By Sue Williamson for W Magazine.
Sex and the City
Each cast member brought something to the table: Charlotte spoke to the Burberry-clad ladies who lunch, Miranda to the lawyers who power lunch, and Samantha to the showoffs. But it was Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw--with her Fendi baguettes, Manolo Blahnik obsession, and fur coat-and-sandals looks--who made the show legendary.
That Girl
Marlo Thomas has always had style, but it was the plot of her 1966 ABC sitcom That Girl that lent itself so well to iconic fashion moments: Thomas played Ann Marie, an aspiring actress who had to pick up various temp jobs to pay her rent, each of which required a comical costume change. From her grey meter maid suit to her mod modeling looks, That Girl wore it all.
Soul Train
Live music, up-to-the-minute trends, and unparalleled dance performances kept Soul Train grooving for 35 years.
The Brady Bunch
Is that a Valentino model? Nope, it's Marcia Brady. The Brady family took advantage of their Technicolor broadcast with bold prints, wild hues, and easy-going '70s beauty.
Charlie's Angels
Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett, and Kate Jackson fought crime with feathered hair, flared pants, and plenty of plaid--70s style at its best.
The Partridge Family
The show, which ran from 1970 through 1974, proved that dressing to match one's siblings could be cool.
Mork and Mindy
We have a lot to thank Mork and Mindy for: the start of Robin Williams' career, his extraterrestrial ensembles, and Mindy's continuously inspiring laid-back style. Na-Nu Na-Nu.
Dynasty
Few families mix catfights and diamonds with as much flair as "the Denver Carringtons." Krystle struggled with the idea of how much her fall wardrobe cost; Fallon wore feather boas as shawls; and Alexis (played by Joan Collins) spouted off brutal backhanded compliments. "I love that outfit," she once said. "I'm amazed it's lasted so many seasons."
Knots Landing
Big hair, sequined dresses, and fierce stare-downs--what else would you expect from a Dallas spin-off?
House of Style
Hosts of this MTV show--which originally ran from 1989 to 2000 and covered topics like the modeling industry, fashion, and eating disorders--included supermodels Cindy Crawford, Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow, and Molly Sims. Luckily for new fans, MTV revamped the show with a pop culture twist, which you can watch here.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Meshing his West Philadelphia past with his posh home in Bel Air, Will Smith wore the best of the late '80s, early '90s styles on the show. Think Air Jordan VIIs, backwards hats, printed Zubaz, and a never-ending wardrobe of vests.
Ally McBeal
Calista Flockhart redefined corporate casual as young lawyer Ally McBeal. In short skirts, tight blouses, and high heels, she was ready to rule.
The O.C.
Lacoste polos met Chanel jumbo bags in the small beach community known (on TV) as "the O.C." As Seth Cohen once said, "Every day's a fashion show for these people."
Mad Men
Throughout the series, 1960s-era designs like cat-eye sunglasses, high-rise pants, and cinched waistlines evolved alongside the characters themselves.
Empire
Taraji P. Henson wears head-to-toe leopard and fur; Terrence Howard dons smooth suits; and Naomi Campbell makes cameos as a fashion designer. Does television get any chicer?
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