HBO announced in March that the Friends reunion would be put on hold, so in the meantime, we’re reminiscing on the clear style star of the group: Rachel Green. Brought to life by Jennifer Aniston, the trendsetting character had women frantically phoning the salon for their very own Rachel cut and inspired our clothing choices before we even fully knew how to dress ourselves. The show ruled television from 1994 to 2004, a formative time for many millennials, style-wise. It was when we started paying closer attention to what we picked out for school, first selected an outfit for a formal dance, and developed our love for the classic ’90s slip dress. And what did we consistently lean on for inspiration? Rachel Green’s style.
Rachel won a special place in our hearts (and closets), evolving from a pouf-sleeve runaway bride to a hardcore fashion exec, with gigs at Bloomingdale’s and Ralph Lauren. So now, more than 25 years after the show’s premiere, we’re happy to report the character’s wardrobe is full of looks we’d happily wear this very day. A lightweight knit layered beneath a spaghetti-strap dress? Totally. A structured skirt suit in a statement color? Yes, please. When we’re finally dressing for something other than couch hangs and WFH days, Rachel’s enduring style will be right there waiting. Until then, we’ll be bingeing Friends and getting nostalgic on some of the best Rachel Green style moments ever, ahead.
Jeans and T-shirt
No outfit stands the test of time quite like a white tee and jeans, and this baby tee and straight-leg denim is a suitable WFH look that will make you feel as if you’re going somewhere when you’re clearly not.
Statement Blazer
Rachel’s personal style usually leaned more casual, but she knew how to rock a power suit or a structured blazer. Give your oversized black blazer a break and reach for stripes, florals, and animal print this spring—taking Rachel’s leopard-print jacket as inspiration.
Offbeat Outerwear
This eye-catching look makes another strong case for animal-print outerwear, and Rachel got behind the cow-print trend long before Instagram It girls signed off on the Western-inspired design. Topping it off with gold bangles, square-toe boots, and a thigh-high slit, Rachel’s style sensibilities were especially bold here, as proven by that red leopard-print clutch. Mixed prints? We really do love to see it.
The Dad Shirt
When Rachel wasn’t snatching our wigs with statement bags and masterfully crafted updos, she was letting her hair down in looks that skew more masculine, like this Hawaiian-shirt-and-cargo-pants look. A relaxed short-sleeve button-down (aka dad shirt) is a handy layering piece for hot summer days, and everyone from Kendall Jenner to Emily Ratajkowski has worn carpenter pants as a lightweight staple to offset a barely there tank.
Prim and Preppy
And when Rachel meant business, sis’s prep game was A++. Just take this moss green turtleneck tank and pencil skirt for example. The lines are clean and classic, and the green hue is at the top of the trends list today. Style this look with low-top sneakers for daytime, or edge it up with the sDr. Martens boots editors and celebrities can’t stop wearing.