A Deep-Dive into the Fashion of your Favourite 90s Sitcom

How fashion has cemented SATC and FRIENDS as eternally iconic.

POSTED BY BRIANA-SKYE TRIPPASS

The cultural domination of Sex and the City (SATC) and FRIENDS can be attributed to several elements of these beloved sitcoms, but for me, it always comes back to fashion. Personally, I think the return of 90s style online is a big reason for their continued relevance. My Pinterest feed is currently full of Levi 501 jeans and kitten heels.

Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker in SATC) remains infamous for her elaborate shoe collection. In one episode, she realises she has spent approximately $40,000 on it. Fans of the show don’t necessarily yearn for their own Mr Big — they just want to pull off a casual kitten heel the way Carrie does. Whenever I wear a midi skirt with kitten heels, I feel like I’m channelling my inner Carrie.

I’ve always loved how the SATC girls dress up for everything, even weekly brunch, especially through maximal accessorising. I never leave the house without hoop earrings and a shoulder bag (even if there’s nothing in it) — and I definitely blame them for that.

Everything about Rachel Green (played by Jennifer Aniston in FRIENDS) feels iconic to me, especially her outfits, which I’ve always understood as a big part of her character. From graphic tees to simple dresses, her looks still feel wearable today, even over 30 years later. I’m obsessed with the way she makes a basic tee and jeans look so elevated and effortless. She definitely inspires me to stop saving my favourite pieces for an occasion — every day is the occasion.

I recently bought my first pair of Levi 501s and I’m fully obsessed. I feel instantly more put together whenever I wear them, without feeling overdressed or uncomfortable. My favourite way to style them is with a plain fitted tee and ballet flats — it’s so simple, but I get compliments every time.

Next time you’re stuck for outfit inspiration, just watch an episode of your favourite 90s sitcom — you’ll realise the possibilities are endless.

Scroll through my Fizzypicks for the pieces I keep reaching for when I want that effortless 90s-inspired feel in my everyday wardrobe.

DIESEL

Scrunch-D-Small Shoulder Bag in Shiny Scrunched Leather
$750

 

ASOS DESIGN 90s length midi slip skirt in leopard print | ASOS

ASOS
90s length midi slip skirt in leopard print
$47.99

 

Weekday 90s baby tee with slogan graphic in red | ASOS

ASOS
Weekday 90s baby tee with slogan graphic in red
$40

 

ASOS DESIGN comfort stretch straight leg jeans in vintage wash | ASOS

ASOS
Comfort stretch straight leg jeans in vintage wash
$49.99

 

ASOS DESIGN Circular Design Collection 90s straight leg jeans in authentic  midwash | ASOS

ASOS
Circular Design Collection 90s straight leg jeans in authentic midwash
$49.99

 

FLORE FLORE - White Steffi T-shirt

SSENSE
FLORE FLORE White Steffi T-Shirt
$120

 

Burberry - Black Ribbed Minidress

BURBERRY
Black Ribbed Mini Dress
$870

 

view 2 of 6 501 '90s Jeans in In Love With You

LEVI'S
501 '90s Jeans
$110

 

view 2 of 4 90's Tank Top in Saffron

REVOLVE
Eterne 90's Tank Top in Saffron
$95

 

view 1 of 4 Swirl Mini Dress in Black Caviar

REVOLVE
OW Collection Swirl Mini Dress
$145

 

Side view of backless sandals with a low, thin heel. Features an open toe and a pink and white checkered pattern.

ZARA
Gingham Print Sandals
$59.90

 

Close-up of blue backless sandals with a front toe strap, wedge heel, and round toe.

ZARA
Wedge Sandals - Blue
$75.90

 

Green t-shirt and shorts set with "IT'S GIVING SUMMER ROMANCE" text, green drawstring shorts, and white sneakers.

ZARA
Washed Effect Text T-Shirt
$25.90

 

Black triangle bikini set with a white long skirt with black polka dots.

ZARA
Polka Dot Satin Effect Midi Skirt
$45.90

 

BDG Printed Short Sleeve Spill The Tee #1

URBAN OUTFITTERS
BDG Short Sleeve Spill the Tee
$25

 

'90s Curved Slim Oval Sunglasses

URBAN OUTFITTERS
'90s Curved Slim Oval Sunglasses
$15

 

UO Ella Buckled Crescent Shoulder Bag

URBAN OUTFITTERS
Ella Buckled Crescent Shoulder Bag
$50

 

Kimchi Blue Jessica Asymmetric Low-Rise Midi Skirt

URBAN OUTFITTERS
Kimchi Blue Jessica Asymmetric Low-Rise Midi Skirt
$59

 

Silk knit tank top, Light blue, 2000x

ACNE STUDIOS
Silk Knit Tank Top
$400

 

Silk blouse with cowl neck, Graphite grey, 2000x

ACNE STUDIOS
Silk Blouse with Cowl Neck
$750

 

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