & Clyde
image
Bonnie Parker
Making "outlaw style" a thing, Bonnie's on-the-run wardrobe of chic berets, bandanas, sweaters, and coats were a force to be reckoned with on their own.
Photo: Getty
Ginger Mckenna, Casino
image
Ginger Mckenna
Taking glitz and glam showgirl fashion to new heights, Ginger (Sharon Stone) had an unforgettable wardrobe of sequins and gold in the 1995 drama.
Photo: Getty
Cleopatra, Cleopatra
image
Cleopatra
With every outfit change in this five-hour historical drama, Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor) reaches new heights of gilded glamour.
Photo: Getty
Megan Drapper, Mad Men
image
Megan Drapper
Though Mad Men was filled with several stylish leading ladies (Betty, Joan, and Peggy included), Megan Draper brought the show into the second half of the '60s with her impeccable style, paisley prints and mini skirts included.
Photo: Getty
"The Girl", The Seven Year Itch
image
The Seven Year Itch
Though that infamous white halter dress may be Marilyn Monroe's most-known look from The Seven Year Itch, the rest of her costumes from the movie are not to be overlooked. Monroe's character has a collection of perfect white summer dresses (including a black-and-white polka-dot number that transcends its time) along with this chic fur stole and red fur slippers that surely paved the way for 2017's ubiquitous fur slides.
Photo: Getty
Maryann Thorpe, Cybill
image
Maryann Thorpe
Though Cybill isn't one of the most popular sitcoms of the '90s (perhaps you've never even heard of it), Christine Baranski's character, Maryann Thorpe, is a style star to look back on. Paving the way for Will & Grace's Karen and Arrested Development's Lucille Bluth, Maryann never repeats an outfit, refuses to wear flats, and always accessorizes with a martini. This series is worth discovering for her style alone.
Photo: Getty
Miss Hannigan, Annie
image
Annie
Though she's unintentionally stylish (and okay, a pretty awful woman), Miss Hannigan's (Carol Burnett) wardrobe is one of the most underrated of all time. Feather robes, silk slips, and gaudy jewelry never looked so good.
Photo: Getty
Andie, Pretty In Pink
image
Pretty in Pink
Though she's unintentionally stylish (and okay, a pretty awful woman), Miss Hannigan's (Carol Burnett) wardrobe is one of the most underrated of all time. Feather robes, silk slips, and gaudy jewelry never looked so good.
Photo: Getty
Mary Ann Summers, Gilligan's Island
image
Mary Ann Summers
There will always be two sides to the age-old Ginger vs. Mary Ann debate, but when it comes to style, Mary Ann's sweet gingham and high-waisted bottoms were the quintessential retro swim look.
Photo: Getty
Penny Lane, Almost Famous
image
Penny Lane
Paving the way for every groupie after her, Penny Lane's (Kate Hudson) concert style, including that unforgettable shag coat, brought the music and fashion worlds together seamlessly.
Photo: Getty
Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman
image
Vivian Ward
From that infamous cut-out dress and patent over-the-knee boots to her post-Rodeo Drive shopping spree looks (the polka dotted derby dress, red evening gown, etc), Vivian (Julia Roberts) was the fashion hero we never knew we needed.
Photo: Getty
Olivia Pope, Scandal
image
Olivia Pope
D.C.'s greatest fixer may wear the white hat, but she also dons the best white coats, neutral looks, and Prada bags that know how to get the job done.
Photo: Getty
Tenebaums
image
Tenebaums
In Wes Anderson's classic film, Gwyneth Paltrow's portrayal of Margot Tenenbaum bred a new style icon (and Halloween costume inspiration). From her blunt bob and barrette to that mink coat and striped polo dresses, each piece combined for a thoroughly unique look.
Photo: Getty
Romy and Michele, Romy and Michele High School Reunion
image
Romy and Michele
Proving you don't have to fit in to dress well, Romy and Michele were—and still are—the fearless fashion risk-takers to look up to.
Photo: Getty
Sabrina, Sabrina
image
Sabrina
Returning from a trip to Paris, Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn) shows off an elegant, '50s-approved makeover that we still envy to this day. With her skirt separates, ball gowns, and boating looks, Sabrina's outfits still feel fresh over 50 years later.
Photo: Getty
Carrie Bradshaw, Sex And The City
image
Carrie Bradshaw
One of the most iconic style stars in TV history, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) became every fashion girl's outfit inspo with her vast designer shoe collection, penchant for shopping, and playful pairing of pieces.
Photo: Getty
Samantha Jones, Sex And The City
image
Samantha Jones
But not one to be overshadowed by Carrie is Samantha Jones, a PR executive who redefined boss bitch style for New York women. With her power suits, trendy accessories, and slinky night-out looks, Samantha deserves just as much style props as Carrie.
Photo: Getty
Catherine Tramell, Basic Instinct
image
Catherine Tramell
Sharon Stone's role as Catherine Tramell went down in movie history for a number of reasons, but not to be missed is her killer (no pun intended) fashion sense. Worn in the film's most memorable scene, Catherine's white robe coat and turtleneck dress are just as chic today as they were back then. Aside from that moment, there were plenty of other minimal-yet-elegant looks from Stone's character that still feel fresh today.
Photo: Getty
Kelly Kapowski, Saved By The Bell
image
Kelly Kapowski
'90s TV series were filled with plenty of style stars, but Saved By The Bell's Kelly Kapowski made high school dressing seem like an Olympic sport. Always in the coolest prints (and let's not forget the fanny packs and accessories), Kapowski became the ultimate cool fashion teen on television.
Photo: Getty
Mia Wallace, Pulp Fiction
image
Mia Wallace
Though simple and classic, Mia Wallace's execution of a crisp white button-down, black pants, and blunt bob was impeccable—and remain recognizable to this day.
Photo: Getty
Frances Sevento, Catch A Thief
image
Frances Sevento
Though many of Grace Kelly's roles exuded elegance, her role as Frances in To Catch a Thief included a lineup of looks ranging from retro beachside swim look to evening wear.
Photo: Getty
Diane Lockhart, The Good Wife
image
Diane Lockhart
Both in and out of the courtroom, Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) carried out her sophisticated demeanor with a wardrobe that took 9-to-5-dressing to a new level. With brocade floral blazers, smart silhouettes, and modern-day power suits, Lockhart was elegant and fiery in every which way.
Photo: Getty
Annie Hall, Annie Hall
image
Annie Hall
Helping to make androgynous fashion what it is today, Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) paved the way with her signature button-down and oversized tie paired with a vest and voluminous pants.
Photo: Getty
Sydney Prosser, American Hustle
image
Sydney Prosser
Amy Adams's glamorous '70s wardrobe—plunging necklines, suede skirts, and wrap dresses—in American Hustle is enough to make any woman of the 2000s want to take their closet back a few decades.
Photo: Getty
Kelly Taylor, 90210
image
Kelly Taylor
Another cool '90s high schooler, Kelly Taylor brought a laid-back West Coast vibe to all her covetable looks.
Photo: Getty
The Heathers
image
The Heathers
The 1980s clique mashed all the power trends of the decade into one look—shoulder pads, oversized blazers, and big jewelry—to rule the school.
Photo: Getty
Jenny Cavilleri, Love Story
image
Jenny Cavilleri
In this classic 1970 film, Ali MacGraw's role as Jenny redefined All-American fashion—and continues to serve as inspiration for the look each fall.
Photo: Getty
- TAGS:
- Alexis Colby
- Andy Sachs
- Anne Bancroft
- Annie
- Annie Hall
- Audrey Hepburn
- Blair Waldorf
- Blanche Devereaux
- Bonnie Parker
- Breakfast At Tiffany's
- Carrie Bradshaw
- Catherine Tramell
- Celebrities
- celebrity
- Cher Horowitz
- Cleopatra
- Cookie Lyon
- Denise Huxtable
- Diane Lockhart
- Edina and Patsy
- Elle Woods
- Elvira Hancook
- Fashion
- Fran Fine
- Frances Sevento
- Ginger Mckenna
- Gloria Wandrous
- Gossip Girl
- Hilary Banks
- Holly Golightly
- Jenny Cavilleri
- Joanna Shayton
- Kelly Garrett
- Kelly Kapowski
- Kelly Taylor
- Lucille Ball
- Mary Ann Summers
- Mary Tyler Moore
- Maryann Thorpe
- Megan Drapper
- Mia Wallace
- Olivia Pope
- Penelope
- Penny Lane
- Pretty in Pink
- Rachel Greens
- Romy and Michele
- Sabrina
- samantha jones
- Scarlett O'Hara
- Serena Van der Woodsen
- Sex and the City
- Street Style
- Stylish TV Characters
- Sydney Prosser
- Tenebaums
- The Devil Wears Prada
- The Heathers
- The Seven Year Itch
- Tracy Chambers
- TV Characters
- Vivian Ward