Written by Avantika Bose
Is the mall your mecca and you don’t leave the house until you have that perfect #OOTD to post on Instagram? Is fashion more to you than the clothes you wear and the shoes you put on? Do you eat, sleep, and breathe fashion?
So if, like me, you’ve been accused of being obsessed with clothes, always shopping, over-dressed, and never seen wearing the same outfit twice — then you’re definitely addicted to fashion. In the past, the best way to stay updated with trends was to consume everything written in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, or Cosmopolitan. Though stalking your favourite blogger, stylist, or designer’s Instagram or Pinterest feed is helpful, sometimes even that isn’t enough to satiate our needs. Even if you aren’t exactly addicted to fashion, in today’s day and age, we are all in our own way followers of fashion.
TV shows have become an indispensable part of our lives. For a lot of people watching TV is a form of escape from work or studies, but fashion fanatics like myself, use it as a source of inspiration. They don’t necessarily need to be fashion-centred shows, and there’s an outfit idea for any occasion. If you want to look sharp for your presentation, then who better to look at than Jessica Pearson from Suits, or perhaps Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl if you want to charm someone with your impeccable taste.
Whether you have a more bohemian, classy & chic, or your fashion game is as strong as our favourite Upper East Siders, here’s a list of nine shows to catch your wardrobe fancy or help you overcome your closet-block.
Sex and the City
On June 6th 1998, the iconic Sex and the City aired for the first time and it’s not only revolutionised television for women, but had an immense impact in the fashion world. While Carrie had an eclectic flair of her own with a wardrobe comprising of the iconic post-breakup fur coat, tutu, her Galliano newspaper dress, stripped socks, etc., many can be inspired by the sophisticated and classy outfits worn by Miranda and Charlotte. If you’re looking for a crazy night out, then who better to turn to than Samantha, who’s got a rack full of skin-baring gorgeous dresses. No matter whose style you admire, after completing the entire series (6 seasons), one thing is guaranteed, you’ll have a lifetime of outfit ideas ahead of you.
Scandal
Are you looking for a classy, feminine yet commanding outfit for work? Do you want to arm your wardrobe with power-suits? The former White House Communication Director’s wardrobe is an ideal reference for chic work attire — I’m talking about Olivia Pope from Scandal. The show was so chic it inspired the birth of a new fashion line in its honour.
The Goldbergs
We’ve reached peak nostalgia in the fashion industry and everything from the 80’s is stylish again. Big shoulders, white jeans, underwear as outerwear, oversized jewellery, bright colours, and crazy patterns — if these attract you, then you must watch The Goldbergs for some of the best fashion inspiration from the 80’s. Whether it’s Beverly’s bright coloured sweaters or huge furry coats, Erica’s Polka dotted skirts, or Barry’s crazy outfits, this show is a dream-come-true for everyone who’s in love with the 80’s fashion.
Suits
Their minds make them the best in the legal world, but it’s their bold outfits which make them the sharpest team. A Tom Ford suit, an Armani tie, Canali shoes, a Zegna shirt, an Antonio Berardi dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, a Max Mara dress, Prada shoes — you name the brand and the characters have worn it. Can we take a minute to appreciate their work clothes? They’re actual goals.
Dynasty
Just because Dynasty is a show about the ‘one percent of the one percent’, doesn’t mean that you can’t be inspired by some of the looks that the characters are wearing. This show is steeped in female empowerment and gives you a sneak-peak into how powerful women are dressing up. Whether you prefer a bold and structured look or a more outrageous and colourful look, this show has got it all. And there’s a lot for men too, I mean just blindly follow everything Jeff Colby or Sammy Jo are sporting and your outfit will definitely be the talk of the town (or office). Watching this show literally feels like you’ve died and reached fashion heaven!
Mad Men
This show is definitely more than a story about an advertising firm and its retro culture, rather, it’s also about the fantastic and often breathtaking outfits inspired by the 60s. In fact, few looks from this show have become iconic enough; they even had their own exhibition. This show created a fashion moment, which encouraged men and women to dress better for work. Admit it, even you’ve searched for the “Zou Bisou” dress online!
Gossip Girl
This show follows the extravagant lives of New York teens, so the style of each character on this show has as much impact on you as does their drama-filled lives. From Chuck’s classy yet bold look to Dan’s casual attire; Blair’s preppy, posh look, while Serena gives us OOTD goals and Jenny’s rocker chick evolution — this show is the bible for fashion fanatics. Let’s not forget that this show made big hair bands acceptable headgear for the over-fives!
Pretty Little Liars
Apart from constantly being chased by ‘A’, one thing all the liars and other characters on the show have in common is great style. I mean they even do funerals in style. From ideas on what to wear on Halloween to your birthday party or a romantic date or for a casual night-in — this show has got it all.
Empire
Despite all the drama, the show always manages to keep its style in check. They’ve given us two distinct fashion camps — one that of, Cookie, with her bold colours, statement jewellery, and on-point makeup, and the other of, Lucious’s fierce yet sleek look.
So whoever said watching TV shows was a waste of time, they’re obviously wrong! Naturally this selection is based on my preference alone, and the TV shows mentioned above are not placed in any order!
