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Many characters have a singular costume that they are recognized by, but over the years there have been many Black women actors whose overall style has been iconic. It’s one thing when you play a role that we love for your personality, one-liners, or clapbacks, but to influence a culture in how we dress is a whole different level. Options like Shein and Fashio Nova are more affordable options today, but back then, we’d have to spend some hard-earned coins at the mall to imitate our faves. There are actors from all backgrounds who stay dressed to the nines, but let’s take a look at some of the most fashionable Black women in TV history.

Regine from Living Single

Kim Fields played Regine on the hit sitcom Living Single and ultimately paved the way for many divas we know and love today. Regine walked so characters like Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw and The Nanny’s Fran Drescher could run. Known for her sophisticated looks with a purse to match, she never hesitated to incorporate a bold pattern or bright colors. But it never stopped at just her outfit, as she would never be caught dead without some flashy accessories to complete the look. She is truly the epitome of a fashionable Black woman, and we love to see it!

Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

There is no conversation surrounding fashionable characters without bringing up the iconic Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Karyn Parsons became an instant star as she was known for her stylish fits and eating up every cast member when she was in a scene. She had a way of incorporating her boujee personality into her outfit choices, further making her stand out from her siblings on the series.

Lisa Turtle from Saved by the Bell

Lark Voorhies played Lisa Turtle in the sitcom Saved by the Bell, which premiered in 1989 and ran through the early ’90s. Known for her big curly hair, colorful ensemble, and a big scrunchie to match, we aren’t talking fashion without mentioning her. She influenced a generation of teens who wanted to throw together outfits like hers to wear to school (although some may not have been appropriate, but hey, it’s television). She’d rock these big earrings in standout colors that peeked through her voluminous hair. I personally loved that she wore her natural curls because most of the white characters all had straight hair, so seeing someone on screen who wasn’t so cookie-cutter was uplifting.

Olivia Pope from Scandal

You know you are one stylish woman when your character gets her own clothing line in real life! I remember personally trying to fight bots online when Scandal’s Olivia Pope got her own collection at The Limited during the height of the show’s success. I can’t think of any other TV character that has ever gotten this treatment, and it’s truly such an accomplishment. Kerry Washington had the girlies in their business casual era as many were ditching jeans and graphic tees to partake in brunch in blazers. Olivia’s style really brought out the maturity in some of us because we wanted to dress like her. All in all, she never failed to serve some of the best fits while chasing after Fitz in each episode without missing a beat.

Cookie Lyon from Empire

Aside from keeping Lucious (Terrence Howard) in check, one thing you can count on Cookie Lyon to do is be dripped in the hottest ensembles and keep a fur within reach. Taraji P. Henson dresses well off-screen, but in the hit TV show Empire, her character was never caught lacking. The pieces she wore really spoke to her role as a boss lady, and you can tell she was in charge by her attitude and her fits. From animal prints to shiny gold jewelry, Henson was referenced on social media for her fits anytime a new episode aired.

Dionne from Clueless

Stacey Dash became an instant star when she played Dionne Davenport in the hit ’90s series, Clueless. Her stylish take on school-girl outfits had girls everywhere wishing their schools (and parents) allowed them to dress that way. Dionne’s plaid set with a red top is still replicated to this day and is always recognizable as a go-to Halloween costume (North West killed it in 2023!). Dash’s character was never afraid to take risks and often layered pieces together that many wouldn’t consider fashionable. 

Queen Charlotte from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) from the binge-worthy prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, doesn’t quite offer us looks we can wear from day to day. Regardless, you can’t deny she has inspired many “Bridgerton-themed” parties. And you’d be flat-out lying if you said you weren’t dying to dress up like her and go to one! Her big hair was also such a scene stealer to accompany her Georgian-style royal gowns that were cinched at the waist. It’s truly refreshing to see a woman of color in these types of settings, as it wasn’t extremely common that we see us in these roles.

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