Nostalgic heroines from TV series who are inspiring this season’s fall outfits

There’s something about 90s and early-2000s series that makes you want to turn off the lights, curl up under a blanket with a cup of tea, and sink into their warm nostalgia. Autumn is the perfect moment to revisit those comfort shows that never lose their charm. Their main heroines never lose it either, especially now, as so many styles from past decades are finding their way back into fashion. Here are the nostalgic TV characters who will shape our fall outfit inspiration.

Rachel Green, Friends

Rachel was always the trend-setter of the group, eventually landing a job at Ralph Lauren, and her style still shapes the way we dress three decades later. It’s easy to see why: clean silhouettes and a neutral palette define her timeless look. Turtlenecks are a true fall staple, and Rachel pairs them with mini skirts, sheer tights, and knee-high boots — a combination we’re still pinning to our moodboards. She’s also known for her dresses, especially those simple, effortless slip styles that work for day or night. This season, we’ll be wearing them layered with soft sweaters and cardigans.

Monica Geller, Friends

Even though she’s often overshadowed by her more fashion-forward friend, Monica’s style has aged just as gracefully. Her looks were always simpler, but for me, that’s exactly what made them even more inspiring — like a quieter, moodier counterpart to Rachel’s shine. Monica also gravitates toward slip dresses, soft knits, and midi skirts, and her wardrobe leans into the season’s biggest color: red. Few can pull off a head-turning red moment the way Courteney Cox does. This fall, Monica will definitely be our go-to source for outfit ideas in fashion’s boldest shade.

Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

The return of Y2K is crystal clear when you realize Lorelai Gilmore’s outfits get better and better every year we revisit them. From her bold graphic tees to double denim looks and low-rise bottoms, everything Lorelai wore so confidently in the early 2000s is trending again. I especially love her evening outfits, which make her the perfect inspiration for anyone looking for a slightly different take on a night-out look this fall.

Francine Joy, The Nanny

Costume designer Brenda Cooper rightfully won an Emmy for dressing everyone’s favorite nanny, Fran, who remains a true fashion icon. Her outfits were bold, fun, and unapologetically vibrant, always styled as if she were stepping onto a runway. Mixing prints and bright colors can be tricky, but for Fran Fine it looked effortless. And while we could ask how a nanny managed to afford all those designer pieces, we choose to overlook that plot hole and focus instead on the cult status of her style (maybe everything really was on major sale?).

Charlotte York, Sex and the City

After a summer filled with floaty skirts and kitten heels inspired by Carrie Bradshaw, this fall we’re turning to Charlotte York’s wardrobe instead. Her style is more refined and polished than Carrie’s, built on sophisticated business-casual pieces — tailored coats, structured blazers, and fitted dresses that feel perfect for a chic autumn look. Charlotte also championed the cardigan long before it resurfaced as a trend, and it’s no surprise it’s becoming a key piece again this season.

Phoebe Halliwell, Charmed

As we step into witch season, it feels only natural to revisit the spellbinding outfits from Charmed. Phoebe’s wardrobe stands out the most — the kind of looks we all wanted to wear while fighting demons, even though they’re probably better suited for a coffee date in the city. I’m thinking especially of her long, fitted, everyday dresses. They weren’t exactly made for running, but they pair beautifully with knee-high boots, making them perfect fall inspiration.