Fashion and Friends: The iconic wardrobes of Monica, Rachel and Phoebe

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27th June 2021

By Abbey Bryant

The 90’s sitcom Friends encompasses all aspects of the trials and tribulations of life – love, marriage, divorce, heartbreak. Complicated love affairs, Chandler’s sarcastic jokes, were they really on a break? The hot topics of discussion as we reminisce on everyone’s favourite sitcom. More than that, Friends embraces a sense of individualism through each character, which is certainly highlighted by their unique fashion choices.

Each character possesses their own unique fashion sense. Phoebe’s bold, boho chich outfits are a sharp contrast to Ross’ conservative, palaeontology attire. Nonetheless, the array of fashion in Friends spotlights their different personalities and character throughout the sitcom.

I am delighted that Friends has been at the forefront of everyone’s mind in light of the recent reunion. What an episode! I cried way too much, but I am a superfan. I was particularly a fan of the fabulous catwalk, reminiscing as they took a stroll down (or strut) down memory lane, taking a look at the iconic, and sometimes questionable, outfit choices of our favourite friends.

The simple but sweet style of Monica Geller

(Image courtesy of My Bag)

Especially in the earlier seasons, it seems that mom jeans are an essential in Monica’s wardrobe. Often paired with an over-sized shirt, a simple but effective outfit, and timeless too seeing as many of us still rock mom jeans to this day! Monica showcases her beautiful figure with a pair of tight-fitting blue jeans, she often reminds us of the power of basic clothing items. These jeans are a staple in 90s fashion, whether it’s a light denim or rich indigo shade, we can begin to understand why these jeans are making a comeback in modern fashion.

The clear, white shirts often paired with mom jeans perhaps symbolise the neatness of Monica’s character. Whether she tucks them into her jeans, or ties them in a stylish knot, it seems that Monica hits the jackpot time and time again with this outfit. This simple stylish weapon is boundless, dress it up with heels or dress it down with trainers, Monica inspires us to try this outfit!

(Image Courtesy of My Bag)

The versatility of Monica’s character is perhaps what makes her such a fashion icon. Her ability to incorporate typically deemed ‘tomboy’ elements but also feminine chic aspects with her abundance of strappy tops and spaghetti dresses, shows she is a woman capable of reaching out of her fashion comfort zone. She can do a multitude of things with her fashion sense; this makes her character even more loveable!

All our favourite Friends girls are seen showcasing a slinky slip dress, exuding elegance. The 90s slip dress is a forever, timeless piece that still carries so much relevance in modern fashion.

Rachel’s sweetheart fashion

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Early Rachel Green, aside from being drop-dead gorgeous, emerged as an undeniable fashion icon in the 90s sitcom Friends. An utter style muse figure for all fans; mini-skirts, short hair, strappy tops, she can pull off everything!

Killer knee-high skirts are a recurring image since the Rachel era of Friends. Especially in earlier seasons, Rachel is seen pairing slim-fit roll necks with tartan pleated mini-skirts. Pair these together and you are Ross’ sweetheart! Rachel adopts this cute, sweetheart fashion sense in the earliest seasons of Friends, even though she is painted as a character we shouldn’t like, we can’t help but fall in love with her ditsy, cute personality, all brought to life by her fashion sense!

Like Monica, Rachel’s wardrobe is extremely versatile, I am jealous of her ability to look glamorous with a bun! We honour her iconic outfits, ranging from the girly to the casual lazy day chic.

A fashion metamorphosis?

(Image courtesy of Cosmopolitan)

We see a wonderful transition throughout Rachel’s character, a spoilt, selfish girl to an elegant and successful young woman. This change is also mirrored in her fashion choices. She ruptures away from her safety blanket of chequered mini-skirts, knee-high socks to elegant blouses and formal fashion. Rachel’s metamorphosis is mirrored in her fashionable changes throughout Friends. Rachel’s transition to working in fashion expands her wardrobe, later comprising of cropped blazers and sheer shirts, always accompanied by a black shoulder purse.

Rachel’s maturity is mirrored in more than just her clothes, it is evident across all aspects of her style and personality. The season one iconic hairstyle, a short bob, became a global sensation amongst Friends viewers.

We notice her hair grows along with her character, she often switches to sleek extensions and pony-tails – a complete style switch up to earlier seasons. Nonetheless, she remains an iconic fashion muse!

Everyone's favourite boho chic icon: Phoebe Buffay

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Of course, we cannot forget another unique fashion that emerges from Phoebe’s boho, chic character.

Phoebe’s experimental wardrobe choices reflect her eccentric character. With a lack of female fashion guidance in her life, Phoebe is left to her own styling devices, hence the subsequent unique fashion moments from our favourite hippy friend.

She if often seen pairing prints, vibrant colours, maxi skirts, and a multitude of textures together. Jewellery is an essential for the Buffay look, Phoebe expresses her unique fashion taste through an array of toe-rings, bold shell necklaces and maximalist hair accessories. Though a sharp contrast to Monica and Rachel’s fashion, Phoebe is an undeniable fashion icon, inspiring viewers of Friends to embrace their unique qualities!

Let us know who is your Friends fashion muse in the comments!