London: Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston in Friends, has remained a significant fashion influence since the show’s airing. From slip dresses to colour-blocking, her iconic styles continue to inspire modern trends, illustrating the timeless appeal of her wardrobe choices across various fashion categories.
Rachel Green, a fictional character portrayed by Jennifer Aniston on the iconic television show Friends, has become an enduring fashion icon since the series aired from 1994 to 2004. With a background in the fashion industry, having worked at Bloomingdale’s and Ralph Lauren, Rachel’s wardrobe showcased the cutting-edge trends of the late 1990s and early 2000s, establishing her as a pivotal figure in the evolution of retro fashion.
Throughout the show’s ten-season run, Rachel Green’s distinctive style has solidified her status as a fashion trailblazer. From casual outfits to sophisticated evening wear, her ensembles are emulated even today, indicating the timeless quality of her wardrobe choices. The appeal of her style continues to resonate, as evidenced by the curated selections that reflect her influence on current fashion trends.
A particularly notable piece from Rachel’s wardrobe is the slip dress, a staple that she often sported for both casual gatherings and more fashionable outings. As the Reformation Parma Silk Dress, priced at £348, illustrates, slip dresses remain relevant today and can be styled for all seasons with the right accessories.
Another noteworthy trend is Rachel’s fearless approach to mixing colours, most famously combining black and brown in her outfits, a choice she showcased with a brown essential ribbed crew top from Whistles priced at £59. This combination has made a resurgence as chocolate brown emerges as one of the most popular colours of 2025.
Rachel’s mastery of layering is evidenced through her look featuring a high neck top paired with a check shirt, highlighting her namesake colour in a versatile look. Items such as the Celtic & Co. Mock Sleeveless Top at £32 and the Sezane Asunta Skirt, available for £135, exemplify this layering trend which has maintained its popularity.
The little black dress (LBD) holds a critical place in Rachel’s wardrobe, particularly her elegant qipao-inspired version, attracting attention for its chic design. The KITRI Philippa Black Moire Mini Dress, priced at £180, echoes the LBD’s versatility and elegance, showing its lasting appeal.
For a more relaxed look, Rachel championed plaid trousers with a simple cardigan, a timeless outfit configuration that remains fashionable. The combination of a Uniqlo 100% Merino Crew Neck Cardigan for £35 and Sezane Martin Trousers at £130 is an easy go-to for modern wardrobes.
In the realm of winter fashion, Rachel’s fondness for colour-blocked turtlenecks and mini skirts showcases playful style choices that endure today. High-end options such as the Perfect Moment Après Intarsia Wool Turtleneck Sweater and the Arket Wool Mini Skirt, priced at £295 and £87 respectively, reflect this enduring winter aesthetic.
Moving into more casual attire, Rachel frequently donned a denim playsuit with trainers, an unconventional pairing that proved successful. The COS Oversized Draped Double-Breasted Blazer at £135 teamed with We The Free Ziggy Shortalls for £88 highlights a trend that merges comfort with style.
The gingham dress, a quintessential summer staple, remains a beloved choice, much like when Rachel was seen wearing it on the show. The Nobodys Child Gingham Starlight Midi Dress, costing £89, continues this trend into modern collections.
Additionally, Rachel’s classic white tee and jeans ensemble remains a hallmark of effortless style, characterised by pieces such as the & Other Stories Crewneck T-Shirt for £19 and AGOLDE Henson Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, available for £310.
Further demonstrating her knack for style, Rachel sported a skirt co-ord outfit with ankle boots, showcasing how coordinated pieces solidify a polished appearance. The MANGO Denim Shirt With Bow and & Other Stories Denim Midi Skirt highlight this coordinating trend, furthered by the luxurious Jimmy Choo Cycas Ankle Boot at £995.
Rachel’s versatility also extended to her choice of timeless styles, from a sleeveless denim vest that she customised during her coffee shop days, accentuated by the Mint Velvet Indigo Denim Ruffle Gilet for £110, to adopting the athleisure trend that harkens back to the 1990s with everyday wear options like the Ba&sh Sweat Benjamin and Lululemon Cold Weather High-Rise Running Jogger.
Lastly, she embraced the Hawaiian shirt trend, showcasing a relaxed style with pieces such as the ALÉMAIS La Musica Printed Silk Crepe De Chine Shirt, available for £390, aimed for chic holiday flair.
The continual embrace of Rachel Green’s style serves to highlight the rich histories and evolving trends of retro fashion. As modern collections bring vintage-inspired pieces into contemporary relevance, the narratives woven through characters like Rachel Green remain central to the ongoing dialogue in the fashion world.
Source: Noah Wire Services
