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15 fashionable TV heroines whose looks inspire us
With the rise of streaming platforms, TV shows have become an integral part of our daily lives, even rivaling films made for the big screen. And the lead characters in these series have practically become family members we’re irrationally attached to. They’re also an endless source of inspiration—especially the female leads from shows like Sex and the City, Friends, and Euphoria, whose strong fashion statements have made many of their looks iconic.
By Violaine Schütz,
1. Villanelle in Killing Eve
In the suspenseful series Killing Eve, the character Villanelle, played by the brilliant Jodie Comer, captivates viewers with her unshakable cool… and her impeccably styled outfits. A contract killer caught up in a passionate entanglement with an MI5 agent played by Sandra Oh, Villanelle never compromises on fashion—no matter the bloody circumstances. She stuns in a floral-embroidered Gucci dress, flees in a zipped Bottega Veneta jumpsuit, and faces down her foes in a Saint Laurent velvet suit with a matching wide-brimmed hat. Other standout pieces include her yellow Loewe coat, Proenza Schouler boots, a sleek pair of trousers from Chloé’s latest collection, and more niche items like Ann Demeulemeester ankle boots and a coat by Y/Project.
Killing Eve (2018–2022) is available on MyCanal.
2. Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl
Alongside her best friend Serena van der Woodsen (played by Blake Lively), the bold and headstrong Blair Waldorf—brought to life by Leighton Meester—has become a Gossip Girl fashion icon over the years. While Serena may have initially stolen the spotlight, newer audiences have come to appreciate Blair’s razor-sharp style. Think headbands, patent pumps, colorful tights, tailored blazers, and custom-made dresses. Blair never leaves a single detail to chance, carefully orchestrating the looks of every Manhattan it-girl from her Upper East Side penthouse.
Gossip Girl (2007–2012) is available on Netflix.
3. Maddy Perez in Euphoria
Premiering in 2019, HBO’s Euphoria has left a deep mark on pop culture, influencing Gen Z’s approach to both fashion and makeup. Glamorous, sexy dresses (2000s-inspired), corsets, fur-trimmed vests, rock tees, miniskirts, oversized streetwear, party makeup… the list of covetable styles is endless. While the looks of Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Barbie Ferreira, and Hunter Schafer are all showstoppers, it’s Alexa Demie’s character, Maddy Perez, who steals the style spotlight. Her wardrobe? Crop tops, ultra-plunging black dresses, cut-out pants, glittery eyes, coordinated sets, tiny cardigans, oversized hoop earrings… all utterly sensual and eye-catching. Fashion fans should check out Euphoria Fashion, a book by the show’s costume designer Heidi Bivens, packed with exclusive images and cast interviews—available on the A24 production company’s website.
Euphoria is available on Canal VOD.
4. Harper Spiller in The White Lotus
Season 2 of the darkly comic hit The White Lotus (which began in 2021) introduced one of the show’s standout characters: Harper Spiller, the sarcastic and condescending lawyer played to perfection by Aubrey Plaza. With her signature unimpressed expression, Harper also impresses viewers with her refined wardrobe—perfectly suited to both the office and sunny holidays in luxury villas. Oversized striped shirts from The Frankie Shop, preppy headbands, gingham swimsuits, floral bustiers, silk scarves, trendy handbags, and marine-inspired white dresses all add up to a wardrobe worth studying.
The White Lotus is available on Canal VOD.
5. Audrey Horne in Twin Peaks – The Return
David Lynch’s cult classic Twin Peaks (1990–1991) is as memorable for its eerie plot and moody landscapes as it is for its charismatic cast. Most characters boast covetable cold-weather wardrobes, but none quite match the flair of Audrey Horne (played by the stunning pin-up Sherilyn Fenn), the sultry schoolmate of the late Laura Palmer and secret admirer of FBI agent Dale Cooper. Red heels, curve-hugging midi skirts, wool sweaters, plaid skirts—Audrey is the quintessential spoiled rich girl with a femme fatale streak that reveals itself as the mystery unfolds. Her style continues to circulate on Pinterest and Instagram, decades later.
Twin Peaks – The Return is available on Paramount+.
6. Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City
There’s perhaps no TV character more stylish—or iconic—than Carrie Bradshaw (played by the ever-charming Sarah Jessica Parker) in Sex and the City (1998–2004). In the ’90s and 2000s, everyone wanted to be her, snatching up her Manolo Blahniks, Fendi baguette bags, and shopping secrets. Audacious, liberated, on-trend, and irresistibly sexy, Carrie—styled by costume designer Patricia Field—broke every fashion rule: tutus, fur coats, visible lingerie, and the infamous “naked dress” worn while dashing through New York to see a boyfriend in heels. Many of her looks, often vintage or from top fashion houses, became legendary—like the newspaper-print dress by John Galliano for Dior, which sold for over €15,000 at auction two years ago.
Sex and the City is available on Prime Video with the Warner Pass.
7. Rachel Green in Friends
No list like this would be complete without mentioning the iconic Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston in Friends (1994–2004). Her style aligned with Aniston’s own late-’90s looks (back when she was dating Brad Pitt), and even when broke, Rachel kept her fashion game strong. In the show’s very first episode, she cuts up her credit cards to curb her shopping addiction—but never gives up her trendsetting wardrobe. Think: that red-and-black plaid skirt with a white top and high athletic socks, her many denim overalls, and strapless dresses in everything from pastel yellow to black satin. A never-ending well of inspiration.
Friends is available on Netflix.
8. Fran Fine in The Nanny
If you’re looking for a masterclass in ‘90s fashion, watch all six seasons of The Nanny (1993–1999). Played by Fran Drescher, the ultra-stylish nanny Fran Fine was one of the original TV it-girls. Every outfit—colorful and meticulously styled—came straight from the latest luxury ready-to-wear and couture collections (many of which are trending again). Her resurgence is evident on social media: an Instagram account (@whatfranwore) with nearly half a million followers documents every item she wore from 1993 to 1999. Highlights include a green vinyl Courrèges set, a cropped Chanel tweed jacket with matching logo belt, and the iconic Fendi towel dress. Thanks to costume designer Brenda Cooper—who won an Emmy for her work—Fran Fine cemented her place at the very top of the TV fashion pantheon.
The Nanny is available on Canal VOD.
9. Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl
Serena van der Woodsen is undoubtedly one of the most fashion-influential characters of the early 2010s. Played by the stunning Blake Lively, this Gossip Girl (2007–2012) lead strutted the streets of Manhattan with flair and elegance. Like her mother Lily (played by Kelly Rutherford), Serena had everything others dreamed of: towering heels, the latest designer pieces, and ultra-trendy handbags. For her, every occasion was a chance to shine—glamorous balls, stylish brunches, even post-party strolls. Whether in a gold couture gown, a bold-colored blazer with a chunky necklace and miniskirt, or an oversized shirt cinched with a belt borrowed from her latest fling, she embodied 2010s fashion to perfection.
Gossip Girl is available on Netflix.
10. Emma Corrin in The Crown
Among the many highlights of The Crown (2016–2023), the show’s costume design stands out—especially from season 4 onward, when Princess Diana enters the storyline. Portrayed by Emma Corrin in 2020 (and later by Elizabeth Debicki), Diana’s early years with Prince Charles offer a glimpse into the making of a fashion icon—one who’s recently inspired even Hailey Bieber. The costume team meticulously recreated Diana’s most iconic looks: the famous sheep-print sweater, her debut ball gowns, and the luxurious outfits from her 1983 tour of Australia (photos of which often eclipsed her husband’s). These quintessentially ’80s ensembles continue to influence modern fashion today.
The Crown is available on Netflix.
11. Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives
On Wisteria Lane, one character’s high heels are always clicking on the pavement: Gabrielle Solis. Played by Eva Longoria, this Desperate Housewives (2004–2021) star never lets go of her stilettos or curve-hugging dresses—even while chasing down a killer or lounging on the couch. Always polished—except during season 2 when financial woes force her to sell her wardrobe—Gabrielle is arguably the sexiest of the desperate housewives. Towering in 10 cm heels, she glides from friendship feuds to affairs and disasters without ever missing a step. Elegance, taken to the extreme.
Desperate Housewives is available on Disney+.
12. Wednesday Addams in Wednesday
Some shows spark global trends within seconds. Wednesday (2022–), directed by Tim Burton and released in November 2022, instantly became a smash hit on Netflix, topping the platform’s charts for weeks. Beyond its dark, visually stunning world, it’s the title character—played by Jenna Ortega—who ignited a fresh fashion obsession. With a wardrobe entirely in black and a distinctively Burton-esque vibe, Wednesday resurrected the gothic aesthetic. The standout fashion moment? The now-viral dance scene at the school ball, where Ortega channels Siouxsie Sioux and French actor Denis Lavant, dressed in a ruffled black Alaïa dress.
Wednesday is available on Netflix.
13. Maeve Wiley in Sex Education
When Sex Education (2019–2023) premiered on Netflix in 2019, it became a global phenomenon. Fast fashion stores even stocked T-shirts featuring the characters. Maeve Wiley, played by Franco-British actress Emma Mackey, stood out in a colorful cast thanks to her edgy, dark, rock-inspired style. With bleached streaks in her hair and a cigarette in hand, Maeve wore fringed leather jackets, black denim mini shorts, and oversized red plaid shirts—each look oozing cool, rebellious charm.
Sex Education is available on Netflix.
14. Elizabeth in American Horror Story: Hotel
Every season of American Horror Story (2011–) is a treasure trove for fashion lovers. Think back to season 3, Coven, where a coven of ultra-stylish New Orleans witches brought the nu-goth look of the 2010s to life with refined black outfits inspired by 1970s gothic fashion. Then came season 5, Hotel, where Lady Gaga—as the seductive vampire Elizabeth and owner of a haunted hotel—turned heads with every appearance. No meat dresses this time—just an elegant wardrobe of luxurious materials like lace and bold colors like crimson red and deep purple. Her signature accessory? A glove adorned with perfectly manicured nails.
American Horror Story is available on Canal+ and Disney+.
15. Shiv Roy in Succession
Winner of multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, Succession (2018–2023) follows the powerful Roy family, who control one of the world’s largest media conglomerates. It’s also become a go-to reference for luxurious fashion. More stylish than ever, Jesse Armstrong’s series showcases the epitome of quiet luxury—a trend dominating runways and street style alike. Think refined ensembles from The Row, Tom Ford, or Max Mara, worn by the iconic Shiv Roy (played by Australian actress Sarah Snook). Shiv perfectly embodies the saying “money talks, wealth whispers.” No flashy logos—just expertly chosen neutrals, minimal jewelry, and precisely tailored pieces. Pure elegance.
Succession is available on Prime Video with the Warner Pass.
