I often look to my favorite TV characters for wardrobe inspiration. Sex and the City was eye candy I just couldn’t get enough of. And while SATC was certainly a trailblazer in terms of making the clothes a character unto themselves, they weren’t exactly realistic options for us plebes. Since then, there have been so many strong female TV characters that KILL it in the professional wardrobe department, and I look to them for inspiration when I get dressed for the office. Let’s have a little fun today while I share my go-to TV icons with the most amazing professional wardrobes out there!
FIRST PLACE:
Alana Bloom – Hannibal: Color Palette
This character nails a simple color palette and gorgeous sexy suits. If you watched Hannibal, you might’ve noticed that Alana Bloom only wears variations of black, white and red in the final season. This really struck a style chord with me. I love the idea of a simple set of 3 colors that make up your whole work wardrobe. It is so simple to coordinate and look put-together every day when everything can be mixed and matched together. And black, white and red might just be the easiest and most classic palette to shop for. You can pull in shades of gray, stripes, plaids and even deep oxblood items like the suit below. It’s genius, really.
As for her suits. Swoon. They are perfectly tailored and adventurous, but not completely off the charts for the workplace. Sometimes her tops are too sexy and the red lip is a little too much for work, so it’s just inspiration that I look to her for and not full-on imitation.
P.S. My favorite movie of all time ever is Silence of the Lambs.
SECOND PLACE:
Claire Underwood – House of Cards: Tailoring
This one is obvious. There isn’t a woman out there I know who has watched House of Cards and hasn’t mentioned her obsession with first lady Claire Underwood’s clothes. She is the queen of perfect tailoring and beautiful dresses with lovely touches. She looks like she’s been sewn into each item she wears. And her hair? It’s nothing short of amazing.
But why I love her character is actually the structure that she conveys in her angled and perfectly coiffed haircut, her pointy-toe pumps and her dresses with geometric necklines. The subtle elegance she exudes screams power and self-assuredness. I just love it.
P.S. Her posture – we should all aspire to convey this level of straight-backed confidence. I mean she moves like the most beautiful bird, people!
THIRD PLACE:
Olivia Pope – Scandal: Unexpected Details
Confession – I am new to Scandal and recently started watching it, but I’ve been hearing about Olivia’s style for years now, especially when The Limited released a collection inspired by her character. Here’s what I love about her professional style – it’s quite conservative, until you look closer. Each blazer or top or jacket or belt or skirt has some little surprising detail that makes it so perfectly irreverent and confident and respectfully professional, all at the same time – like an interesting closure, neckline or pattern on these blazers. It’s amazing and totally office-appropriate.
This character’s look is ultimately what I turn to for my actual shopping inspiration. The others are aspirational but Olivia is totally doable.
P.S. I’m only on Season 2, so no spoiler alerts allowed!
RUNNER UP:
Detective Kate Beckett – Castle: Outerwear
Yep, I watch Castle – mainly for Kate’s coats, which are always on point. Why should you care about coats? Because not only should your daily work style be polished, but so should your outerwear! A fabulous trench, leather jacket or pea coat is critical for tying the whole look up in a bow. Don’t ignore the coat, ladies!
Was this a departure from my normal posts? Sure, but why not!? How fun is it to look up to our favorite TV characters for style and beauty inspiration?! Ummmm….REALLY FUN.
Anyone I missed? Who are your TV icons for professional style? Let me know in the comments below!
And speaking of professional wardrobes, don’t forget my recent posts on What to Wear to a Networking Event and The Blazer – Your Professional Wardrobe Superstar!
P.S. All photos are via IMDB. You can click through each image or on the “via” link to locate the source and more pics like these.
