The best on-screen character wardrobes, according to fashion stylists
image via hbo
as told to daisy henry
The dream wardrobe.
If you’ve found yourself in a style rut and want to steer clear of algorithms, then I’d suggest turning on the TV. From Hollywood classics to modern shows like Euphoria, fictional characters are often the best source of sartorial inspiration.
It makes sense, too. Production sets typically have teams of stylists working hard to make sure wardrobes align with characters’ plot points and arcs. And in some cases, this means being able to pull special archival designer collections (like costume designer Natasha Newman-Thomas’ many looks for Maddy Perez).
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Over the years, I’ve found endless inspiration in these on-screen worlds. My younger self worshipped the early naughties Bratz animations, while I now look to ’90s romcoms like Notting Hill (though I’m not sure whose wardrobe I love more, Julia Roberts’ or Hugh Grant’s).
Given that fashion stylists are often deep in the archives themselves, forever hunting for references and scouring for unique pieces, I asked seven to share their favourite character wardrobes of all time.
Enid from Ghost World
Chosen by: Cecile Huynh
The first movie character that comes to mind is Enid from the film Ghost World. Her wardrobe doesn’t necessarily reflect my current personal style but her outfits and attitude really resonated with my angsty teenage self. Now that I’m working in fashion and costume, I can really appreciate what an immaculate job the costume designer did to bring her character to life.
Most of her wardrobe in the film is ’60s and ’70s vintage, an eclectic mix of pieces thrown together in such an effortlessly cool way that only a disaffected teenage girl could. I think I’d love to just peruse her wardrobe just to see the pieces that aren’t in the film, if that makes sense. Some standout moments for me include the latex mask, her sailor jacket, her cropped leather jacket, her collection of specs and sunnies and of course, the iconic raptor T-shirt and plaid skirt outfit.
Maddy Perez from Euphoria
Chosen by: Monica Morales
Maddy Perez from Euphoria, season three. Not only is she a Latina baddie, and her hair and makeup is always on point, but she’s always had a penchant for designer vintage. This season everything was archival designer, with some notable pieces from Jean Paul Gaultier, Mugler, Dior and Alaia. I literally gasped when I saw her in the 2003 Cavalli multi-print dress, and again when she was banging against the door in that Maison Valentino shearling coat. So good!
Connie Nikas in Good Time
Chosen by: Marisa Suen
Famously, I love menswear! The bagginess, the silhouettes… The wardrobe for Robert Pattinson’s character Connie Nikas in Good Time is just so effortlessly swag. Like the styling ain’t trying to be all that and I think that in itself is beautiful, especially when we live in a world where trends and 10 billion new items of clothing are shoved down our throats daily. To me, it’s really chic when you can make dad-core, daggy, chopped, smelly-looking pieces into an effortless fit. I love the worn-in, comfortable nature they emanate!
Nana by Ai Yazawa
Chosen by: Shannen Bugnot
This one is a little hard, as mine wouldn’t be one specific character, but rather a manga and Anime! So my pick would be anything from Nana by Ai Yazawa. All the outfits from this manga are my dream! From all the Vivienne Westwood, to the layering and iconic statement pieces. It’s just absolutely drool-worthy!
Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley
Chosen by: Billy Chambers
My dream wardrobe belongs to Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley. His style feels effortless yet incredibly considered, balancing relaxed tailoring with easy summer staples like open shirts, lightweight knits and perfectly cut trousers. What I love most is that nothing feels overly styled or trend-driven; every piece has a sense of ease and longevity. The wardrobe captures a timeless approach to dressing that still feels relevant today, proving that great style is often about confidence, restraint and exceptional basics rather than chasing what’s new.
Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City
Chosen by: Jillian Arcenas
When it comes to iconic character wardrobes, you can’t not include Carrie Bradshaw. As someone who loves archival and vintage fashion, I constantly find myself revisiting her outfits throughout the series, decades on. I have a particular fixation with vintage heels at the moment, so any of her Manolo Blahniks would definitely be hypothetical Bling Ring material.
Olive Oyl, as imagined by Moschino
Chosen by: Valona Flamuri
Olive Oyl is forever my girl. Originally a cartoon character from Popeye, she was chosen as Moschino’s muse for its Cheap and Chic fragrance in the ’90s. She was funny, glamorous and completely unforgettable – the patron saint of playful glamour. Moschino transformed our damsel into a fashion heroine through graphic prints, perfume bottles, silk scarves and fashion fantasy.
Her side profile became as recognisable as any supermodel’s. She embodied something I always come back to in fashion: personality. Olive Oyl proved that style doesn’t have to be serious to be sophisticated and decades later, the house is still finding ways to pay tribute to her charm. I love her.
For the most stylish characters of all time, try this.
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