Over 30 Years After ‘Friends,’ Rachel Green’s Style Is Still Relevant

Today marks 32 years since Friends premiered. And three decades later, there’s one take about the show no longer up for debate: Rachel Green is the clear style star of the group. 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 like myself and for our personal style. That 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 skirt. I can’t be the only one who consistently leaned on Rachel Green’s style for inspiration.

Phoebe and Monica had cute looks of their own, but we saw Rachel evolve from a pouf-sleeve runaway bride to a hardcore fashion exec with gigs at Bloomingdale’s and Ralph Lauren. And the real proof of her influence is in its legacy: Now, more than 30 years after the show’s premiere, the character’s wardrobe is full of looks I’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.

So, join me in a look back at Rachel’s enduring style. Before you begin bingeing Friends yet again, take a minute to feel nostalgic over some of the best Rachel Green style moments ever. Maybe they’ll even inspire tomorrow’s outfit.

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 combo à la Rachel Green is hard to beat. It’s the kind of outfit that looks like you’ve got somewhere cool to be even if you’re just running errands down the street. Once the weather gets colder, layer a cardigan or boxy blazer on top—same cool-girl vibes, just a little warmer.

The statement blazer

Rachel’s personal style usually leaned more casual, but she knew how to rock a power suit or a structured blazer. Taking Rachel’s leopard-print jacket as inspiration—give your oversized black blazer a break and reach for something with a personality print: stripes, florals, animal print, etc. Keep the Rachel vibes going by pairing with a simple slip skirt or pencil skirt and a cute little granny bag.

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 wowing us with statement bags and masterfully crafted updos, she was letting her hair down in looks that skewed more masculine, like the Hawaiian shirt and cargo pants look seen above. A relaxed short-sleeve button-down (a.k.a. dad shirt) is a handy layering piece no matter the season. It looks especially cool sandwiched between a blazer and a tank top on a chilly day.

Prim and preppy

When Rachel meant business, her preppy game was A+. Just take this turtleneck-tank and pencil skirt combo for example. The lines are clean and classic, and the grass-green hue is at the top of today’s trends list. (So is red, if you want another Rachel-approved color option.) Style a similar look with sneakers for daytime, or edge it up with sleek kitten-heel knee-high boots if you are headed to the office.