I just finished The Queen’s Gambit, as did everyone else with a Netflix account, and not only did I love it, but I also went on a Depop shopping spree immediately after having every single one of Beth’s looks thrown in my face. Also… is chess hot?
One of my first posts on this blog was a list of movies to watch for fashion inspiration, and the amount of TV I’ve been watching has prompted me to make one for shows.
Before diving in, let’s take a moment to slow clap for all of the costume designers and wardrobe departments of TV shows that make these fantasies possible. Thank you for lighting the fire of my shopping addiction and making me feel like I have nothing to wear. Really, I don’t have many vices so thanks for keeping things spicy.
Like I did in my last post, I’ll be separating these by decade so if you don’t give a fuck about bell bottoms you can scroll right on past the 70s and make your way into the 80s.
The Great 
Peaky Blinders 
The Crown 
Hollywood
The Great was one of my favorite shows this year. Love Elle Fanning, love a corset, love a good color palette. The fashion from this era is mesmerizing to me, and the color used in Catherine’s costumes to represent her transformation of power is *chef’s kiss*. The looks are just DELICIOUS.
If you love a good three piece suit, binge Peaky Blinders right now. My queen Polly also serves looks, but let’s be real, I’m a simp for Tommy Shelby.
I know The Crown timeline goes all the way to modern times, but it does start in the 1940s, which is why I put it here. I’ll be honest, I’m not really up the Royal Family’s ass, but I do love a fashion moment and I do love a good reference.
The 1940s probably don’t immediately scream ‘fashion inspo’ in your mind, but Hollywood does just that. I love the glamour of it all and Laura Harrier’s character, Camille Washington is my fave.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 
The Queen’s Gambit
The wardrobe and set design of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel makes my eyes light up like a kid in a boardwalk candy shop. I love when shows and movies don’t take away a women’s femininity when giving her success and power. We can do both baby!!!
Ah yes, the show that made this post possible. The fashion in The Queen’s Gambit is everything Emily in Paris thought it was, but never could be. I guess shows set in the 50s and 60s really know how to do fashion and set design, because every scene is a dream. One of my favorite things about Beth’s style is how it’s directly influenced by the people, places, music, etc. that she interacts with. Just like Midge, she shows that you can still be glamorous while being the best at something, like chess.
Mad Men
The ladies of Mad Men serve look after look. Starting in the 60s and going into the 70s(two of my favorite fashion eras) there is so much to absorb in this show. Megan Draper’s wardrobe was definitely my favorite, but I also loved seeing Betty, Peggy, and Joan’s evolution.
That 70s Show 
The Get Down
The 70s are a constant source of inspiration to designers, and both the guys and girls in That 70s Show serve. Sometimes the fashion in TV shows doesn’t feel accessible, especially when it takes place in a different era, but That 70s Show feels very realistic and easy to recreate.
I still have beef with Netflix for canceling The Get Down, it was one of my favorite shows. Each character has such a distinct style and I love it. Also Regina walked so Maddie from Euphoria could run.
Stranger Things
If the 80s are your thing and you somehow haven’t watched Stranger Things, I’d get on that immediately. The 80s aren’t typically my go-to when going down a fashion history rabbit hole, but I do really enjoy the wardrobe in Stranger Things. Also how long is it going to take to bring short, shorts back for men, because I’m a big fan.
The Nanny 
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
When I think fashion inspiration, Fran Fine is one of the first people that comes into my mind. I don’t know what that says about me, but The Nanny was one of my favorite shows growing up and I always looked forward to seeing Fran’s outfits. I’ve definitely bought things because I could see her wearing them. If Instagram was a thing in the 90s, Fran would have for sure been an Insta baddie.
I honestly feel like the fashion in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is more underrated than it should be. Of course Will always made a statement, even in his uniform, but lets not forget Ashley and Hilary’s wardrobe!!!
Sex and the City 
Lizzie McGuire 
That’s So Raven 
Gossip Girl
Although Sex and the City starts in the 90s, I get more early 2000s energy from the wardrobe, so this one’s for all you Y2K TikTok girlies. Let’s face it, the wardrobe in this show is one of the main characters, it’s one of the main reasons we watch it. Although my wardrobe is more of a Carrie, I honestly think I’m more of a Miranda, and I don’t understand why no one wants to be a Miranda. They all kind of make my eyes rolls back into another dimension, but Miranda offends me the least.
I’m sure you didn’t expect to see Lizzie McGuire on this list, but honestly, iconic. Some of the outfits on this show are so absurd, yet when I was six I thought this was peak high fashion. It’s a nice blast down memory lane, and I’m still pissed that the reboot got canceled.
That’s So Raven was another show that sparked my interest in fashion as a child. I mean, Raven wanted to be a fashion designer after all!!! I also think we can agree that Disney made people wear some wild shit, and we all just let it happen.
Another show where the wardrobe is the main character, Gossip Girl. I have watched this show more times than I care to admit. I don’t know what it is about it, but it’s like a blanket I use for comfort. Blair and Serena definitely wear some questionable things, but I live for it. Also shoutout to Chuck’s color coordination.
Dynasty 
Scream Queens 
Euphoria 
Scandal 
The Duchess 
Schitt’s Creek 
Killing Eve
Now, of course the original Dynasty is also a great source for fashion inspo, but the reboot is just as good. This is honestly one of my favorite shows, but my love for Elizabeth Gillies might be making me biased.
If you love Chanel and Miu Miu, I’d assume Scream Queens is right up your ally when it comes to the wardrobe. This show is so bad that it’s good. Can anyone confirm or deny if they’re actually bringing it back? Love a Ryan Murphy show.
The amount of talk when it comes to the clothing and makeup in Euphoria definitely didn’t go unnoticed. This is another show where each character’s style is so distinct, and you can see subtle changes in what they wear depending on what they’re going through or how they’re evolving. I’d also really love to know what school they go to because the dress code is clearly not a thing.
Olivia Pope’s style in Scandal is always so crisp. Although a little neutral for me, her style is very I’m-a-boss-ass-bitch.
The Duchess is actually a show I haven’t watched yet, but it seems right up my alley. I keep seeing shots of the wardrobe, which is intriguing me even more!
Schitt’s Creek is the shit. I know that sounds like me making a bad pun, but genuinely, I mean it. Although all the character’s have their distinct styles, I’d say Moira and David’s looks are the most memorable. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend putting it on the top of your list.
The wardrobe for Villanelle in Killing Eve is STOCKED. This women has so many wardrobe changes, and if you’re anything like me, the minute you saw the pink Molly Goddard dress, you were sold.
Well there you have it, is there any show I missed? Let me know in the comments, or shoot me a DM on Instagram! If you’re surprised that Emily in Paris wasn’t on this list, you have no taste. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. Love you though!