By Sophia Schack

As the Holiday Season is in full swing, it is important to give thanks to our fashion forefathers of the holiday’s past. Those who give us life, looks, and happiness deserve special recognition during the season of giving. There’s no end to the wisdom that the ghosts of fashion past, present and future can offer us in the do’s and don’ts of fashion. New York City has been home to some of our most recognizable fashion icons, and it’s important that we carry on their legacy this upcoming winter. From plaid to fur, mini skirts to hats, there is no piece of clothing nor accessory that can be overlooked when it comes to planning a holiday outfit that will make anyone feel hot even in the frigid New York weather. 

Of course, there cannot be mention of “New York” and “fashion” in the same sentence without thinking of the woman who started it all, Rachel Green. With a wardrobe to die for, Miss Green’s iconic looks throughout ten seasons of Friends left girls all over the world drooling over her effortlessly put-together style. In the episode “The One where the Monkey Gets Away,” Rachel is seen sporting a classic white mock neck top with a plaid mini skirt, a perfect pick for a holiday dinner or chasing after a monkey, maybe both, depending on how much you like your baby cousins. Sticking to the fashion classics is never a bad thing, and paired with a seasonal statement piece of plaid, this look becomes something that Brandy Melville could only dream of replicating. 

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It would be remiss to overlook Monica’s contributions to the fashion world, and her look on “The One With Christmas in Tulsa” stands out as a timeless outfit perfect for the cold. While others were getting teary-eyed over Chandler’s return for the holidays, I couldn’t help but admire her brown ensemble composed of a turtleneck and midi skirt, topped off with a tall boot. This outfit claims both comfort and style, making the perfect combination for a chilly day. 

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Now that the basics are covered, it’s time to move onto the only woman to trust when it comes to making a statement–Carrie Bradshaw. Sporting many recognizable looks throughout her time on Sex and the City, if there’s one thing Carrie Bradshaw taught us, it’s to be yourself when it comes to styling the perfect look. Bradshaw never shies away from including color and flare in her outfits, whether it be a burgundy handbag or feathered hairpiece. However, a winter staple that she nor the rest of New York can seem to get enough of is the fur coat. Sported in multiple episodes, Carrie’s fur coat pulls together her outfit, making it both warm and chic. 

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We cannot visit New York without taking a trip to the Upper East Side where Blair Waldorf perfected her 2000s chic and classy look. Her cold-weather fashion has a perfect blend of modern trends and timeless silhouettes, making her a role-model for all young girls frothing at the mouth for her designer wardrobe. One of her most notable dresses was worn on thanksgiving day, where she sports a babydoll cut mini dress and black sheer tights that give a coquette and doll-like vibe in a fall color palette. Perfect inspiration for more formal gatherings, this outfit is a holiday must with its classic and stylish features.

For a statement in red for Christmas, there is no better inspiration than the Queen of Oz herself, Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis. The puffed sleeves, sweetheart neckline, and cinched-in waist of her evening dress is the epitome of holiday fashion. The garnet-colored dress matching her red lip, contrasting effortlessly with a pair of white gloves and string of pearls, makes for an elegant homage to old Hollywood glamor. This sweet look will never not be jaw-dropping and nostalgic, definitely perfect to ‘having a merry little christmas’. 

For everyday fashion inspiration, look no further than the cult classic, When Harry Met Sally. Beyond the romance of the movie, there is a lot to learn on layering for colder weather. Sally holds her own master class on fashionably layering sweaters and blazers, making for a scholastic yet comfy look for day or night. She works with warm tones to highlight the cozy tone of the movie. Easy to interpret and make your own, Sally’s fashion is classy, fun, and perfect for the casual days in winter. 

Word of mouth is that a fun pair of pants is the new statement top for going out, and none more essential to have in your wardrobe than leather pants. Easy to pair with any top, it immediately elevates any outfit. Yet, the aesthetic girls on Pinterest were not the first to bring about this pleather phenomenon. Amongst the forgotten fashion icons lay Ross Geller and his incredibly tight leather pants in the New Year’s episode of Friends “The One With All the Resolutions”. Although impractical, the fitter leather pants and a tucked-in blouse is a style that has seen increasing popularity this season. He struggles with the common female conundrum of getting criminally tight pants back on. Remember ladies, comfort is of utmost importance, sometimes having to take precedence over confidence and style, a lesson that Ross had to learn the hard way. 

Fashion during the holiday season is alway about celebrating classic styles while adding a personal flair. From the classic outfits of Rachel Green and Monica Geller, to the bold and fun ensembles of Carrie Bradshaw and Blair Waldorf, these New York it-girls offer endless fashion inspiration for any occasion. Embrace the freezing cold in style this year, not forgetting the important lessons that our fashion forebears have given us. These style legacies have left us with much inspiration to incorporate into our own outfits, so go into this winter with the intention of being festive and fashionable for this holiday season.