Wardrobe is an important part of every TV series, whether it’s set in a different time period or a different world altogether. Whether characters dress in pieces that are more simplistic, or something outlandish, their clothes give us great insight into the world they live in and who they are as a person. Some shows elevate fashion and make it one of the highlights; this celebration of creative expression becomes something to look forward to with each episode. Here are some shows to watch if you love fashion, in no particular order.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
9 Emily in Paris (2020-Present)
Netflix
Darren Star’s show Emily in Paris stars Lily Collins as Emily, a young woman who moves to Paris to bring an American perspective to one of their marketing firms. She struggles to adjust to the new place and her new life, but eventually comes to find friends and romance. Her outfits range from episode to episode and feature a variety of prints, patterns, and styles as she integrates into the Parisian fashion scene. With so many different looks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and waiting for each new outfit makes for fun viewing.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
8 Younger (2015-2021)
MTV Entertainment Studios
Younger – also created by Darren Star – tells the story of Liza (Sutton Foster), a woman in her forties who pretends to be younger in order to get a job with a publishing company. The outfits range from streetwear to office clothes to fancy dresses, with something for everyone. There are also great accessories, like necklaces, bags, and scarves, that make perfect finishing touches to everything. Each character’s wardrobe also reflects who they are and furthers their identities and journeys.
7 Halston (2021)
Sharr White’s Halston stars Ewan McGregor as fashion designer Halston. The series, which is set mostly in the 1970s, explores his life and features great fashion all-around. What’s especially interesting is that not only do we get to see the characters wear amazing clothes, but we also see Halston’s process in creating many of his memorable dresses and designs. A strong episode also sees Halston do a fashion show in France with top designers like Anne Klein and Oscar de la Renta. It’s a great celebration of fashion in both creation and presentation.
6 Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution
Another Darren Star show, Sex and the City follows four women and their lives in New York City. It’s well-known for being open about their sex lives and relationships, and for featuring vibrant fashion. Carrie’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) looks are often the most talked-about, like her genuine Versace gown, but all the characters really get moments to shine in some iconic looks. Each character’s wardrobe also matches their personality, letting their distinct styles stand out. Over 20 years later, the show remains a great exploration of friendship and fashion.
5 Bridgerton (2020-Present)
Chris Van Dusen’s Bridgerton features the wealthy Bridgerton family, who want to marry their daughters off to wealthy suitors amid gossip and drama from Lady Whistledown. The show makes its Regency-era clothes shine on screen, with bold prints and details like feathers and jewels that we don’t often see in period media. In an interview with Vogue, costume designer Ellen Mirojnick reported that the first season contained an estimated 5,000 costumes. Each one is unique and meant to represent its character, with the overall impression bringing a slightly modern feel to this historical drama.
4 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-Present)
Prime Video
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel stars Rachel Brosnahan as Midge Maisel, who becomes a stand-up comic. Aside from its outstanding humor, the show also has beautiful clothes. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, the show takes the style of dresses and coats typical to the era and makes them stand out with bold prints and colors. From Midge’s long coats to Susie’s (Alex Borstein) hats and leather jackets, each character’s wardrobe becomes a defining part of the era and who they are as people.
3 Pose (2018-2021)
20th Television
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals, Pose is a loving celebration of the ballroom culture in 1980s and 1990s New York, where a group of queer people would form a family, or House, and walk the floor in outfits fitting a certain theme. According to The Hollywood Reporter, costume designer Analucia McGorty researched the time period and often hand-made many outfits that would truly fit in the ballroom scene. Pose brings this era to life, with characters showing stunning looks in themes like royalty or fairy tale. Even outside of the epic ball scenes, the characters still have eye-catching everyday fashion, like Angel’s (Indya Moore) model clothes and Pray Tell’s (Billy Porter) colorful wardrobe. The show really illustrates how fashion became such an important part of the characters’ culture and identity.
2 RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009-Present)
Passion Distribution
Created and hosted by RuPaul, RuPaul’s Drag Race follows drag queens as they compete to become America’s Next Drag Superstar. In addition to a weekly challenge, each episode features a runway portion, with looks that follow a category. This category can be anything: a certain pattern or color; something inspired by the animal kingdom; or even an outfit created from unconventional materials. It’s fun and breathtaking to see the unique and dazzling outfits the contestants wear. Plus, with the original series, international spin-offs, and several seasons of All Stars, there’s plenty of fashion to enjoy.
1 Project Runway (2004-Present)
Lantern Entertaiment
Eli Holzman’s Project Runway is the original fashion competition show, and is still going strong after nearly 20 years. The show sees several designers from around the world compete in weekly challenges that test all parts of their skills. Each challenge is limited by time, theme, budget, and materials, but it doesn’t stop the competitors from creating incredible designs. The final competitors then present a full collection at New York Fashion Week – with several major designers in attendance – allowing for a deep look at their skills and styles while celebrating fashion as a whole.
