From Emily in Paris to Connell’s Chain: 2020’s Biggest TV Fashion Moments

December 17, 2020 at 06:04AM

To hazard a guess, I’d say that many of us spent much more time in front of the television this year than we ever have before. In a year like no other, where restrictions were in place limiting interactions, work commutes became virtually obsolete and even leaving the house was largely discouraged, our living rooms became safe havens and our TVs filled the social calendar. 

Luckily, there was many an option when it came to quality TV and often a weeknight marathon would result in more than just entertainment. It would also leave us feeling sartorially inspired. From Zoe Kravtiz’s incredibly cool character in High Fidelity to the glitz and glamour of the costumes on Netflix’s Hollywood, these shows transported us to worlds in which the words ‘pandemic’ and ‘unprecedented’ were not a part of the everyday vernacular.

Between Connell’s chain in Normal People and the quintessential red beret that made an appearance in Emily in Paris, there have been several looks this year that managed to capture the attention of the fashion industry (and the world). And while you could argue that we just had nothing better to gossip about. I’d contest that character costumes were just particularly good in 2020. To prove this exact point, I’ve put together a list of my favourite television fashion moments from this year. Keep scrolling to see the most noteworthy looks. 

I was a little late to the Hollywood hype, but the minute I started watching I was hooked on the glamour. The chic pencil skirts, OTT feathered-adorned dressing gowns and waist-cinching 1940s silhouettes represented the absolute opposite of the way I dressed this year, but I couldn’t have loved it any more. 

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There are few celebs who are as enviably cool as Zoe Kravitz. And while her High Fidelity character, Robyn Brooks didn’t represent Zoe herself, her outfits were just as effortless. From the oversize Hawaiin shirts to the leather coats and chunky boots, Robyn’s is a wardrobe I’d certainly like to raid. 

Normal People gained so much attention, an Instagram page was created to chronicle one of the show’s hero accessories. Yes, @connellschain now has over 170,000 followers, believe it or not.  Aside from that iconic piece of jewellery, the fashion highlight of the show was undoubtedly Marianne’s Italian holiday wardrobe. From the gingham mini dress to the black midi worn while bike riding around the Italian countryside, these scenes were the most stylish moments in the show by far. 

Say all you want about Emily’s cliche beret or very dated use of Instagram, the girl knows how to wear colour. While not every single outfit choice in the show was well-received, there were a few moments I can truly vouch for, including Emily’s vibrant pink coat, green Chanel jacket and yellow Ganni dress. 

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Now I have to admit, I haven’t actually seen Lovecraft Country, but I have seen Jurnee Smollett’s costumes, and they’re enough to make me want to start the show. Think 1950s silhouettes with a twist. As the show’s costume designer, Dayna Pink told Elle.com, “I wanted to ground it in the period, then add sass and my own little sauce to it.”

Singlehandedly responsible for sparking a resurgence in the interest of chess, The Queen’s Gambit also happened to spark my interest in 1960s fashion. Anya Taylor-Joy’sBeth Harmon epitomises sixties style from shift dresses to retro prints. 

Of course, no 2020 TV round-up would be complete without a mention of The Crown. Emma Corrin’s Princess Diana captured our hearts and also happened to reignite our interest in the royal’s style. In fact, several of the trends Princess Diana was known for wearing spiked in searches last month when the show premiered. 

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Next up, The Biggest Spring/Summer 2021 Trends You Need to Know

Author Zoe Anastasiou | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC