From Screen to Street: How Iconic TV Characters Still Set the Fashion Agenda in 2025

From Screen to Street: How Iconic TV Characters Still Set the Fashion Agenda in 2025

Television may be entertainment, but for fashion lovers, it’s always been more than that; it’s runway, mood board, and trend forecast all wrapped in one. Even in 2025, we’re still drawing daily outfit inspiration from some of the most iconic TV characters ever created. Their wardrobes not only helped define their roles but also reshaped how generations dress, shop, and express themselves. Whether it’s the polished preppiness of Blair Waldorf or the maximalist chic of Carrie Bradshaw, these characters’ fashion choices continue to influence trends seen across TikTok, runways, and street style feeds today.

Below, we revisit the most fashionable TV icons whose styles are still defining what it means to dress like you own the spotlight.

Rachel Green, Friends

Vibe: Effortless ’90s Chic

Two decades later and Rachel Green’s wardrobe still dominates the Pinterest mood boards. With her signature plaid miniskirts, crop tops, mom jeans, and “The Rachel” haircut, Jennifer Aniston’s character continues to define off-duty style.

Why it still matters in 2025: With Y2K fashion experiencing a second wave (yes, again), Rachel’s looks have become staples in Gen Z closets. Think square-neck slip dresses, loafers with socks, and minimalist bags, all seen in viral TikTok GRWMs tagged #RachelGreenStyle.

Blair Waldorf & Serena van der Woodsen, Gossip Girl

Vibe: Preppy Luxe vs. Boho Glam

Blair's headbands, Peter Pan collars, and designer tights practically launched the preppy-girl era, while Serena’s slouchy boots, metallics, and boho-luxe attitude brought downtown cool to the Upper East Side.

2025 Update: The “clean girl aesthetic” owes much to Blair’s polished influence, while Serena’s carefree glam aligns with the resurgence of indie sleaze and quiet luxury. From Miu Miu pleated skirts to oversized boho bags, their legacy is woven into today’s fashion narrative.

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Vibe: Maximalist Romance with an Editorial Edge

Before fashion influencers ruled Instagram, there was Carrie. Her tutu skirts, Manolo Blahnik heels, and fearless mix of vintage and couture made her a fashion risk-taker long before it was cool.

Why she’s still iconic: Carrie taught us that getting dressed should feel like play. In 2025, maximalism is back in full force, from bold prints to clashing textures, and Carrie’s stamp is all over it. And let’s not forget her love for personal touches: whether it was her iconic "Carrie" nameplate necklace or a sparkly Pisces constellation necklace to reflect her dreamy, romantic vibe, she knew how to make accessories tell a story. In an era where astrology-inspired jewelry is trending again, it’s the perfect way to add character to a classic look.

Olivia Pope, Scandal

Vibe: Power Suit Sophistication

No one made outerwear feel more commanding than Olivia Pope. Her luxe coats, monochrome tailoring, and soft neutral palette created the blueprint for modern power dressing.

Still trending: As more women reclaim the boardroom and their aesthetic in 2025, the “Olivia Pope effect” lives on in wide-leg trousers, belted wrap coats, and cream suiting. Her wardrobe remains the go-to inspiration for “soft power” styling.

David Rose, Schitt’s Creek

Vibe: Gender-Fluid Minimalism with a Statement Edge

David redefined small-town style with his designer knits, black-on-black layering, and fashion-forward attitude. His wardrobe blurred the lines between masculinity and femininity, opening the door for gender-fluid style on mainstream television.

In 2025, Fashion is finally catching up. Designers like Ludovic de Saint-Sernin and Harris Reed celebrate the kind of expressive dressing David championed. His love for oversized silhouettes, leather, and monochrome palettes continues to inspire modern androgynous fashion.

Joan Holloway & Peggy Olson, Mad Men

Vibe: Vintage Femme and Progressive Elegance

Joan’s hourglass dresses and statement jewelry channeled unapologetic femininity, while Peggy’s evolving wardrobe, from conservative secretary wear to bold prints, symbolized a woman finding her voice.

Why it still hits today: The ’60s revival is thriving in 2025. Joan’s love of curve-hugging pencil skirts and statement jewelry continues to resonate with vintage lovers. Peggy’s slow style evolution mirrors today’s shift toward intentional dressing and conscious fashion choices.

Fran Fine, The Nanny

Vibe: Loud ’90s Glam with High-Fashion Flavor

Versace prints. Leopard coats. Micro-minis and matching sets. Fran Fine was decades ahead of the fashion game and the queen of fearless dressing.

Why we’re obsessed again: TikTok has fueled the revival of Fran’s OTT aesthetic. Gen Z creators have whole accounts dedicated to “What Fran Wore,” and her unapologetically bold style has become the blueprint for high-impact fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Why TV Style Still Dominates in 2025

While the shows may have aired years ago, the looks remain timeless. Nostalgia cycles, social media virality, and designer references ensure these characters are never out of style. What makes them iconic isn't just the clothes, it’s the energy behind them. From confidence to rebellion, polish to chaos, each of these characters uses fashion as a storytelling device.

As fashion cycles become increasingly digital and visual, expect more throwbacks, more reimaginings, and more influence from the fictional closets that shaped our real-world wardrobes.

What’s Next?

Want to dress like your favorite TV character with a 2025 twist? Start small: a structured headband à la Blair, a flowy slip dress in Rachel Green tones, or a chunky pair of heels in true Carrie Bradshaw spirit. Or simply accessorize with your favorite jewelry and let your style do the talking about your latest TV obsession.

Because in the end, the best-dressed characters remind us of one thing: fashion should always feel like fun, even when the drama is scripted.

From Screen to Street: How Iconic TV Characters Still Set the Fashion Agenda in 2025
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