Fashion Onscreen: 5 Shows and Series that Shaped Fashion Over the Last Decade

Here are five television shows from the past decade that have had big impacts on fashion and inspired trends around the world:

Euphoria
There are very few shows that have influenced fashion as dramatically as Euphoria. The HBO series transformed beauty (makeup, hair, etc.) and fashion through bold makeup, rhinestone embellishments, cutout dresses, mesh fabrics, and Y2K-inspired styling. Costume designer Heidi Bivens created looks that felt both experimental and authentic to Gen Z culture. The show's influence spread fast across platforms like TikTok, music festivals, Halloween costumes, and retail collections and collaborations, making colorful eye makeup, platform shoes, and layered jewelry very mainstream once again.

Emily in Paris
Whether audiences loved or criticized the wardrobe, Emily in Paris sparked major conversations about fashion from the moment it hit the screen. The series embraced brighter colors, statement prints, oversized blazers, berets, and luxury designer accessories. It celebrated being a maximalist at a time when minimal fashion was more of the scene, inspiring viewers to experiment with bolder styling. Luxury brands also benefited from the increase in visibility as viewers searched for Emily's latest outfits after every episode, which almost always included a luxury name.

The White Lotus
The White Lotus helped popularize the concept and trend of "quiet luxury" alongside elevated dressing. Linen sets, relaxed tailoring, oversized sunglasses, woven handbags, resort prints, and understated designer pieces became staples online after each season aired. The show's effortless wealthy aesthetic influenced both luxury labels and affordable retailers, reinforcing the popularity of sophisticated vacation wardrobes and timeless pieces that people invest in.

Bridgerton
On Netflix, Bridgerton sparked the modern-day "Regencycore" trend. Empire-waist dresses, corsets, puffed sleeves, opera gloves, pearls, satin fabrics, and small floral prints made a return to mainstream fashion. Designers embraced romantic silhouettes in their collections, while bridal fashion, prom dresses, and occasion wear adopted many of the signature elements from the series. The show taught viewers that historical fashion could still feel modern for a contemporary audience.

Wednesday
Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday Addams brought gothic fashion into the mainstream. Black dresses, chunky loafers, lace details, oversized collars, striped shirts, and dark monochrome outfits became super popular following the series' release. The dance scene that went viral inspired countless recreations, while retailers quickly introduced collections inspired by the show's dark aesthetic.

Series and shows have shown us that great costume design can influence far more than a show's storyline—they can shape the way people dress long after the final episode airs. From Euphoria's Y2K-inspired style to the gothic revival of Wednesday, these series have inspired trends that reached both luxury fashion houses and everyday retailers. As streaming continues to take over the entertainment industry, television will remain one of the industry's most powerful sources of fashion inspiration, proving that style on screen can quickly become style in real life.

_{Some images in this post were created using AI tools.}