The 52 Most Stylish Fictional Characters of All Time
The TV and movie characters whose closets we want to raid.
When it comes to style icons, sometimes the most inspiring come from the fictional characters who've graced our screens. From classic sitcoms to blockbuster movies and beyond, some of our greatest fashion heroes over the years have been TV and movie characters whose wardrobes we could only dream of having in real life. Whether you're inspired by the Old Hollywood glamour of Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8 or the modern-day boss that is Taraji P. Henson in Empire, there's a fictitious style muse out there for us all. In no particular order, click through to look back at the most stylish women on both the small and big screens over the years.
Mrs. Robinson, The Graduate
She may be one of the most iconic seductresses in cinematic history, but Mrs. Robinson's wardrobe is just as legendary. With leopard coats, silky slips, and that sheer little black dress, Mrs. Robinson (played by Anne Bancroft), not only invented the term "cougar," but also wrote the style book for it.
Fran Fine, The Nanny
With her designer skirt suits, body-hugging dresses, and matching two-piece sets, Fran Fine not only became the most stylish nanny of all-time, but one of the most stylish characters to ever grace our televisions.
Elvira Hancock, Scarface
Michelle Pfeiffer transformed into a 1970s fashion dream as Elvira Hancock. From perfect slip dresses to plunging necklines and that chic all-white suit, Hancock's wardrobe stole the show in Scarface—and continues to inspire to this day.
Denise Huxtable, The Cosby Show
Played by Lisa Bonet, Denise Huxtable became one of the '90s coolest-dressed characters with her animal-print head-wraps, cool hats, and mixed patterns.
Scarlett O'Hara, Gone With The Wind
Epitomizing the ultimate Southern Belle, Scarlett O'Hara boasts a wardrobe full of oversized hats, romantic ruffles, and velvet Victorian dresses in the classic film.
Andy Sachs, The Devil Wears Prada
Post fashion-closet makeover, Andy transforms her style from drab to high-fashion with looks we all wanted to copy. "Are those...the Chanel boots? Yes, yes they are."
Alexis Colby, Dynasty
Queen of drama, throwing shade, and over-the-top glamour, Alexis (played by Joan Collins) became an instant fashion icon on the 1980s soap opera. With her countless fur ensembles, one-shouldered frocks, and larger-than-life jewels, she's easily one of the most glamorous characters to ever appear on television.
Edina and Patsy, Absolutely Fabulous
Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone made for the ultimate fashion duo in the classic British sitcom. While they each had their own sense of style (Eddy an over-the-top fashion victim and Patsy more classic and chic), both fashion industry "professionals" transformed television with their hilarious fashion insights and closets.
Holly Golightly, Breakfast At Tiffany's
From the opening scene's iconic black Givenchy gown and full-length gloves to that pink party dress and unintentionally stylish sleepwear, there's a reason Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) remains one of the most stylish characters in cinematic history.
Cookie Lyon, Empire
From an endless collection of colorful and animal-print furs to gold suits and more bling than you could dream of, Empire's Cookie Lyon is the baddest boss bitch on TV—and she's got the wardrobe to back it up.
Gloria Wandrous, Butterfield 8
Though her costumes consisted only of slip dresses and fur coats, Elizabeth Taylor seamlessly merged glamour and sex appeal as Gloria Wandrous in the 1960 film Butterfield 8.
Rachel Green, Friends
It's no coincidence that the Friend who loved to shop the most was also the one with all the outfits you wanted to copy. She may be best known for "The Rachel" haircut, but Jennifer Aniston's character had a myriad of '90s outfits every woman wanted to wear.
Joanna Stayton, Overboard
Before her amnesia and new life in Elk Cove, Oregon, the young heiress, played by Goldie Hawn, had the most glamorous yacht style—all stored in her famous cedar closet, of course.
Kelly Garrett, Charlie's Angels
Though all three of Charlie's Angels on the '70s sitcom were well-dressed, Kelly Garrett [Jaclyn Smith] had some truly next-level looks.
Mary Tyler Moore, The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The poster child for single, independent women everywhere, Mary Tyler Moore was a TV icon in more than one right. Aside from her groundbreaking feminist sitcom, Moore had a working woman's wardrobe that lit up the office.
Cher Horowitz, Clueless
With her computerized closet of plaid suits, platform shoes, mini skirts, and Calvin Klein dresses, Cher Horowtiz was not only the best dressed in her school, but one of the best dressed of the '90s.
Blanche Devereaux, The Golden Girls
Age is truly nothing but a number, as demonstrated by sultry, fashion-forward Southern belle Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls. From flashy date-night looks to a collection of award-winning loungewear and silk robes, Blanche proves there's no age limit on dressing sexy.
Tracy Chambers, Mahogany
In the 1975 film, Tracy Chambers (Diana Ross) goes from struggling fashion student to globe-trotting model in the most breathtaking couture. With show-stopping gowns and elegant hats, Ross's character had the dreamiest high-fashion wardrobe.
Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy
The style inspiration for every woman in the 1950s, Lucy's memorable looks included post-WWII printed frocks and fit-and-flare dresses resembling Dior's New Look.
Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Adding an abundance of pink to the courtroom, Elle Woods proved there's no career path or industry too serious for playful, fun fashion.
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing digital content across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, sex, and culture. Previously, she was the Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR and has written for publications including WWD, Bustle, and W Magazine. When she’s not busy taste-testing her way through every dirty martini in New York, you can follow her on Instagram for bad jokes, good outfits, and annoying vacation pics.
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