Netflix-Inspired Outfits You Should Try
Television and fashion direct one other, with modern trends dipping into the wardrobe of beloved characters. After all, the infatuation with matching sets has roots in Maddy Perez’s dance outfit and Rachel Green’s pleated mini skirts are now closet staples. But perhaps no TV-fashion draws more attention than those created by the world’s most downloaded streaming app: Netflix. While we wait for the next blockbuster buzz, here are some Netflix-inspired outfits based on the platform’s biggest hits.
Never Have I Ever
The 2020 comedy-drama co-created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher illustrates the classic teen wardrobe of today. Protagonist Devi Vishwakumar impresses with colorful yet simple outfits; on her first day of sophomore year, for example, she pairs a rainbow-striped shirt with an orange cardigan that matches one of the top’s colors. Later in the series, she wears an a-line denim skirt, cardigan and ribbed t-shirt–giving a 90s nostalgia vibe. Devi’s best friend Eleanor Wong has an even bolder style, sticking to vibrant prints, neon headbands, oversized barrettes and even one feather earring.
Whether you go for Devi’s closet staples or Eleanor’s inventive style, Never Have I Ever offers some of the best Netflix-inspired outfits.
Sex Education
Netflix’s hit show may be most known for its emphasis on sex positivity, but the British comedy-drama also delivers colorful, imaginative outfits. And perhaps no one redefines the limits of fashion more than Eric Effiong (played by Ncuti Gatwa), the confident and expressive best friend of Sex Education protagonist Otis Milburn.
Eric does not conform to the convention that you can only have one patterned garment per outfit; he frequently pairs contrasting prints together, unifying the outfits through an overarching color. Throughout the show, Eric also pays homage to his Ghanian and Nigerian heritage. Ncuti Gatwa, for example, explained the intention behind Eric’s prom attire in an interview with Vulture: “Eric comes from a Ghanian-Nigerian household, hence why, at prom, he was in a beautiful kente suit from Ghana and gele from Nigeria.”
Cool-girl Ruby Matthews also favors bright colors and typically opts for neon hues. Her style also has a 70s influence, as flared denim, matching sets and jumpsuits are wardrobe staples. If you want to mirror Ruby’s style, don’t forget to put on a pair of large hoop earrings.
Stranger Things
The small-town sci-fi show dropped on Netflix with a blast of alternate-dimension monsters and crimson clouds. When viewers turn on Stranger Things, and see its now-famous red font, they expect one thing from its fashion–full out 80s. From bowl cuts to mullets, denim vests to high-rise pants, Stranger Things embraces the decade’s attachment to big, bold looks.
One of the show’s most daring characters, Nancy Wheeler, favors a preppy style with some influence from classic 80s silhouettes. To channel your favorite Hawkins older sister, layer a turtleneck with a crewneck sweater (she favors an argyle pattern) or a fleece-lined jacket. For a springtime outfit, pair a linen maxi skirt with a denim jacket–the outfit Nancy selects when trying to find story leads with fellow journalist Fred Benson.
While bandanas may be the most celebrated element of Lucas Sinclair’s style, he has notable outfits throughout the series. As with most 80s kids, he gravitates toward high-waisted pants and shorts. To recreate the outfit Lucas wears to search for his missing friend Will in season one, pair an orange corduroy jacket with a t-shirt and dark brown pants.
Outer Banks
Outer Banks may not be the most revolutionary show on this list when it comes to fashion; for the most part, characters stick to denim shorts and bikini tops or swim trunks. However, the beach mystery does have some outfits that could help you drift away from that old beach cover-up.
The show divides characters into two classes–the Kooks (the wealthy elite) and the Pogues (protagonist John B and other working-class characters). If you want to emulate the Kook style, J.Crew is the place for you. Taking preppy to the max, the kooks welcome polo shirts, bright pastels and white sneakers. During the Kook’s annual Midsummers celebration, women wear floor-length silky dresses, with Sarah Cameron selecting a draped-sleeve white gown.
The Pogues, on the other hand, embrace a more relaxed beach style. Unbuttoned button-downs are frequently seen on screen–John B wears several tropical-print shirts throughout the series. Beaded or seashell necklaces are also common, with Kiara as the most dedicated to the trend. And crop tops are a must for recreating this seaside show’s most memorable looks.
Bridgerton
Perhaps the 19th-century based show may not be the first place you search when looking for Netflix-inspired outfits. However, much of the cottagecore aesthetic mimics the puffed sleeves and empire silhouettes of Bridgerton. With a few simple items, you can reimagine the show’s Regency-era fashion.
While Bridgerton characters wear corsets as support garments or as part of a dress, corset tops emerged as a modern-day staple in 2020. To mirror the period drama’s aesthetic, pair a pastel corset top with a maxi skirt. You can also layer a corset top over a puffy-sleeved dress.
Scoring one of Bridgerton‘s gemstone and pearl tiaras is challenging, but you can put your own twist on the trend. Wear a pearl or crystal headband with a teardrop necklace and you can channel Daphne’s simple elegance.
Derry Girls
Though the Derry Girls often wear school uniforms, you can find several Netflix-inspired outfits throughout the series. Set during The Troubles, protagonist Erin Quinn navigates life as a 16-year-old while armed police and political turmoil linger in her Northern Ireland home. The comedy’s lighter moments, however, bring a 90s nostalgia for the decade’s most iconic trends.
Given the 90s have regained popularity in the 2020s, recreating a Derry Girls outfit can be accomplished with items you may already have in your closet. Erin, for example, elects classic 90s looks: denim on denim, half-up ponytails, flannels and chokers. For an outfit influenced by Erin, layer a spaghetti-strap tank top over a white t-shirt and pair the pieces with straight-leg jeans.
Michelle, one of Erin’s closest friends, puts an edgier twist on 90s staples. One of her go-to looks, for example, is a bomber jacket, dress and knee-high socks.
