How TV Shows Influence Our Wardrobe

By: Tajiya Holland

Influencing what we wear in real life are costumes of hit tv shows. For decades since The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990, 1998 Sex and the City, and 2007 Gossip Girl, we have witnessed the social impact. But how is it possible that something scripted and decorative could shape reality? Millions watch tv as an escape into a world that they want to be a part of or implement some features into their own.

As we connect with characters for their familiar backstories, personality, or physical appearances, we can begin to imagine our lifestyle reflect theirs. Mirroring parts of character wardrobe is imaginative but creates a personal style that embodies uniqueness.

Costume designers may be the new celebrity stylists. It seems that fashion designers are taking note of what fans are excessively enthusiastic about over what their favorite celebrities/lead stars wear. Here are a few examples of this unfolding.

The Queen’s Gambit displayed 1960s style, prominent in Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2021 collection. Anya Taylor-Joy played Bath Hermon, whose mod-style reflected the era and resembled her sport, with check print in many of her outfits. After the limited series premiered, Lyst, in March of 2021, announced, “searches for check-pattern pieces went up 43% month-on-month.”

Euphoria embodied freedom and fluidity, especially when it comes to wardrobe styling. As in the real world, fashion is accustomed to self-expression as each character changes, evolves, and gets to know themselves better. A look that has distinctly shifted the coverage that pants should have is Maddy’s (Alexa Demie) carnival outfit. The recreation of these pants skyrocketed across the industry from brands such as Adika, h:ours, and AREA. Rapper Saweetie wore a sparkly blue version of the cutout pants to perform at the Can’t Wait Live concert.

Regencycore is a style created thanks to the series Bridgerton. Pastel, embellished, dramatic silhouettes, pearls, and corsets were spotted everywhere after the show premiered. As of January 2021, according to Daily Mail, searches of corsets went up 39% and puff sleeves 26%. Brands such as Fleur Du Mal increased in sales of corsets, bustiers, and slip dresses and Selkie with their puff sleeve dresses. Since many fairytales correlate to the regency era, this fashion style is the epitome of dreams coming true or living in a dream.

With social media and shopping apps such as Instagram and LIKEtoKNOW, it’s easy to search and find items in minutes. With hit tv shows coming out more often with streaming services, the next that will shift the fashion industry can’t be far ahead. Which shows have helped to develop your closet?