Although my passion for clothes is not one I frame as a key aspect of my personality, there is no denying I am a fashion girly through and through. I fall asleep each night designing future outfits, audibly gasp at delicate heels, and have a natural and instinctual draw towards bright colors, interesting patterns, and unique textures in clothes. I love braiding my hair, shopping for earrings, and finding the perfect belt. My style has range: with each new day I dress for a different personality and I love to keep myself on my toes by trying new looks.
I can’t say who exactly has inspired my wardrobe, but recently I have become almost obsessed with the fashion in Friends. I don’t even focus much on the plot of this classic sit-com; I am too distracted by the iconic ‘90s and early 2000s clothes in Friends to think about anything but designing my own looks. Because each character has a distinct style, it’s only fair to highlight the most inspirational aspects of Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Ross’s wardrobes.
Phoebe
As the Friends character whose wardrobe has impacted me the most, the essence of Phoebe Buffay’s fashion is one I aim to encapsulate daily. How could I not find awe in her eccentric pairing of bright colors, funky hairstyles, and bold textures? Phoebe, in her own unique and beautiful manner, fits no “aesthetic” and instead wears specific items just because she finds them interesting.
The bounds of her fashion-taste are limitless: from fairy-like and elegant skirts, to tom-boyish and youthful overalls, to expensive-looking and extravagant fur coats, Phoebe’s fashion sense is more artistic than accessible. Not every piece she wears is inspiring – in fact many of the individual items in her wardrobe are questionable – but because of the elegant way Lisa Kudrow embodies Phoebe Buffay’s eclectic bohemian wardrobe, viewers can’t help but look on with sighs of adoration and envy with each new episode.
My passion and idolization of Phoebe’s wardrobe is difficult to describe: this may be the first time in my writing career in which I find myself at a verbal roadblock. Nothing I can say in a short article can express how inspirational and pertinent the closet of Phoebe Buffay is to my personal lust for fashion. Phoebe Buffay is the type of fashion icon whose looks will be ingrained in the very definition of style for decades to come.
Rachel
Jennifer Aniston has always been one of my favorite actresses: maybe it’s because she reminds me of my mom, or because of her ability to play serious and goofy characters, but I have come to realize Anniston is also a major fashion icon in my eyes. Her role as Rachel Green in Friends can only be described as the it-girl. Rachel sticks to a very chic, timeless, and classic wardrobe throughout the series, but the simplicity of her outfits is what makes them so clean, approachable, and ultimately breathtaking. The style Rachel encompasses in Friends – whether a simple tee and mom jeans, a lacy top with a leather skirt, or an oversized sweatshirt with overalls – is one women of all ages, sizes, and racial backgrounds could sport with equal poise, femininity, and sophistication. I also am incredibly in love with Aniston’s hair throughout the series, and how Rachel always seems to be so put-together, even in her most emotional and chaotic scenes. Rachel mixes ‘90s fashion trends with quality and ever-relevant pieces and with every episode, I am more and more invested in her wardrobe.
Monica
Monica Geller has arguably one of the most stunning wardrobes in TV history. Her clothes are what I would describe as very mature and grown-up while also highlighting some aspects of youthful fun through the incorporation of bold colors and risque patterns. Monica’s outfits are form-fitting, understated, and in my opinion, extremely intriguing and womanly. I especially like the use of mesh in Monica’s outfits in season 7, the countless delicate dresses she wears, and her go-to classic outfits featuring mom jeans, baby-tees, and sneakers. Her clothing showcases an extraordinary balance between feminine and masculine, lavish and athletic, and unique and basic; Courtney Cox personifies these traits both through the embrace of her costumes and Monica’s personality. I am motivated by Monica’s wardrobe: I desire a similar wardrobe full of long dresses, bold shirts, tight long sleeves, and dainty necklaces. Of all the characters on Friends, Monica is the one whose wardrobe seems the most easy to replicate, and I appreciate the uncomplicated charm of her style.
Chandler, Joey, and Ross
This article wouldn’t be complete without a brief ode to the men of Friends. While Chandler and Ross have some very questionable (and let’s be real, straight up terrible looks), Joey keeps to his name-sake as the resident heart-throb through his tasteful wardrobe of well-fitting sweaters, funky button downs, and drool-worthy leather jackets. I think Joey dresses how all men should, and just like I find personal inspiration from the women of Friends, I recommend more masculine fans to take notes from the outfits of Joey Tribbiani.
Because it would be rude to completely dismiss the fashion-taste of Chandler and Ross, I think it’s important to highlight some of their better moments. Chandler, at least in the earlier seasons, reflects a very sporty look common for men of his era. I appreciate the urban-chicness of his more casual looks, and find his business-wear enduring. Some inspiration can be found in the intricate outfits worn by the beloved Matthew Perry, but I’m not sure how timeless or iconic Chandler Bing’s outfits are.
Ross Geller, on the other hand, looks his best in simple outfits. His clothing is often oversized, but when he capitalizes on this trend and sticks to basic button-downs, sweaters, and jeans, I would argue Ross can be as yummy-looking as Joey. In the seasons where his hair is longer, Ross’s controversial fashion is more excusable.
For me, each day is an opportunity to try out new outfit combinations, engage in an avant-garde expression of my style, and discover alternative ways to wear clothing. The wardrobes in Friends is only one source of my fashion inspiration, but it is one of eclectic timelessness and stylish grace which continues to awe. By studying the wardrobes of Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, and even the men of Friends, I have opened my fashion third eye and found new opportunities to style myself.