The Sunday Post: The Best TV Shows for Fashion Inspiration

I’m a bit of a TV nerd. Okay, maybe that’s an understatement — I watch a lot of TV. I’m all over the place, too: from Downtown Abbey to Orphan Black to Game of Thrones, I watch just about anything that has been either nominated for an Emmy, or looks like it’ll last more than one season (I’ve been burned in the past, okay?)

To me, one of the things that make a show a good show has always been costuming. Fashion is an important part of any TV show, no matter how basic or boring: while Breaking Bad won’t be landing itself on the list of the most inspiring TV shows, fashion-wise, I still find that style (or lack thereof) teaches us an awful lot about the character we’re meeting. Hey, that porkpie hat and glasses are definitely a fashion statement!

Here are some of my favorite shows to watch for when I need a bit of sartorial inspiration:

Scandal. If you don’t consider Olivia Pope a fashion icon, then you really need to reevaluate your priorities. From her feminine spin on workwear, to her luxe textures and exquisite cuts, you really can’t get better than the “gladiator in a suit”. Plus, I’d KILL for one of those coats. Banana Republic has a Scandal-inspired collection out now, and I may or may not want to scoop up everything in sight.

Downtown Abbey. I basically idolize the style from this period drama. From Lady Sybil’s (RIP) ultra-chic harem pants, to Lady Mary’s drop-waist dresses and delicate pearls, this show is basically a fashion lover’s dream. The style is as rich and as sumptuous as the stories, the architecture, and the history, and it only makes me wish that people still dressed (and talked) the way they did then. Also, confession time: the moment those first few notes from the theme come on, I become a teary mess.

Game of Thrones. If you know me, you know that Game of Thrones is practically a way of life to me. It’s arguably my favorite show of all time, and it’s well-deserved: the storytelling, the acting, the fantasy elements — it’s difficult not to fall in love. It’s on weird ground stylistically, but what they do have is awe-inspiring. Take Daenerys’s airy blue frocks and her ethereal plaits: those have launched a sea of imitators. The costumes tell a story themselves: just take one look at Margaery’s low cuts and at Cersei’s warrior-like bodices. Plus, who can forget the scene from last season, where Sansa walked down those steps to meet Littlefinger in her raven-like gown?

Once Upon a Time. This show is arguably my favorite guilty pleasure, but there’s something about it that just makes it so badass. Emma’s leather jackets made me want one for myself, and Snow White’s pixie cut is giving me serious hair envy. Hey, I never could say no to a bit of medieval-meets-modern fashion. Plus, there’s enough princess gowns on the show to satisfy the inner royal in all of us.

Gossip Girl. This is the series that started it all. I know it’s no longer airing (it’s on Netflix, though!) but this show just made me fall in love with fashion. From Serena’s carefree, cool-girl style, to Blair’s prim and proper headbands, lace, and skirts, there was something for everybody — no matter what you’re into, style-wise.

What are some of your favorite shows to watch for sartorial inspiration? Let us know in the comments below!

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