The HBO comedy Girls is known for causing, for some reason, a firestorm of controversy wherever it goes. Just like the show itself, the fashion on Girls also tends to be of the “love it or hate it” variety. For every girl dreaming of Jessa’s style, there’s another wondering what in the world she was thinking when she got dressed in the morning.
If you fall into the admiration category, the looks in the Brooklyn-set comedy are edgy and realistic. Most of the clothes looks like something you might be able to afford, if not actually have the guts to wear.
Whether you’re a Hannah or a Shoshanna, we’re breaking down the fashion cues for reproducing your own “voice of a generation” look:
Hannah (Lena Dunham)
Hannah’s whole fashion philosophy can be summed up in two words: forget flattering. If you want to dress like budding novelist Hannah, it’s time to throw everything you’ve learned from fashion magazines about the “right” clothes for your body out the window. Wear what you want and wear it proud!
Signature items: Brightly colored dresses, mixed prints, and jean shorts.
Word of warning: Please have any drastic haircut done by a professional.
Marnie (Allison Williams)
Originally the girl in Girls with her life most together, times have been tough for Marnie. She’s lost her job and lost her boyfriend, but gained a ridiculous singing career. Thankfully her style has stayed consistently excellent. Marnie’s style is classic all the way, including tailored silhouettes, versatile dresses, and fun pops of color.
Signature items: A pencil-length skirt and a classic trench.
Word of warning: You might feel like a million bucks in Marnie’s wardrobe, but this never means it’s a good idea to sing Kanye West at your ex-boyfriend’s party.
Jessa (Jemima Kirke)
Jessa’s style redefines eccentric. Her life is crazy; she’s gone from being a nanny to being a wife to being in rehab, and her clothes reflect her nomadic lifestyle. Jessa’s style is the kind it’s almost impossible to pull off without a healthy dose of rock star attitude.
Signature items: A dramatic coat made entirely out of feathers and silk pajamas worn as casual wear.
Word of warning: You might feel like a free-spirit by aping Jessa’s fashion sense, but avoid dalliances with married men and spur of the moment weddings.
Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet)
College is ending for Shoshanna and the real world is approaching, but that hasn’t altered Shosh’s trendy girlish style. Shoshanna is all about keeping up on trends, yet her naivete still shows through in her sweet style. Her look is decidedly girly, with a bubblegum color palette made up of plenty of pinks and pastels.
Signature items: Put a bow on everything and wear your hair in a donut.
Word of warning: No matter how cute and sparkly your skirt, you should never accept drugs while waiting for the bathroom. It’s always going to be crack.
What do you think? Do you love the fashion on Girls? Which lady has your favorite look? Share in the comments!
