15 iconic fashion trends from TV shows we wish would come back

Fashion and TV have always been inseparable as TV shows often become the birthplace of trends that have stuck with us for years. Some looks were memorable, not to mention, iconic. Rachel Green’s slip dresses in Friends had everyone reaching for a 90s vibe. Blair Waldorf’s headbands in Gossip Girl became a must-have accessory. And Carrie Bradshaw’s tulle skirt in Sex and the City? It turned sidewalks into runways. They became part of the story, defined characters, and they made episodes unforgettable. A single look could spark a trend that spread like wildfire. Years later, these styles still hold power. They remind us of the shows we loved and the characters we admired and they take us back to simpler times.

1) Rachel Green's Slip Dress Over T-Shirt – Friends

Fashion and TV have always been inseparable, and Rachel Green was proof of that. Her 90s slip dress over a fitted T-shirt in Friends became the epitome of casual chic. The combination was effortless yet stylish, a look anyone could recreate. When Friends premiered in 1994, it quickly became iconic, and Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston, was at the center of the show’s fashion revolution. Her outfits defined her character’s evolution and set the tone for a relatable, everyday style. If this trend came back today, it would perfectly capture the minimalist, throwback vibe dominating fashion.

2) Carrie Bradshaw's Tulle Skirt – Sex and the City

Carrie Bradshaw’s tulle skirt became one of the most iconic pieces in TV fashion. It was feminine, bold, and unique. Sex and the City premiered in 1998, and Carrie’s outfits became a key part of the show’s identity. Sarah Jessica Parker’s fearless approach to fashion made her character unforgettable. The tulle skirt perfectly captured her free-spirited and adventurous personality. If it made a comeback, it would still appeal to those who love experimenting with dramatic, statement pieces.

3) Pastel Suits – Miami Vice

Pastel suits were a game-changer for men’s fashion in Miami Vice. They redefined sleek, casual dressing with their light colors and relaxed fit. The show was first aired in 1984 and became a fashion sensation. Don Johnson’s portrayal of Detective Sonny Crockett brought a new level of cool to menswear. Pairing pastel suits with T-shirts and sockless loafers made the look effortless and stylish. If this trend came back, it would fit perfectly into modern tailoring trends and casual luxury.

4) Suits - Suits

The show Suits brought sharp tailoring back into the spotlight. Sleek, perfectly fitted suits became a hallmark of the series, showing power and sophistication. Premiering in 2011, the show quickly became iconic for its high-stakes legal drama and impeccable style. Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht, was the centerpiece of this trend, redefining what it meant to dress for success. His bold ties, crisp pocket squares, and flawless tailoring set a new standard for menswear. If this look made a comeback, it would perfectly align with today’s focus on power dressing and polished, professional aesthetics.

5) Inside-Out Blazers – The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Will Smith’s inside-out blazers made prep school uniforms cool. They were fun, bold, and unique. The show premiered in 1990, and Will's iconic style became a core part of the character's charm. His flipped blazers added a rebellious twist to classic fashion. It was a statement of individuality and confidence. The trend stood out as a playful and refreshing take on formalwear. If it came back today, it would appeal to younger audiences looking for bold, statement pieces in modern fashion.

6) Power Suits – Dynasty

Dynasty brought power dressing to the forefront with its bold and extravagant suits. Broad shoulders and sharp tailoring became symbols of 80s opulence and assertiveness. The show premiered in 1981 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Joan Collins played Alexis Carrington, the centerpiece of the show’s dramatic fashion. Her power suits showed confidence and luxury, setting a new standard for women’s office wear. The trend was considered to be a statement of empowerment. If it came back today, it would seamlessly blend into modern workwear, offering a sophisticated yet commanding style for women.

7) Headbands – Gossip Girl

Blair Waldorf’s headbands in Gossip Girl became symbols of Upper East Side elegance and class. The show premiered in 2007 and instantly became a fashion guide for young audiences. Leighton Meester’s portrayal of Blair made the headband iconic, transforming a simple piece into a must-have fashion statement. It was preppy, polished, and undeniably chic. If headbands made a comeback, they would resonate with modern trends, adding a touch of sophistication to everyday outfits while embracing nostalgia.

8) Afrocentric Styles – A Different World

A Different World celebrated Black culture through vibrant Afrocentric fashion. Bold prints, intricate patterns, and colorful designs became a signature of the show. Premiering in 1987, it was a cultural landmark that highlighted pride and individuality. Characters like Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne were style icons, inspiring audiences to embrace their roots. This trend was about more than fashion, it was about identity and heritage. If these styles returned, they would align perfectly with today’s focus on cultural appreciation and bold, expressive fashion.

9) California Casual – The O.C.

Marissa Cooper’s effortless style in The O.C. defined California casual. Her blend of boho and preppy fashion created a laid-back yet polished aesthetic. The show aired in 2003, and quickly became a hit among teens and young adults. Mischa Barton, as Marissa, was the face of this trend, inspiring a generation with her understated yet chic wardrobe. California casual was all about comfort with a touch of elegance. If it made a comeback today, it would perfectly suit the demand for relaxed yet stylish everyday looks.

10) 60s Tailoring – Mad Men

Mad Men revived interest in 1960s fashion with its precise tailoring and timeless elegance. Pencil skirts, slim suits, and clean lines became the hallmark of the show’s style. Premiering in 2007, it was praised for its authenticity and attention to detail. Don Draper and Joan Holloway were at the center of the show’s fashion appeal showing sleek and sophisticated looks. The tailoring was impeccable, capturing the essence of a refined era. If this trend returned, it would merge vintage charm with modern minimalism, making it a favorite for both men and women today.

11) Bold Prints – The Nanny

Fran Fine’s bold prints and vibrant colors turned her into a fashion icon of the 90s. Her wardrobe on The Nanny was fearless, combining playful patterns with over-the-top glamour. The show premiered in 1993 and quickly gained popularity for its humor and Fran Drescher’s (who plays Fine) unforgettable style. She was the centerpiece of the show’s fashion, making even the most daring combinations look chic. Her outfits were all about confidence and individuality. If these bold prints return, they would perfectly align with the current love for maximalist and statement-making fashion.

12) Jumpsuits – Charlie's Angels

The stylish jumpsuits in Charlie's Angels redefined functionality with flair. The trio’s outfits were sleek, empowering, and undeniably cool. The show debuted in 1976 and became a cultural phenomenon almost instantly. Farrah Fawcett and her co-stars were the driving force behind these iconic looks. The jumpsuits weren’t just trendy. but they symbolized strength and independence. If they made a comeback today, they would effortlessly blend with modern trends prioritizing practicality and bold style.

13) Y2K Fashion – The Simple Life

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie epitomized Y2K fashion on The Simple Life. Low-rise jeans, rhinestone tops, and mini skirts were staples of their early 2000s wardrobe. The show premiered in 2003, and quickly became a guilty pleasure for fans who loved its over-the-top humor and outrageous fashion. Paris and Nicole were the faces of this trend, making their flashy style the talk of the time. If Y2K fashion came back, it would resonate with Gen Z’s current obsession with early 2000s aesthetics.

14) Early 2000s Trends – One Tree Hill

Brooke Davis’s wardrobe in One Tree Hill was a perfect snapshot of early 2000s fashion. Butterfly sleeve dresses, pointed-toe pumps, and flirty styles defined her look. The show aired in 2003 and became a staple for teen drama fans. Sophia Bush, as Brooke, was the fashion icon of the series, setting trends that were widely imitated. Her outfits captured the playful yet polished aesthetic of the time. If these styles returned today, they would appeal to those embracing Y2K fashion with a modern twist.

15) The 80s Nostalgia – Stranger Things

Stranger Things revived 80s fashion with high-waisted jeans, retro graphic tees, and oversized outerwear. The show premiered in 2016 and instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Its authentic representation of the 80s era brought vintage style back into the mainstream. Characters like Eleven and Steve Harrington became focal points for these trends. The nostalgic vibe was effortlessly cool and relatable. If these styles continue to resurface, they’ll remain a go-to for fans of vintage fashion with a modern edge.