Vintage TV Shows for Fashion Inspiration

Because of the sheer number of costumes needed, it’s no wonder that television shows quickly became as recognizable for their costumes as their big-screen counterparts. Through the mid-century and beyond, iconic television characters with iconic looks dominated pop culture. Thanks to its depiction of everyday life, television shows drive fashion forward, and can act like a time capsule for fashions of the past. If you’re looking for vintage TV shows for fashion inspiration, look no further than these programs both new and old.

Vintage TV Shows for Fashion Inspiration

I Love Lucy (1950s)

*From the episode, “Lucy Gets a Paris Dress”*

Starring the queen of television, I Love Lucy is perhaps the first vehicle for television super stardom! Led by wacky, expressive Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy serves as a great vehicle for fashion in the 1950s. From Desi’s sharp suits to Lucy’s iconic pink dress and apron in the chocolate factory, Lucy had a way of exaggerating daily wear just enough to make it fabulous. For a quick jolt of fashion, try the episode “Lucy Gets a Paris Dress.” It walks through the French ateliers of the 1950s that served (and serve) as a dream experience for the sartorially-minded.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Costume designers: Elois Jenssen

The New Look (1950s)

a yellow dior gown on the new look apple tv + — *A dramatic yellow gown featured in the pilot episode, “Just You Wait and See.”*

When Christian Dior debuted “The New Look” in 1947, it broke the fashion world wide open. France was still limping along after the occupation by Germans in WWII, and Dior’s exaggerated silhouette of a tight bodice and full skirt infused a certain cultural optimism. The New Look focuses on the rivalry between Christian Dior’s new school and (noted Nazi collaborator) Coco Chanel’s old school. Starring one of my favorite French actresses, Juliette Binoche, as Chanel, The New Look combines the fraught emotions of the time period with the phenomenal innovations in fashion.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Costume designers: Karen Muller Serreau

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (1960s)

marvelous mrs maisel costumes — *Rachel Broshanan during a closet clean-out scene in* Mrs. Maisel.

Mrs. Maisel is one of those shows that isn’t strictly about fashion, but where fashion is as much a character in the show as everyone else. Designer Donna Zakowska injected every person in every scene with a costume that is both meticulously of the period, and a slight exaggeration of their character. Midge in particular wears a parade of rainbow colors that exaggerate her outgoing personality, while her mother wears a parade of chic suits in more muted tones. Costume designer Donna Zakowska does a fabulous job of both sticking to the era, and adding a lively edge of characterization to each actor.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Costume Designer: Donna Zakowska

Mad Men (1960s)

mad men women's costumes — *The female stars of* Mad Men in character-appropriate attire during a photo shoot.

The 1960s saw some of the most explosive changes in fashion over the course of a single decade. Starting with the conservative elegance of the 50s, and moving into the midriff and thigh-baring 70s, I can think of few decades with such a sartorial shake up. 60s clothes tell you so much about a character’s politics, upbringing, class status and more, and Janie Bryant’s strict interpretation of the era reigns. Reportedly, actors even had to wear period undergarments! While Christina Hendricks as Joan embodies the 60s siren, Betty Draper (January Jones) and Megan Draper (Jessica Paré) embody their different sensibilities flawlessly.

Where to watch: Hulu

Costume Designer: Janie Bryant

Bewitched (1960s-1970s)

Bewitched Halloween Episode Trick or Treat — *From the 1965 Halloween Episode, “Trick or Treat.”*

The reason I included this show as inspiration for vintage Halloween costumes should be obvious. This show about a modern witch hiding her identity from her clueless husband has a wonderful mix of 60s chic and witchy flair. Though Samantha’s mother Endora (Agnes Moorehead) wears a garishly iconique witch costume in eye-bleeding shades of purple and green, the protagonist’s looks range wildly. From sophisticated black cocktail dresses to prairie-inspired looks like the one above, Samantha’s looks always sat neatly in the center of the cultural zeitgeist.

Where to watch: Hulu

Costume Designer: Vi Alford (with assistance from the now-legendary Edith Head)

Palm Royale (1970s)

palm royale costumes 1970s — *70s Palm Springs chic on full display.*

Modern up-and-comers know reality TV can be one of the fastest ways to gain the appearances of social cachet. But how did one access the upper echelons of high society before then? Why, fashion and manners, of course! In this series about a 70s social climber, the ladies-who-lunch set of California are on display at their full glory. These women know, and rely on, the fact that clothes make the woman, and the brilliant boisterous costumes of the series serve as their own characters. Simply put, this show is a lot of fun with a big scoop of fashion on top.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Costume Designers: Alix Friedberg

Halston (1970s)

halston tv series costumes — *What they mean when they say, “girlhood is a spectrum.”*

Just as Dior did for 1940s Paris, so did Halston do for 1970s New York. In today’s fashion parlance, Halston is synonymous with elegance, but at the time, his creative vision was starkly against the overwhelming color common in the era. Starring Ewan MacGregor as the designer, this series chronicles Halston’s rise to fashion sainthood. If Palm Royale is a big show-offy for your taste, the elegant lines and clean neutrals of Halston’s palette should inspire a sort of snobby chic in you.

Where to watch: Netflix

Costume Designer: Jeriana San Juan

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970s)

If you’re too young to know about Mary Tyler Moore and her groundbreaking television sitcom, you are forgiven – as long as you make time to watch it. Unmarried and career-oriented in a time when women couldn’t even open their own credit card, a huge generation of second-wave feminists owe their bona fides to Mary. You’ll enjoy Mary’s bold style as much as her can-do attitude. It’s the best of 70s fashion.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime ($9.99)

Costume Designer: Leslie Hall

Pose (1980s)

billy porter in a sparkly gown and green faux fur pose — *Billy Porter struts to the Gods in this slinky gold gown and green faux fur coat.*

This short-lived (yet much-beloved) series positively bursts with creativity and color. Following a series of characters in New York’s 1980s ballroom scene, Pose brilliantly juxtaposes joy and exuberance against the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in the 80s. Plus, the fashion runs the full gamut – from fabulous ballroom costumes, to cheeky 80s street style.

Where to watch: Hulu

Costume Designer: Lou Eyrich (Season 1) and Analucia McGorty (subsequent seasons)

Dynasty (1980s)

*Joan Collins reeks of the 80s in this periwinkle blue number with matching sheer hose.*

Few television programs had the contemporary impact on the popular imagination of glamour as Dynasty. While Denver is hardly known for its glamorous fashion today (don’t come for me – I live there) this primetime soap was the absolute height of 80s luxury. Full of huge teased hair, slap fights, infidelity, and oil barons, Dynasty is the ultimate guilty pleasure watch, even 40 years later.

Where to watch: Tubi

Costume Designer: Nolan Miller

Absolutely Fabulous (1990s)

Non-Brits are forgiven for thinking Sex and the City is the ultimate television show for fashion. It’s not their fault – they’ve simply never heard of Ab Fab. British comedy has the unique distinction of specializing in deeply unlikeable, yet totally lovable, characters. Brash, colorful, ridiculous, boozy, messy, and full of escapades, Edina and Patsy are constantly getting themselves into some new shenanigans, and looking absolutely fabulous while doing it.

Where to watch: Hulu, Peacock, BritBox

Costume Designer: Sarah Burns

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990s)

Like the best fashion inspiration, Fresh Prince draws from multiple subcultures to dress its characters. There’s Will, of course, the west Philly boy transplanted to Bel-Air, representing urban style. Then, there’s Hilary, the princess of SoCal in her occasionally prissy fashion-forward ensembles. And there’s Carlton, who never beats the nerd allegations with his soft yuppie style. And there’s a full cast of other characters filling every possible crack in between. Be careful! The fashion is easy to miss amidst the non-stop silliness.

Where to watch: Hulu

Costume Designer: Violette Jones-Faison

The Nanny (1990s)

An exuberant Jewish girl from Flushing working as a nanny for a wealthy Brit on the upper east side – what could go wrong?! This premise worked for 6 whole seasons on the strength of Fran Drescher’s comedic chops – and her iconic wardrobe. Sourcing from contemporary designers like Moschino in equal measure to thrift shops, costume designer Brenda Cooper and Drescher worked in perfect sympatico to create on of the most iconic fashionistas of the 90s.

Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime

Costume Designer: Brenda Cooper

Friends (1990s)

While I consider The Nanny and Absolutely Fabulous as far more impactful on fashion, you. can’t deny the cultural behemoth of Friends. The finale aired during the Super Bowl (and got more viewers). With six primary characters, you have six chances to study fashion choices. From iconic 90s fits (like Chandler’s bowling shirt, above) to Monica’s crisp, timeless garb and Phoebe’s perfectly kooky ensembles, it’s a wealth of inspiration.

Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max

Costume Designer: Debra McGuire

After you’ve watched all of these vintage TV shows for fashion inspiration, make sure to check out some exceptional modern TV shows and historical TV shows to up your fashion game!