Top 20 Most Fashionable TV Shows of All Time

- Schitts Creek (2015-20)
- Succession (2018-23)
- Reign (2013-17)
- Scream Queens (2015-16)
- Friends (1994-2004)
- Emily in Paris (2020-)
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-23)
- The White Lotus (2021-)
- The Nanny (1993-99)
- Bridgerton (2020-)
- Empire (2015-19)
- Downton Abbey (2010-15)
- Ugly Betty (2006-10)
- Dynasty (1981-89)
- Charlies Angels (1976-81)
- Pretty Little Liars (2010-17)
- Scandal (2012-18)
- Gossip Girl (2007-12)
- Mad Men (2007-15)
- Sex and the City (1998-2004)
#20: Schitts Creek (2015-20)
This Canadian sitcom follows the Roses, a wealthy family who lose everything and must move to a small rural town with nothing but the clothes on their back. Clothes that, like the Roses, definitely do not fit in in their new setting. Their style is more than just generic designer clothes, each member of the family has their own distinct fashion sense. Johnny is always put together in a classic suit, Alexis wears flowy, festival ready boho styles, and David dresses exclusively in bold black and white outfits. And of course, matriarch Moira Rose always stuns from her bewigged head to her toes.
#19: Succession (2018-23)
What would you wear if you had all the money in the world? In Succession, the Roy family is about as wealthy as you can imagine, and they have to dress the part of the ultra elite. This family is the epitome of quiet luxury. Theyll forgo bold designer-labeled outfits in favor of nondescript but expensive items, like a plain black cashmere baseball cap that retails for over $500. Shivs blazers and Naomis monochrome matching sets are highlights, but overall this series is a lesson in subtle style. While money cant buy happiness, it certainly can buy a killer wardrobe.
#18: Reign (2013-17)
This CW series about the life of Mary Queen of Scots had the tricky challenge of making a historical drama that appealed to fashion-forward teens. For costuming, that meant dropping a little historical accuracy to allow more contemporary styles to sneak through. Costumer Meredith Markwork-Pollack said each look had some element of authenticity, whether in the silhouette or fabric used, but there was freedom elsewhere to improvise. The result is basically every history-loving teens dream prom inspo. From detailed embroidery to dramatic velvet cloaks, these costumes are eye-catching and totally unique to this show.
#17: Scream Queens (2015-16)
Ryan Murphys horror satire starring Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis was tragically short lived, but its two seasons packed a serious fashion punch. Chanel Oberlin - basically Regina George on steroids - is always dressed to the nines in pinks and pastels. Her cronies, the Chanels, are always dressed to match. Other standouts include Jamie Lee Curtis in her chic and severe all black fits, and Keke Palmer in literally anything. We might take a pass on Senorita Awesomes hat, but otherwise this hysterical series had us screaming with fashion envy.
#16: Friends (1994-2004)
Its no surprise that the epitome of 90s television would also feature the epitome of 90s fashion. High-waisted silhouettes and plenty of denim and plaid make the series feel very on-trend for the time it was made, but something about the costuming also feels somewhat timeless. The cast of Friends could easily be a group of stylish twenty-somethings in the 2020s, which speaks to the eternally cool quality of the clothes they dressed in. From Rachels preppy, Ralph Lauren style to Phoebes bohemian looks and everything in between, Friends was the blueprint for style in the 90s and beyond.
#15: Emily in Paris (2020-)
This series, following an American marketing executive working in the fashion capital of the world, takes great pride in being as fashion-forward as possible. Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi takes inspiration from current trends as well as fashion icons of the past like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. The resulting bold, attention grabbing looks can certainly be controversial, but theyre also undoubtedly iconic and totally unique to the show. Whenever a new season drops, brands featured prominently on the show experience a boost in sales as a result from fans aspiring to own one of Emilys famous fits.
#14: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-23)
Midge Maisel is as stylish as she is funny, which is really saying something. Always presentable no matter the occasion, she is costumed in custom-made sets and is never without her matching accessories. Her clothes become part of her Mrs. Maisel standup persona, an elegant outward look to contrast with her typically raunchy and sometimes shocking humor. Not only is her wardrobe a vintage fashion lovers dream, but the writers of this show manage to capture Midges passion for fashion without ever portraying her as shallow or self-obsessed. She wants to look good, and she knows good and well how to do it!
#13: The White Lotus (2021-)
Mike Whites suspenseful series about what the fabulously wealthy but morally corrupt get up to on vacation completely takes over the internet every time a new series is released. Beyond dissecting clues about the seasons mystery, fans love obsessing over the incredible clothes these luxury-minded vacationers packed for their trips. With each season set in a new exotic location, the costuming has a distinct feel to match the style of both the characters and the setting theyre in. Who could forget Tanyas loud patterned caftans, the Ratliffs classic southern charm, or Chelseas unique crocheted pieces? This series tells as much of a story with its fashion as it does with its writing.
#12: The Nanny (1993-99)
Fran Fine doesnt dress to blend in with the wealthy family she works for; she only knows how to stand out. Her bold and flashy outfits served as a contrast to the conservative, upper-class world she suddenly finds herself in. Fines style is completely unique, the result of close collaboration between Fran Drescher and costume designer Brenda Cooper. They were careful to ensure that Fines outfits never came across as trashy, but instead conveyed a confident, put-together, and stylish individual. Decades later, Fran Fine still serves as the ultimate fashion inspiration for anyone who isnt afraid to make a statement.
#11: Bridgerton (2020-)
Captivatingly romantic tales play out in a sea of pastels, corsets, and elaborate embroidery making up some of the best costumes on television. Set in a fictionalized regency-era England, this shows alternative history setting gives costumers the liberty to experiment with some of the fashion from that era. While empire waists, tailcoats, and parasols are all authentic nods to regency fashion, other elements like vividly colored dresses and the total absence of bonnets are less accurate. Bridgertons costume design combines these real and imagined fashions to help build the complex and completely original world of the series while also creating a visually unique look.
#10: Empire (2015-19)
Fashion plays a central role in this hip-hop drama, and its not a subtle one. From Cookies bold animal prints and plush faux fur outerwear to Luscious carefully curated suits accessorized with silk scarves, these characters dress to impress. Their clothing expresses their personalities, but also represents their success and the long journey it took to achieve it. They can afford expensive clothes, but theyre careful to stay true to their unique style even in new, elevated looks. Fashion becomes a protective outer shell, a way to express individuality and command respect from those around them.
#9: Downton Abbey (2010-15)
Not surprising that a show about a high-class family would feature some fancy attire. Set in the early 20th century, Downton Abbey follows the life and times of the aristocratic Crawley family, along with friends and house servants in the fictional country house of the same name. With current events being the sinking of the Titanic and World War I, those of higher class should only have the best wardrobe: dazzling and elegant dresses for the ladies and striking suits for the gentlemen. As the series progresses, we get to see the extraordinary changes in fashion that match the changing times in 20th century Britain.
#8: Ugly Betty (2006-10)
Living proof that you dont need to be a fashionista to make it big in the fashion business: Betty Suarez, your stereotypical ugly girl, has surprised everyone around her by landing a job as a personal assistant at the prestigious Mode fashion magazine. With her adult braces and mismatched outfits, Bettys a fish-out-of-water amongst her more fashionable co-workers; but she makes up for it with her inside-out knowledge of the fashion world. She may not be a goddess in looks, but Ugly Betty helps Mode, and the world, look a little more gorgeous.
#7: Dynasty (1981-89)
Its always the richest families that have the most glamorous attire. Dynasty is the story of Blake and Krystle Carrington a wealthy family in the oil business and their conflict with Blakes conniving ex-wife Alexis Colby. When Krystle and Alexis arent trying to claw each others eyes out, the cast can be seen bringing style to the show with padded shoulders and power suits. The audience fell in love with the shows fashion so much that it inspired its own clothing collection, so everyone could share the style of the incredibly popular 80s primetime soap opera.
#6: Charlies Angels (1976-81)
Once upon a time, there were three girls from the 1970s who could solve mysteries and look good doing it. Unsatisfied with their jobs after graduating from the police academy, three women are hired by the mysterious Charlie Townsend to serve as his angels in private investigation. The angels may have changed members throughout the shows run, but one thing never changed: three gorgeous ladies in 70s apparel. With feathered hair, flared pants, and plaid to spare, these angels are always ready to fight crime with style. And just wait until you see the collectable dolls!
#5: Pretty Little Liars (2010-17)
Based on the book series of the same name, Pretty Little Liars tells of four popular girls who are at the mercy of the mysterious A, an anonymous enemy who threatens to expose their darkest secrets and ruin their perfect lives. The only secret we can reveal: what makes these little liars so stylish? The answer: dangerously fashionable outfits with bold accessories. Like in HBOs Girls, these four ladies also dress to match their personalities: the preppy and sophisticated Spencer, the high fashion and glamorous Hanna, the sporty but stylish Emily, and the artsy Aria, who tends to wear the edgiest ensembles of the bunch. Unfortunately, looking consistently chic wont help the liars catch A anytime soon.
#4: Scandal (2012-18)
They say theres power with the right outfit, and no one knows that better than Olivia Pope. Once a White House Communications Director, Pope has now started her own crisis management firm, and she and her gladiators are out to keep the secrets of the worlds biggest political names. Pope is definitely the fashion queen amongst her team, standing out the most with her black and white ensemble and white hat. In recent seasons, however, Pope has tossed aside the white hat, and is taking a step forward with new bright colors. Though her garb may change, Olivia Pope can still handle things.
#3: Gossip Girl (2007-12)
When youre living in the Upper East Side of New York, you better look the part. The students of a girls prep school have nothing to hide when a mysterious blogger starts reporting scandalous news about the students. Though Gossip Girls identity isnt revealed until the finale, what we do see is frenemies Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen strutting in the Upper East Side with style. Blair is the queen bee of the school, and her crown is a set of beautiful headbands. Her only competition is the it girl of the Upper East Side: Serena, who can look stunning without even trying.
#2: Mad Men (2007-15)
Sometimes the old school duds are the best duds. Set in New York in the 1960s, Mad Men focuses on the life and drama of advertising executive Don Draper and the prestigious Sterling Cooper ad agency where he works. Where Dynasty succeeded in bringing fashion to the 80s, Mad Men succeeded in bringing 60s fashion to the 21st century by dressing Draper in the classic mens suit along with a matching fedora hat, while his female colleagues wore classy knee length dresses. Advertising execs have to look their best right? Audiences agree, and Banana Republic even came out with a successful Mad Men fashion collection.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Empire (2015-)
Suits (2011-)
Revenge (2011-15)
That Girl (1966-71)
The O.C. (2003-07)
#1: Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Taking the number one spot is the show that Shoshanna from Girls personally recommends. Its hard to be a woman in the 90s, having to deal with the pressures of romance and sex, but at least these four friends can still share a cocktail at the end of the day. These dynamic divas each have their own style that any girl can get behind: whether its Samanthas try-sexual attire, Charlottes wealthy couture, Mirandas questionable taste, or Carrie being our narrator and actual fashionista. Four charismatic friends with different styles who always have each others backs if thats not fashionable, then what is?
Which of these series makes you want to raid the costume department? Let us know in the comments!
