Top 10 Best Outfit Reveals in TV Shows
#10: Rachel Green’s Mint Green Dress
“Friends” (1994-2004)
Ross and Rachel are an iconic TV couple, but they’re not without their flaws. Nine times out of ten, it’s Ross who makes us shout at the TV, but in “The One Where No One’s Ready” you’ve got to feel for the guy. We all know the struggle of trying to find the perfect outfit for an event. But, when it’s someone else’s special occasion, would it hurt to show some urgency? Saying that, Rachel Green is one of the best dressed characters in TV history and you can’t rush art. She finally puts an end to Ross’s misery when she walks out in a gorgeous mint green maxi with a square neckline and thigh slit. Could we BE more in love with this dress?
#9: Eloise Bridgerton’s Coming-out Gown
“Bridgerton” (2020-)
When we first meet Eloise, she’s more concerned with books than looking for love. As a younger sister and not yet ‘out’, she wears her hair down and her necklines high. She may not be a girly-girl like Daphne, but she’s still a member of the ton and fast approaching marriageable age. As such, she must be presented to the Queen and make her social debut. Her sister was the belle of her season, so the pressure’s on - but Eloise can only be herself. In her white and gold gown, with feathers in her hair, she looks the perfect debutante. Her deportment leaves a little to be desired, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
#8: Every New Villanelle Look
“Killing Eve” (2018-22)
She may be a psychopath, but if there’s one thing Villanelle knows how to do - other than kill people - it’s putting together a killer ensemble. Almost every time the assassin appears on screen we get a new outfit reveal. If she’s in disguise, her choice of clothes will help her embody a distinctly different character. Whether she’s personifying a New Yorker with substance use disorder or a free-spirited school teacher, Villanelle always makes an effort to nail the look. However, she looks the fiercest when dressed as herself, whatever mood she’s in that day. Her presence may spell bad news, but her outfits are always a welcome surprise.
#7: Yennefer’s Big Entrance
“The Witcher” (2019-)
Spoiler alert! Midway through season one of “The Witcher”, Yennefer of Vengerberg resorts to magical means to straighten her once-curved spine and jaw. Her new appearance also comes with a whole new wardrobe. Gone are the dull-colored rags from her old life and the plain, loose fitting garments she wore as a student of magic. When the sorceress first debuts her dramatic makeover, she’s dressed head-to-toe in dark leather and lace. The form-fitting gown sparkles in the light and draws the eyes of all in the room - as does the woman clad in it. Yennefer has reinvented herself as a powerful new player and her transformation signals a new era for the mage.
#6: Sansa the Dark Lady
“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
When Sansa Stark first moves to the capital, she’s determined to follow southern fashions. But, her style choices soon become more about survival than anything else. Following the tragic events in the city, Sansa fades into the background in pastels while embracing the Lannister motifs of her ‘beloved’ Joffrey. After escaping King’s Landing with Littlefinger, she debuts a brand new look. The moment Sansa descends, the Eyrie steps marks her transition from girl to woman and embraces the role of femme-fatale. Dressed in all black with newly dyed hair, Sansa signals her own loss of innocence and declares herself a player in the game of thrones. Nevertheless, she had yet to assume her real power.
#5: Alicent Hightower Displays Her House Colors
“House of the Dragon” (2022-)
Like Sansa, “House of the Dragon’s” Alicent Hightower begins her series as an innocent young lady but soon reveals a steelier side. Her clothing choices are a clue to her allegiances and the way she wishes to present herself. After dressing in neutral shades at the start of the story, the young queen reveals her true colors in episode five, when she makes a public appearance dressed all in green. Donning her house colors is a calculated power move. It sends a message to her former friend, Rhaenyra, that Alicent is putting her family first from now on. Meanwhile, the gown itself is elaborate and eye-catching, and the wearer really causes a stir.
#4: The Halloween Costumes
“Euphoria” (2019-)
“Euphoria’s” characters and their Y2K aesthetic are at the cutting edge of contemporary teen drama style. Still, some of our favorite outfits are the least fashion-forward. Cassie’s “Oklahoma!” look is memorable, of course, but it’s the Halloween ensembles that really steal the show. In this seasonal episode, the gang’s costumes are revealed one by one. Jules’s take on Claire Danes in “Romeo + Juliet” was a good effort. The top prize, however, has to go to Lexi as Bob Ross. (Come on, it’s Bob Ross!) When those doors part open on a bearded and bespectacled get-up, it’s beautifully bizarre. As far as Halloween costumes go, there is so much to love with this one.
#3: Wednesday Addams’s Dress for the Dance
“Wednesday” (2022-)
We all know what Wednesday Addams should look like, no matter the version of “The Addams Family” you’re watching. Draped head-to-toe in black, with her trademark pigtail braids and collared dresses, her vintage goth look is iconic. Netflix’s “Wednesday” put a modern spin on the character’s style, but the basics haven’t changed. Black is still a necessity. For her first school dance, our heroine has her eye on a vintage thrift store dress – which the “Wednesday” costume designer has said is actually an Alaïa piece. Despite reservations about the dance itself, Thing surprises Wednesday with the outfit and she dons it to join her date. It’s a beautiful dress, but it also showcases her individuality. Plus, it’s perfect for dancing in.
#2: Lady Mary’s Wedding Dress
“Downton Abbey” (2010-15)
There were many memorable outfit reveals in this popular period drama. Who could forget the time Sybil shocked the family by putting on a pair of trousers? And, of course, there were weddings galore, each with a new dress to get excited about. The romance between Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley was the beating heart of the early seasons and their long awaited nuptials became a major TV event. We waited with baited breath to see the bride in her wedding gown, and it didn’t disappoint. Mary may not have always been the most likable character but, in her simple, drop-waisted gown, jeweled headdress and veil, she embodied the picture of goodness. The reactions of her father and Carson were the cherry on the cake.
#1: Claire Fraser’s Wedding Dress
“Outlander” (2014-)
“Outlander” is a historical fantasy series with a time-travel concept but, at its core, it’s a love story. Jamie and Claire enter into a reluctant marriage, but their union becomes the foundation for the entire series. Costume designer Terry Dresbach set out to create a spectacular wedding dress worthy of the couple’s epic romance. We can safely say she succeeded. When Claire removes her cloak, this elaborate, 18th century gown gets its time to shine. It was designed to look beautiful by candlelight, which sets off the metal woven into the ornate embroidery. But, when the sunlight catches the fabric, it’s equally lovely. Our heroes fall in love at that moment, and this is a gown that makes us believe it.