The iconic characters you almost never noticed
From the best friends and
sidekicks to the villains
there must be over a thousand articles and Instagram accounts documenting the most impeccable TV and film character’s styles with admiration. I bet you’re picturing that pink tutu worn by Carrie Bradshaw, Cher Horowitz’s yellow plaid co-ord, Olivia Pope in her structured trench coat, Vivian Ward in those (on trend right now) patent thigh-highs – you get where I’m going with this. There are so many looks and stylish moments that female protagonists adorn, but what about the sidekicks? The best friends? Or even the villains?
I found it rather dicult to find any research or articles that looked at the less obvious characters in film and TV, and how their style is, in fact, as historical as that of the main characters. Better yet, how relevant their style is today.
So, I’ve written a piece which focuses on some of these characters that stood out for the following reasons: their style was overlooked or overshadowed, and their fashion choices are on point – then and now.
I could easily describe MONICA GELLER
FROM FRIENDS as overlooked in the style books. Mainly because her BFF and roomie Rachel Green works in fashion and has great style. But so does Mon! Alright, so she’s not your quintessential fashionista, but she’s got that classic, laidback look and it works. Throw on a pair of Ribcage Levi’s, a slinky cami, chunky sneakers and there you have it: eortless and dare I say it, iconic. (Bella Hadid often serves us a Monica-inspired look with her street style.) One woman that needs more recognition is ELAINE
BENES FROM SEINFELD. Even though she’s the only female character in the show, I feel that we still neglect her sense of fashion. Elaine showed us how to wear a slouchy power suit with authority, a long floral dress with classic Dr Martens, incredible natural curls and tiny framed glasses.
Speaking of iconic, this word completely sums up CLUELESS. The early ’90s teen classic is one of those movies I (and I’m sure many of you) can recite every single line of and tell you every character’s outfit. And while most ensembles are without a doubt attentiongrabbing, the looks that clearly stick in our minds at first are those of Cher Horwitz’s – she is the leading lady after all. Personally, DIONNE DAVENPORT is the character I gravitated to more than anyone else. She gave us life with extravagant accessories, beautiful long braids and even bright coral PVC mini skirts. Many of her looks could be
worn in the streets of 2019 with great ease.
Let’s get into that super stylish villain I briefly mentioned in my intro: MEREDITH BLAKE
FROM THE PARENT
TRAP. Rewatching Lindsay Lohan’s first big breakout film 10 years later, it’s somewhat hard to hate the almost stepmom. The PRbusinesswomen could easily wear this season’s Prada on the daily. Her style is so clean and sophisticated, and I wouldn’t mind dressing exactly like her when I grow up.
One more woman to watch out for is CHASTITY CHURCH FROM 10 THINGS I HATE
ABOUT YOU. Again, we see a character standing in the wings but should clearly be centre stage. Chastity is Bianca’s (low-key shady) best friend who rocks up to prom in a snakeskin dress. I mean, if that’s not noteworthy, then I don’t know what is. There are plenty more characters, and countless more looks (that were put together by talented wardrobe stylists) that I could go on for pages about. But I will leave it up to you to watch the next film or episode with extra attention to detail, because you never know, there might be an inspiring style icon in the guise of a best friend or even an auntie.
“She gave us life with extravagant accessories, beautiful long braids and even bright coral
PVC mini skirts”