The Fashion of FRIENDS
One of my favorite television shows – FRIENDS – is coming up on its 25th anniversary. It’s one of the most-watched shows on Netflix, making it clear that even a quarter of a century later this New York sitcom still resonates with audiences. Although the show itself is timeless, the fashion worn during this show’s original run (which aired from 1994 – 2004) is a celebration of ‘90s style – both the good and the bad.
Now that the ‘90s are hot again, fashion from Friends is perhaps even more relevant now than it ever was before. In honor of the show’s 25th anniversary, we’re going to examine some of the show’s best fashion moments. Spoiler alert – they’re all worn by Rachel, the certified Fashionista of the group. Plus, we’ll take a look at how to channel your favorite Friends character in a totally modern way.
The Many Looks of Rachel Green
The One With The 90s Layered Look
Rachel was a huge fan of layering, and this outfit is one of those times where she totally got it right. The sheer black lace shirt layered under a black button-down dress is a look that was cool in the 90s and is also currently trending. This looks like something that would currently be for sale on the ASOS website, which just goes to prove that the 1990s are here to stay (at least for a little while).
The One With The Overalls
Rachel was pretty famous for wearing denim overalls (in all their forms) throughout the early seasons of the show. Denim was clearly big in New York in the ‘90s, and nothing looks more retro-chic than an unapologetically worn oversized pair of overalls. The graphic tee and white sneakers pull the outfit together and give it a casual look that could totally be current today. The brown corduroy jacket not so much…
The One With The School Girl Outfit
While this is never an outfit I would wear outside of my house, there’s something surprisingly chic about this cute little outfit. The oatmeal funnel neck sweatshirt is timeless, and pairing it with a miniskirt is 1990s fashion in the best way possible. Where it goes a little overboard for me is the plaid print and unironic knee-high athletic socks. With that said, Rachel’s character was the ultimate girl-next-door all-grown-up fantasy, so this look makes a little more sense in context.
The One With The Simple, Slinky Dress
When Rachel (finally) is ready to leave for Ross’ event at the museum, she steps out wearing this chic sage green gown. The princess seams, square neckline, and little slit are 1990s minimalism at their best. This is another one of those items that wouldn’t at all look out of place at a formal event in 2019. Don’t be surprised if you run into me wearing a simple square-necked dress at my next formal night out.
The One With The Sexy Snake Print
This is another one of those looks that I seriously want to copy. Animal print is currently trending – so to is the simple slip dress. Even though this look was from the 1990s, Rachel’s take on this outfit could easily be spotted in East Village bars this coming weekend. Just so long as she ditched the banana clip-up-do and platform foam sandals.
The One With The Corporate Cute Look
When Rachel started working at Ralph Lauren, her personal style really took off. This great outfit is an outfit that any late ‘90s career woman probably would have loved to wear. While I don’t love the color, the sleeveless turtleneck and plaid pencil skirt combination are totally chic. Plus – as always – Jennifer Aniston’s hair is practically flawless.
The One With The Ralph Lauren Office Wear
This is one of my favorite Friends outfits of all time. Rachel was always trying to prove she was capable enough of working in a corporate role. That’s what makes her feminine play on classic menswear suiting so awesome. Plus, this outfit has major early 2000s vibes, which just makes me love it all the more.
The One With The Casual Jeans & Tee Shirt Combo
This is one of Rachel’s least “trendy” looks, which makes it even more enviable. The collared shirt under a basic tee look wouldn’t be my first choice today, but it still looks cute, classy, and put together. Here, she paired it with dark boot-cut jeans to create a casual look that I could see myself or any of my friends hanging out in today. Swap out her pants for skinny jeans and you have an even more modern take on this relaxed look.
The One With The Skirt & Slouchy Boots
Short skirts and knee-high boots were a brand-new look in the early 2000s. That’s what made Rachel’s style so enviable when it was on TV. She fearlessly and flawlessly pulled off brand-new trends. In an age, before anyone had thought up Pinterest and Instagram, Rachel Green was a total fashion influencer. Ditch the black sheer pantyhose and I could still see this outfit being relevant in the modern day.
Ralph Lauren X FRIENDS
Every fan of the show remembers when Rachel finally got her big break working for Ralph Lauren. And while Phoebe might have made out with Ralph – or was that Kenny the copy guy? – she had a pretty great run as a big-time buyer during the show’s run. In honor of Friends’ 25th anniversary, Ralph Lauren recently released a capsule collection inspired by the world’s favorite group of friends.
It doesn’t matter if you work in a New York high rise while dating your hot assistant or if you just wish you were, the items from this collection are perfectly on-point. Here are my favorite pieces and exactly what I would pair them with to put a contemporary twist on the ‘90s New York fashion scene.
Look 1
We’ve already covered the fact that Rachel loved wearing pleated miniskirts. That’s what makes this chic Pleated Wool-Blend Miniskirt so perfect. Especially when you pair it with the Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater and the Cropped Leather Moto Jacket from the same collection. Add the Brie Leather Boots and you have exactly what Rachel would have worn if she was a Millennial.
Look 2
This gorgeous Suede Midi Skirt is one of the collection’s highlights. I love the way it combines length, volume, and decadent fabric into one simple and timeless piece. Wear it with the Pleated-Bib Broadcloth Shirt, the Freida Satin Sandal, and the Embossed Large Bellport Tote for a luxurious fall look that would feel right at home in an East Village coffee shop.
Look 3
Denim was a big deal in the 1990s. While you could totally throw it back with some oversized shorts and overalls, wearing this Denim Shirtdress is a much more elegant choice. The modest cut is supremely elegant and allows you to wear denim in a refined, contemporary way. Pair it with the Suede Medium Bellport Tote and Brie Suede Boot to really take it to the next level.
Look 4
For a statement-making look that is vintage-inspired in the best way possible, start with some timeless basics. The Pleated Lambskin Miniskirt, the Silk Crepe Camisole, and the Welford Leather Bootie create the perfect Rachel-esque look. To go all out, add the Leopard-Print Haircalf Coat for a cold-weather look that is sure to turn heads all over the city.
Look 5
Headed to work? Channel Rachel’s wardrobe from her days working at Ralph Lauren. The slightly slouchy Cotton-Blend Pant has major ’90s vibes but is still workplace appropriate. Add other polished pieces like the Cotton Poplin Shirt and this Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater for an editorial look that transitions easily into the modern day.
Don’t Forget Your Guy…
Ralph Lauren didn’t forget about the guys when he created the Ralph Lauren X FRIENDS collection. Give your guy a Ross-inspired makeover by creating a cool modern outfit that references an earlier era. And nothing says the ‘90s quite like these Slim Fit Cargo Pants. Wear them with a plain and simple Classic Fit Cotton Pocket Tee, add the Classic Fit Western Shirt (worn unbuttoned, of course), and top everything off with his favorite pair of sneakers. There you have a Ross and Rachel nouveau look – just resist the urge to go on a break, ok?
