The 25 Most Stylish TV Shows from the ’90s ‘Til Now

Sep 18, 2016

As far as we’re concerned, there aren’t a lot of problems in the world that a TV show marathon can’t fix. Need to chill after a long week? Netflix marathon. Having an “off day?” A couple episodes of Friends should do the trick. Bonus points, however, will be awarded to any show that has serious style. We’re talking do-a-double-take-on-your-screen style. Whether it’s a moody period piece or a modern-day buddy sitcom, the wardrobe on set can make all the difference. And yes, in case you’re wondering, Gossip Girl did make the cut — but don’t worry, we’ve also tucked a few wild cards into the list. Scroll on to find out which shows’ outfits always stole the scene.

1. Mad Men: The show that inspired thousands of Halloween costumes, Mad Men gave us serious throwback style, from perfectly coiffed hair to fit-and-flare dresses. This 1960s drama had us wondering if we were born in the wrong era. If this show taught us one thing, it’s that the updo is totally underrated. (Photo via AMC)

2. The O.C.: Okay so, maybe you’re rewatching the episodes on Hulu and cringe at the cropped boleros and ultra-low-rise ruffle mini skirts. But, we’d be lying if we said the show’s looks weren’t what our high school closet dreams were made of. In fact, we’re still on the hunt for Summer and Marissa’s prom dresses. (Photo via Fox)

3. Clarissa Explains It All: Clarissa Darling is a girl after our own heart. She knew the importance of an embellished denim jacket with a side of sarcasm to boot. She tackled major issues like boys, pimples and an annoying little brother, all while rockin’ bold prints and scrunchies for days. (Photo via Nickelodeon)

4. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air: Sorry to Lena Dunham and the cast of GIRLS, but this show invented “power clashing.” Yes to candy-colored stripes. Yes to bright prints. Yes to shoulder-pad blazers. Why not wear it all at once? This ’90s sitcom really had it goin’ on. (Photo via NBC Universal)

5. Empire: Can we get a “Yas Kween!” for our girl Cookie? Major props to any woman who can pull off a head-to-toe leopard look, fedora and all. A furry fuchsia stole, a gold snakeskin blazer, a studded red leather ensemble — honey, these are just the BASICS! Is there anything this woman can’t wear? (Photo via Fox)

6. Daria: This iconic cartoon has us craving a serious combat boot comeback. Even though Daria Morgendorffer would probably never approve of being on a list like this, we couldn’t help but add her anyway. Her signature outfit is equal parts edgy and effortless. Also, shout out to Jane Lane’s amazing blunt bob. (Photo via MTV)

7. Gossip Girl: This one’s a total no-brainer, and the only thing that could rival Gossip Girl‘s amazing wardrobe would be the series finale plot twist. From Blair’s headbands to Serena’s ability to rock sequins with her school uniform, the show’s stylist Eric Daman really knew how to put together a killer look. We’re not worthy. (Photo via The CW)

8. Sex and the City: Where do you think Gossip Girl’s Eric Daman picked up his skills? From the legendary Pat Field on set for Sex and the City, of course. Our four favorite gals were always dressed to impress, thanks to her innovative and award-winning styling. Tulle tutus, Chanel statement necklaces and oversized flower pins — if you can name it, chances are one of the SATC girls has worn it. (Photo via HBO)

9. Ally McBeal: Two words: mini skirts. The ’90s were in full force for the majority of this show’s run, so this supermodel-approved look was everywhere, even fictional TV courtrooms. Ally’s irreverent attitude led to some chic takes on typical nine-to-five wear. (And we loved every second of it.) (Photo via Fox)

10. Friends: Rachel Green in overalls. Monica in mom jeans. Phoebe in a fuzzy orange coat. This show was squad fashion #goals. Every episode of this classic show is jam-packed with outfits we wish we had in our closets now. And if still loving these looks is wrong, well then we don’t want to be right. (Photo via NBC Universal)

11. Glee: Confession: We wish we had a Cheerios uniform of our own, not just for Halloween costumes but also just regular ole Thursdays when you need a bit of pep in your step. We love that each cast member had such a defined style during the series. Rachel’s adorkable outfits, Mr. Schuester’s vests and Finn’s “ambiguously sporty” tees were in constant rotation. (Photo via Fox)

12. Scandal: No matter how crazy Olivia Pope’s life gets, this fixer’s wardrobe is always on point. Between draped cardigans, Prada bags and impeccably cut trousers, Olivia Pope is a style maven. When in doubt, just add a glass of red. It’s the perfect accessory. (Photo via ABC)

13. Scream Queens: This modern whodunit may be all about a mysterious murder, but we have to admit the girls on this show are also *killing* the style game. Forget Vineyard Vines and Lily Pulitzers, these sorority girls are rockin’ Gucci, Valentino and Fendi. We have Emmy-winning stylist Lou Eyrich to thank for that. She was also the mastermind behind Glee. (Photo via Fox)

14. My So-Called Life: Heavy sigh for just one second while we sit here and reminisce about Jordan Catalano. Button-up floral dresses, flannel shirts and penny loafers — whoa, wait a minute, this sounds exactly like what’s in our current closets. The outfits in this teen drama definitely make our hearts skip a beat. (Photo via ABC)

15. Saved by the Bell: We’re so excited! We’re so scared! From the crop tops to the crimped hair, nothing says the ’90s like Saved by the Bell. Practically every ensemble featured in this after-school special was vibrant, bedazzled and totally off the wall — in the best way ever, of course. (Photo via NBC Universal)

16. Sabrina the Teenage Witch: You basically weren’t a ’90s girl if you didn’t have magazine rip-outs or posters on your bedroom walls of Melissa Joan Hart slaying it in a crushed velvet mini dress and platforms. Her outfits were pure 2000s magic and inspired many a trip to the mall. (Photo via ABC)

17. The Nanny: Let’s just say what needs to be said here: Fran Fine (aka the nanny of The Nanny) was way ahead of her time. Her coordinating mini skirt and blazer sets elevated the typical weekday ensembles, while her stunning sequin gowns were the life of every party. Not to mention, we would give anything to score one of Yetta Rosenburg’s sequin bomber jackets RN. (Photo via CBS)

18. Sister, Sister: If you’re getting ready in the morning and your outfit feels like it’s missing something, take a cue from this popular sitcom and just put a hat on. No show’s wardrobe department could rival the hat collection of Tia and Tamera Mowry, after all. Sister, Sister took twinning to the next level with just-mis-matched-enough ensembles. (Photo via ABC)

19. Lizzie McGuire: Nothing inspired a shopping trip to Limited Too quite like an episode of Lizzie McGuire. While her best accessory might’ve been the cartoon alter ego on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, we think her rhinestone headbands, platform Sketchers and cropped flares could’ve been a close second. (Photo via The Disney Channel)

20. The Good Wife: Now there’s a woman who knew the power of a pencil skirt. Saint Alicia always looked heavenly in her signature blazer and bodycon silhouettes. Because honestly, nothing makes you feel like a total #girlboss than putting on something that’s perfectly tailored. Never too fussy or over the top, all of Alicia’s looks were understated and chic. (Photo via CBS)

21. So Little Time: Nowadays, the Olsen twins are off creating minimalist chic pieces for their own lines. But little did we know, this ABC Family sitcom would be one of our last few chances to view Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s designer creations. On set, shrunken cardigans, cargo pants and clogs reigned supreme. Not to mention, this show is basically the reason why we begged our moms to let us get highlights. (Photo via ABC)

22. A Different World: We’ll put it this way: Whitley Gilbert gave us life. Her pleated trousers, over-the-top fur coats and puffy-sleeved wedding dress were unforgettable fashion moments. This Cosby Show spin-off also included equally noteworthy style moments from Denise (so many hair wraps!) and Maggie (that oversized denim jacket!). (Photo via NBC Universal)

23. Jane the Virgin: Okay, so the awful Marbella waitress uniform aside, this show actually takes a refreshingly realistic approach to wardrobe. We may not “ooh and ahh” over the breezy sundresses or “fancy” shorts, but we can appreciate these are items we’re more likely to find in our own closets. As if you needed more proof that Jane Villanueva is 100% relatable. (Photo via The CW)

24. The Mindy Project: Costume designer Salvador Perez is the mastermind behind Mindy’s bold ensembles that always pack a punch. And that’s not an easy task. With nearly 15 costume changes per episode, he still manages to outdo himself with each look and prove that Mindy looks radiant in literally every color under the sun. (Photo via Fox)

25. The Carrie Diaries: RIP The Carrie Diaries, you left us too soon. The premier stylist for teen dramas, Eric Daman created a wardrobe unicorn by blending the aesthetics of Sex and the City and Gossip Girl to create truly unique and totally fun outfits for every character on this show. Not to mention, the show is set in the ’80s, so the prom dress scenes are out of control. (Photo via The CW)

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(Featured photo via AMC)

The Original "Gossip Girl" Cast: Where Are They Now?

It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)

Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).

Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)

Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.

Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.

She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.

Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)

Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.

Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)

Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guy — Penn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.

Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.

Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!

Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Diesel

Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)

Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.

With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.

Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)

Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.

Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)

Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.

In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!

Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.

Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)

Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!

She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.

Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)

Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.

She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.

"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."

When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)

Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.

Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)

Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.

In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).

Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?

Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Sorry, These 6 "Outdated" Jewelry Trends Need To Go In 2025

Jewelry is truly the cherry on top of a good outfit — so you definitely don't wanna top everything off with an outdated trend you pulled from the bottom of your jewelry box. And while some jewelry will always be timeless, there are plenty of pieces that are way past their prime. Whether too gaudy, too much of a flash trend, or some combination of the two, these are the six outdated jewelry trends you should totally retire in 2025.

Ditch these six outdated jewelry trends for good this year!

1. Beaded Jewelry

Target

Universal Thread Seed Bead Necklace Set

Once upon a time beaded jewelry was a popular status symbol among the "it girls" in middle or high school. It was a nostalgic trend that's come been recycled over the years, but it's finally time to put it rest. Why?

It's time to wear jewelry that doesn't feel so juvenile.

2. Excessive Charm Braclets

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Western Monogram Charm Bracelet

Sometimes we fondly remember the days we used to wear chunky charm bracelets that featured our initials, hearts, stars, seashells, and more. You usually could hear us before you saw us because our favorite accessories made a lot of clinking noises. Maybe we're traumatized by how loud our bracelets each time we moved our arm during tests, but we're finally over wearing excess charms. That's not to say this style is 100% "outdated" though!

We're all in favor of this trend, but we'd rather see you choose 1-3 meaningful charms instead of squeezing 10+ on a chain link.

3. Cuban Link Bracelets

Pandora

Pandora Timeless Pavé Cuban Chain Bracelet

Jewelry trends are supposed to be fun and cute, but this one is giving us "Mob wife" energy...you know, the trend from 2023? We know it's been a popular style that some people gravitate towards, but we prefer to see you wearing bracelets that indicate you're in your "soft girl era."

4. Chunky Gold Earrings

Alexis Bittar

Alexis Bittar Molten Gold Puffy Teardrop Earrings

The quickest way to age yourself is by making makeup mistakeswhile wearing the heaviest chunky gold earrings you own. Unless your goal is to walk around like you're auditioning to be an extra in a spoof of an '80s or '90s comedy, don't ever pair the two together.

As a matter of fact, give your ears a break from the heaviness of this trend.

5. Thin Rings

gorjana

Gorjana G Ring Set

Thin rings seem like they're perfect for the set of Severance, but how practical are they in real life? We're afraid you'll spend your hard earned money on a cute ring set only to lose one or two of them while doing your daily activities.

Then again, we're a little biased because chunkier rings are taking center stage for their ability to infuse personality in your everyday casual outfits.

6. Seashells

Ettika

Ettika Private Island Assorted Shell Necklace

Shell necklaces remind us of that one tongue twister that we just couldn't ever get right: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

For obvious reasons, this jewelry trend gets a hard NO from us — it's gaudy and doesn't really complement many personal styles. Even if you swear it does, we'd rather see you wear a pair of shell earrings instead of a statement necklace like this.

Subscribe to our newsletter to see which fashion trends we'd actually love to see you wear.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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13 Educational Podcasts To Learn And Grow From

We may have left mountains of homework and questionable cafeteria food behind years ago, but that doesn't mean we can't learn anything from educational podcasts. From online classes to language apps, we’re all about expanding our knowledge, especially if it’s fun.

When your commute turns into a bore or you’re up for picking up a new skill, these educational podcasts will drop some serious knowledge on you, no backpack required.

Good Job, Brain!

What began as a Kickstarter project has now become an extremely popular trivia podcast. Half quiz show and half offbeat news, Good Job, Brain! will have you laughing and dominating your next trivia night.

Curiosity Daily

Curiosity Daily is an award-winning podcast that allows you to learn a little bit more about the world around you. It takes listeners through research-based life hacks and the latest science and technology news, allowing you to walk out into the world more knowledgable.

Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain explores something we all strive to understand better - our thoughts! Each episode teaches about social psychology and the neuroscience behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What I love about this podcast is how practical and applicable the information shared truly is.

Ologies

Ologies is designed to be a crash course on all things science. It talks about everything from dinosaurs to space to the human body, giving you all sorts of information you never knew you needed or wanted. The host is able to interview experts in the field, giving you a really comprehensive look on the subjects tackled.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

This podcast is filled with valuable information that is going to make your life better. Its two female hosts talk about everything from sex and relationships to health and career. They break down really complex topics in a way that feels accessible, educational, and engaging.

The History Chicks

This podcast dials you into the "herstory" you never learned. It tells the tories of girl bosses from queens to warriors to scientists and artists.

The Gist

Radio journalist Mike Pesca leads this Slate podcast, which covers three hot, political topics a week. From JFK to debates, The Gist will keep you in the know.

Stuff You Should Know

HowStuffWorks writers Josh and Chuck educate listeners on everything from the ecosystem to Jack the Ripper and sharks. What stuff should you know? Take a listen to how sushi works or the science behind3D printing.

Planet Money

Mo’ money, mo’ problems, right? Not if you’re Planet Money. They’ll teach you how to handle your money, check your finances and work with the economy, all without being a bore. Where to start? Learn more about homeowners insurance policies or free money.

TED Radio Hour

TED talks are known for their thought-provoking topics and speakers. This podcast is a coproduction of powerhouses NPR and TED to bring ideas, creations and problem-solving tips to the table. Listen as individuals share their ideas each week, like singer-songwriter Megan Washington, who talks about how singing achieves stillness.

The School of Greatness

Former pro-athlete Lewis Howes takes business, leadership and personal development to the next level. The School of Greatness features top professionals who aim to inspire and encourage growth in their listeners. Ready for change? Find out the 10 essential truths needed to upgrade your life or discover simple ways to overcome stress.

No Stupid Questions

Angela Duckworth, a research psychologist, partners up with tech and sports executive, Mike Maughan, to answer all of your science questions. They answer them in a knowledgable and non-condescending way, no matter how silly the question may seem.

Science Vs

We all know sometimes the internet can bombard us with info, and it's hard to decipher what's true and what's not. Science Vs explores the science behind popular claims and trends, interviewing experts and conducting in-depth research to help you decide what's worth following.

Which educational podcasts have you listened to recently?

Lead image via Ivan Samkov/Pexels

This post has been updated.