"So, no-one told you life was gonna be this way. Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's DOA."
At this point in my life, those lyrics could not be truer. And I'm so glad I have the Friends gang to relate to and take comfort in.
I flipping love Friends - who doesn't* - and it's not just because of the superb writing, brilliant cast and ever-lasting one-liners. But Rachel, Monica and Phoebe were style inspirations on screen for over a decade. And it's about time they inspired your wardrobe once again.
*(Actually, there was once guy who I didn't want to give my number to because they said it was lame I still liked Friends...)
1.) THE HAIR
Yes, 'The Rachel' is infamous (we've talked about it enough, have a look at this other great Rach Green hairdo instead), but all 3 ladies had great hair. Always full of body and with lashing of layers. Which way to the hairdressers?
2.) The show was the epitome of the 90s
In the early day of the show, the fashion was 100% unapologetically 90s. Unsuprising, as it was actually the 90s...
But as the 90s are having a bit of moment in the fashion limelight - which as a 90s kid, I couldn't be happier about - it's time to get your strappy dresses out and start layering them up.
3.) Get your checks in check
Checked prints aren't just reserved for flannel shirts and lumerjacks. Rachel shows that the red and green tartan look isn't just for Christmas, it's for life.
Or go the whole-hog รก la Phobe Buffay and go full-frontal checks for a 60s look. Groovy.
4.) When in doubt, tie it up
One of my favourite tricks, executed perfectly by these gals. Things go from loose and casual, to sasssy and cropped.
5.) Fitspiration
Monica was all over cropped sports tops before Ellie Goulding and Kendall were posting them all over Insta.
6.) There's no such thing as too much denim
Miss.Green LOVES a denim waistcoat. And here I was thinking they were just for members of B*Witched.
7.) Diggin' the dungarees
I'm being utterly serious here now, but I cannot express to you enough, the love that I have for dungarees. Over the past year, I've dug out and acquired more pairs than is probably sensible for an adult. But you just slip them on, and look instantly effortlessly cool while still feeling oh-so-comfortable.
And no-one rocks a pair of dungarees like Rachel Green. Seriously. She's got a pair in every shape, size and style. If you haven't already, GO GET YOURSELF A PAIR. They'll change you life. Believe me.
8.) Being a slob never looked so cool
Seriously though, how do they manage to look so great in loungewear? When I'm slobbing out for the day, that's exactly what I look like - a slob. But in the world of Friends, you look like you're in a Urban Outfitters ad - all you need is a sweatshirt with a motto on.
9.) See? Slogan tops work everytime
Especially when you match them with something short and have it monochrome.
Even Ross mastered this look.
10.) Classics are called classics for a reason
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Black and white paired with high hemlines worked in the beginning in the 90s, and they did again at the end in the noughties. Kinda oddly philosophical ain't it? Full circle and all that shit.
11.) No really, mini is the key word here
Even the aprons are mini. It might not help protect your clothes from any spills, but dammit, you look like a stylish piece of origami.
12.) Long socks aren't just for your hockey kit
Short skirts and long socks: BFFs of preppy fashion. And you thought you'd seen the back of all the clothes from your school days, pfft.
13.) Max it out
No into micro skirts? No problem, your favourite hippie's got you covered with a long maxi number, finished in crushed velvet and completed with worker boots. Lorde, eat your heart out.
14.) Best of both worlds
Or if you're indecisive, wear them both. The mullet of the skirt world is suprisingly stylish. More so than the haircut anyway.
15.) Have a right ol' party with your hair
Forget pom poms on your shoes and bags that can be mistaken for pets, Phoebe takes it to the next level with fluffy hair ties. Her and Cher Horowitz should team up and inject a bit of fluff into everyone's lives - you'll have a blast!
16.) And follow suit with your coats
Have a whale of a time with your coats too. Thought Alexa Chung brought on the Teddy Coat trend? Nop. Our homegirls Rachel and Phoebe were already there - albeit, in slightly more eye-catching tones.
And you can't forget Janice! No-one rocks a leopard print like her.
17.) You can totes pull off pigtails as an adult
And here you were thinking that you could only have 2 bunches in your hair if you're 6, going as a sexy schoolgirl for fancy dress, or Anna in 'Frozen'.
18.) Florals always work
Whether it's a tropical dress while you're jamming out to Smelly Cat...
...a cheongsam that even Mulan would be well jealous of...
...or a dressing gown that makes you look like a ethereal goddess. Seriously, stop it Jen An.
19.) Sometimes, you just feel like showing of a bit of skin
Wit-woooo. With the high neck and key hole cut-out, this is incredibly throwback when it comes to 90s. It was like the cast of 'Coyote Ugly' had came to visit.
20.) Or a lot of skin
Who knew when Rachel Green accidently wore a slip dress out for dinner, that in a decade's time, it would be an actual trend. Kudos RG, kudos. We'd just hope our boob didn't fall out at the dinner table as well...
21.) Or cover up in an oversized jacket
It's olive green. It's oversized. It looks like something Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock mode would wear. And it's oh-so-right. Break-ups never looked so good.
22.) They perfected the wistful winter wonderland look
Before the days of 'Let it Go' and sparkly ice princesses, there was Phoebe Buffay's wedding, and I for one will from now on be matching my red-carpet beaded dresses, with J-Lo worthy fur-hooded puffa coats.
23.) Last but not least, a crown is always appropriate
Cause you're the Queen and King of your own goddamn, amazing life.
You'll never be stuck flicking through your wardrobe, screaming you have nothing to wear again. You may even have a few too many clothes and options...
Which is your fave Friends character?
(Can I marry both Chandler and Ross....PIVOT!)
Stay happy!
Until next time...
A.x
