There’s nothing I love more than rewatching a few episodes of Friends at the end of each day. The mindless dialogue, the sense of humor, and the all-too-familiar Central Perk setting make it the ultimate comfort show for me. Another endearing aspect? The iconic ‘90s fashion that’s featured in each episode.
I think that most fans would agree that Jennifer Aniston’s outfits go down as the most iconic. Her character, Rachel Green, wore a seemingly endless number of looks that fit the part of her growing career in the fashion industry. After all, with a Bloomingdale’s discount and a career as a clothing buyer, she was basically destined to steal the spotlight on the fashion front.
While my personal style might match up more with Rachel’s, looking back, I have to admit that many of Monica’s looks have aged equally as well. Sure, Monica isn’t necessarily remembered as the best dressed, but she wore outfits that are just as iconic as her bestie’s. Her mix of classic staples, like mom jeans, cowl-neck tanks, and tight tees, combined with more out-of-the-box pieces like pinstripe trousers and bright suede boots were as aspirational as they are attainable.
I’m saving these seven Monica Geller looks to recreate the next time I think “I don’t know what to wear today.”
The one with a preppy cardigan
I wouldn’t exactly describe Monica’s style as preppy, but this outfit argues otherwise. The open-front cardigan paired with light-wash jeans gives off major cool-girl energy. Plus, this outfit is just a practical choice when dressing for transitional weather. The argyle pattern on her sweater is really what makes this look so fun, but even if that print isn’t your thing, you could achieve equally as preppy vibes with something collared or striped.
The one with a classic button-up
You simply can’t go wrong with a button-up shirt—especially when you adjust it to fit the denim-on-denim trend that we (and Beyoncé) can’t get enough of. The result? A look that’s as classic as it gets. Rock the look successfully by going with two pieces that are completely different washes, as Monica does here with a light-wash shirt and darker jeans. Also noteworthy: The fact that Monica’s perfectly white socks (which I’m sure she bleaches) peek through between the hem of her jeans and her sneakers. Maybe we should all bring back that ‘90s tube sock look.
The one with the mini skirt
The mini skirt. The oversized cardigan. The snug-as-can-be tank. Everything about this look is chic. The ensemble would pair seamlessly with some slingback heels or chunky loafers, and it strikes the perfect balance between casual and elevated. Wear a similar mini skirt and cardi to a coffee meeting, then keep it on to grab post-work drinks. You could also add a headband if you want to play up the preppiness.
The one with ’90s-inspired athleisure
Courtney Cox somehow had a way of making even the most laid-back outfits look cute. And while none of the characters seemed to shy away from a good athleisure look, she seemed to reach for them the most frequently. Thankfully, oversized crewnecks and leggings are still socially acceptable to wear in public. Combine the two pieces with white sneakers, a tote bag, and your favorite sunglasses, and you’ll have the ideal uniform to run your weekend errands in.
The one with a floral skirt and sweater
In one of Monica’s more feminine looks, she paired a cropped sweater tee with a flowy midi skirt. While online shopping, I couldn’t help but notice that boxy sweater tees actually seem to be making a comeback. To make it a bit more modern, I’d swap Monica’s floral skirt for a silky, solid-colored option. Combined with a white or beige top, you’ll have a comfortable look to wear while getting brunch with friends or heading to the farmer’s market.
The one with a tank and high-rise denim
If there’s one thing I learned from researching Monica’s outfits, it’s that she could really rock the color red. The combination of the bright color with her dark hair makes for such a timeless look. I personally tend to lean more toward neutrals, but this simple outfit makes a case for adding more bold pieces to your wardrobe (even if you’re also a minimalist like me). To make a subtle nod to the look, try incorporating just one red piece, like a tank, off-the-shoulder top, or even a T-shirt, with your everyday denim.
The one with the form-fitting gown
Ross and Emily’s wedding may not have aged well, but the fiery red dress Monica wore certainly did. The classic silhouette, cowl neckline, and silky fabric on this stunner make it the perfect inspiration for any weddings or formal events you have on the docket. In true Monica fashion, this pretty gown confirms that sometimes, simple pieces can make the biggest statement.
