How To Dress Like Fashion Icons From Film And TV

On the JJ Barnes Blog, fashion icons from film and TV have been inspiring outfit choices for generations, so I’m checking out the most popular ones and how to style yourself like them.

Fashion Icons

Rachel Green, the beloved character from Friends, has solidified her place as the UK’s most influential fictional fashion icon, inspiring countless style enthusiasts with her iconic 90s and early 2000s wardrobe. A recent study by clothing label experts Super Label Store analyzed Google search data for over 230 fictional characters to determine which ones Britons turn to most for fashion inspiration. The findings reveal a blend of nostalgic and timeless style influences, with Friends characters dominating the list alongside other pop culture heavyweights.

Rachel Green, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, leads the pack with an impressive 4,120 average monthly Google searches. Her evolution from a coffeehouse waitress to a Ralph Lauren executive brought a mix of chic, accessible, and trendsetting looks—think slip dresses, layered tops, and tailored workwear—that continue to resonate with British fashion fans. Following closely is Mean Girls’ Regina George, played by Rachel McAdams, whose pink-dominated, trendsetting high school style racks up 3,780 monthly searches. Nearly two decades after the film’s release, her bold and confident aesthetic remains a go-to for fashion inspiration.

In third place, James Bond, the only male character in the top five, garners 2,714 monthly searches. The British spy’s sleek suits and timeless sophistication have long shaped men’s fashion, proving that classic elegance never fades. Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker, takes fourth place with 1,886 searches, her daring choices—from Manolo Blahnik heels to tutus—continuing to inspire bold, statement-making style. Rounding out the top five is Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf, played by Leighton Meester, whose preppy headbands and designer outfits attract 1,598 searches monthly.

The top 10 also includes High School Musical’s Sharpay Evans (1,149 searches), whose glitzy, feminine looks maintain a strong following, and Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods (1,089 searches), whose polished yet playful pink-powered wardrobe blends glamour with intelligence. Clueless’s Cher Horowitz (962 searches) remains a style staple with her iconic yellow plaid ensemble, while Friends characters Phoebe Buffay (944 searches) and Monica Geller (902 searches) close out the list, showcasing the sitcom’s enduring fashion influence.

The diversity of this list highlights how British audiences draw inspiration from a wide range of eras and genres, from 90s sitcoms to teen comedies and spy thrillers. The strong presence of nostalgic characters underscores the lasting impact of early 2000s fashion, while timeless figures like James Bond prove that classic style transcends trends.

How To Dress Like Fashion Icons From Film And TV

Channel Rachel Green’s 90s Chic

Embrace versatile pieces like slip dresses, high-waisted jeans, and tailored blazers. Pair a simple white tee with a plaid mini skirt for a casual yet polished look. For sustainability, shop secondhand to recreate her effortless vibe.

Adopt Regina George’s Bold Confidence

Pair a fitted, slogan vest top like her iconic “a little bit dramatic” with a high-waisted mini skirt and a cropped cardigan, accessorized with strappy heels or statement earrings. Choose cruelty-free, sustainable brands to blend her theatrical flair with modern, ethical fashion values.

Emulate James Bond’s Timeless Elegance

Invest in a well-tailored suit in neutral tones like navy or charcoal. Focus on quality fabrics and classic cuts to achieve Bond’s sophisticated edge. Add a sleek watch for a subtle nod to 007.

Experiment with Carrie Bradshaw’s Eclectic Flair

Mix bold patterns, statement accessories, and unexpected pairings, like a tulle skirt with a graphic tee. Visit local boutiques or thrift stores to find unique pieces that reflect her adventurous spirit.

Curate Blair Waldorf’s Preppy Sophistication

Incorporate structured blazers, checked skirts, and headbands for a polished, Upper East Side-inspired look. Choose high-quality, timeless pieces from ethical brands to elevate the aesthetic sustainably.

The enduring appeal of these characters shows that fictional fashion can inspire real-world style across decades. For more insights into fashion trends, visit Super Label Store, which provided the research for this study. Their analysis of over 6,100 keywords via Google Keyword Planner highlights the characters shaping British fashion today, proving that great style is timeless.

Methodology: The study used Google Keyword Planner to analyze 12 months of search data, calculating combined search volumes for over 230 fictional characters to rank them by average monthly searches.