It was Oscar Wilde who once wrote, “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” He was on to something. There are plenty of stars who have imitated their own most iconic characters in real life by dressing like them. If you think about it, working on a TV show—and the same character—for several seasons is bound to have an impact on your real life. These stars below have kept the spirit of their characters' wardrobes alive, by taking outfit inspirations from them in subtle (or blatant!) ways.
Whether it’s Sarah Jessica Parker—who has taken many experimental style cues from Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw—or Dan Levy—who loves a bold knit just like David Rose from Schitt’s Creek does—these actors can’t help but channel their TV roles through style. Other chic TV characters on our list? Rachel Green, Buffy, Don Draper, and more.
Below, 11 times actors channelled their TV characters through style.
Photo: Getty Images1/11Jennifer Aniston
The character: Rachel Green from Friends.
The style: Her character was a buyer for Ralph Lauren, so her personal style was all about chic, easy minimalism. One of Rachel’s most-worn pieces was simple slip dresses, and here at an Emmys after-party in 2000, Aniston pulled off that clean aesthetic.
Photo: Getty Images2/11Dan Levy
The character: David Rose from Schitt’s Creek.
The style: Black-and-white avant-garde. The more expensive the label, the better. In L.A. just last month, Levy’s Loewe look channelled David’s flair for bold designer knitwear.
Photo: Getty Images3/11Taraji P. Henson
The character: Cookie Lyon from Empire.
The style: Capital-G Glamour. It isn’t a Cookie look without a fur coat, animal print, and tons of crystals. Here at the 2020 American Music Awards, Henson also dressed like a boss by dripping herself in a silver Giorgio Armani look.
Photo: Getty Images4/11Sarah Michelle Gellar
The character: Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The style: Edgy leather outfits that are ready to kick butt in. Remember the iconic episode where Buffy slays in a white prom dress and leather jacket? Gellar channelled that sweet-but-tough vibe back in 2017.
Photo: Getty Images5/11Hunter Schafer
The character: Jules Vaughn from Euphoria.
The style: Grungy e-girl. Think platform boots, loads of statement eye makeup, and distressed threads. At a Golden Globes party in 2019, Schafer’s wildly-printed Mugler dress made Jules proud, as did the pink hair.
Photo: Getty Images6/11Kerry Washington
The character: Olivia Pope from Scandal.
The style: With power suits, strong tailoring, and tasteful minimalism, Pope favored looks that command a room with quiet confidence. Here at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, Washington channeled Pope and proved that good fashion doesn’t always have to scream.
Photo: Getty Images7/11Sarah Jessica Parker
The character: Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City.
The style: Fashion peacocking at its finest, with loud colors, big silhouettes, and always a heel. In 2019, Parker did Carrie justice with a hot pink Zac Posen gown for a New York City Ballet gala. She even wore mismatched heels—a style move that the Manolo-loving Carrie herself would do.
Photo: Getty Images8/11Jon Hamm
The character: Don Draper from Mad Men.
The style: Killer suiting that is always cut just right. His last name may be Draper, but dapper also comes to mind. At the 2019 premiere of Lucy In the Sky, Hamm’s gray, double-breasted suit and tie channelled Don’s ad-agency office look to perfection. All he needs is a Manhattan to sip on.
Photo: Getty Images9/11Blake Lively
The character: Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl.
The style: Eclectic, risk-taking style. On Gossip Girl, Serena rocked men’s ties, schoolgirl skirts, and sequined vests like no other. At the Michael Kors show in February 2020, Lively channelled Serena’s menswear-leaning style with a cropped vest, cravat, and trousers. You know you love it.
Photo: Getty Images10/11Vanessa Williams
The character: Wilhelmina Slater from Ugly Betty.
The style: Villainous fashion editor with a killer wardrobe. Wilhelmina ruled Mode magazine with her impeccably-tailored, timeless dresses and coats. Here at the Pamella Roland show in February 2019, Williams channelled Wilhelmina with a classic camel cape and black dress. A cover-worthy look.
Photo: Getty Images11/11Jodie Comer
The character: Villanelle from Killing Eve.
The style: Murderous assassin with a passion for fashion. Villanelle stalks and kills her prey in the latest runway creations (who could forget the hot-pink Molly Goddard tulle she wore?). At the Killing Eve season two photo call in 2019, Comer channelled Villanelle’s high-fashion wardrobe with a lace and sequined gown by Giambattista Valli. If looks could kill, this dress would top the most wanted list.
