Time to Grab the Popcorn

Still in quarantine with nothing to do? My coping mechanisms have been Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO, Amazon Prime, and well, you get it. There is no better distraction than watching an entire series in a week (or a day, no judgment). I haven't dressed up or even put on a pair of jeans in about a month. Instead, I’ve chosen to watch people wear spectacular outfits for me. That counts, right? Either way, my advice while you’re stuck at home is to get your fit inspiration while also falling in love with a new show. And we all know about Carrie Bradshaw, Rachel Green, and Serena van der Woodsen, so here are my top 7 underrated binge-worthy series.

#7: Pose, Netflix

These queens promised to serve, and honey, they did not disappoint. The show takes place in NYC in the 1980s, and it’s all about the LGBTQ community and ball culture. You’ll be awed by the talents of drag queens, the stories of transgender individuals, and the stunning fashion they wear. But, Pose also shows the struggles and endeavors that the community faces: being disowned by their families, rejection from society, and the AIDS crisis. It’s heart-wrenching, putting you through a roller coaster of emotions. However, that roller coaster is accompanied by extraordinary style. For example, we have all seen Billy Porter’s red carpet masterpieces (if you haven’t, shame shame shame), and in Pose, he brings us the same elegant and trailblazing looks. He constantly challenges gender constructs by embracing both femininity and masculinity, something other celebrities are adopting as well nowadays (think of Harry Styles, Tyler the Creator, Ross Lynch, and Ansel Elgort). In almost every episode, he shows off the strength of a turtleneck with a loud blazer over it. But if that doesn’t do it, he will add several broaches to the collar, making every look unique. And his loafers? To. Die. For. All the characters serve fabulous looks as well, embodying all your 80s dreams. From retro sweaters to bright eyeshadow, you can always find some inspiration for your ootd.

#6: High Fidelity, Hulu

Zoe Kravitz. Need I say more? She plays Rob Brooks, a Brooklyn record store owner and girl who has major issues when it comes to her love life (but don’t we all). High Fidelity navigates through Rob’s troubled relationships, including first crushes, exes, and a new budding romance. Rob gets her heart broken over and over and over, yet still manages to look flawless while doing so. I can’t relate, because if you know me, my one breakup ended with bangs! Breakup bangs, for that matter, how tragic. Rob’s style is effortless, with a bid of edge. If you are laid back, her style is perfect for you. She tends to sport wide-legged boyfriend jeans, leather jackets, and comfortable vintage band tees. I have never seen someone wear button-down Hawaiian shorts as well as her, but she makes it work. The best part of the show is Rob’s record store, the soundtrack is straight vibes. With only ten, 25-minute episodes, High Fidelity is an easy binge. I finished in a day #noregrets.

Illustration based on Carrie Bradshaw from The Carrie Diaries by Elle Menzel. — Illustration based on Carrie Bradshaw from *The Carrie Diaries* by Elle Menzel.

#5: Carrie Diaries, Youtube

Okay, so I lied. Well, kind of. I know I said that everyone already knows Carrie Bradshaw is a fashion icon, but the Carrie Diaries proves she’s been this way since the beginning,even before she met Big, Miranda, Samantha, or Charlotte. Although the show came out in 2012, it still is relevant with its nostalgic 80s fashion (I love the era’s style, I can’t help the repetition). If you are searching for more color in your wardrobe, the Carrie Diaries will provide. Mix matching prints and saturated colors is Carrie’s go-to while discovering Manhattan for the first time. But her handbags are truly her standout pieces, specifically her iconic hand-painted crossbody. Her style is youthful and kittenish, igniting your desire to be Carrie Bradshaw all over again.

Illustration based off Jules from Euphoria by Carley Chastain. — Illustration based off Jules from *Euphoria* by Carley Chastain.

#4: Euphoria, HBO

This show is f*cked. I’m not even going to try to sugarcoat it. If you’re not over 17 or are struggling with mental health, please don’t watch Euphoria (PSA: it depicts sexual violence, substance abuse, and self harm). But for others, this show can be spectacular, and insanely relatable. Zendaya plays Rue, a 17 year old drug addict getting out of rehab. She meets Jules, the new girl in town, whom she immediately falls for. Euphoria tackles addiction, body image, sexuality, daddy issues, slut-shaming, and more. But along with its topics and uncensored portrayal of the teenage experience, the show also became widely popular for its avant-garde makeup, which has been one of the hottest trends of this year. The Euphoria girls don colorful lids, winged eyeliner, glossy lips, and glitter everywhere. The show will no doubt encourage you to take your makeup skills to the next level, or try something new you’ve never done. Why the hell not? But, in terms of clothes, what I learned is mini skirts. Whether bodycon or tennis cut, show off your legs with the shortest item you can conjure, and embrace your inner Maddy, Cassie, Jules, or Kat.

Illustration based on Fallon Carrington from Dynasty by Elle Menzel. — Illustration based on Fallon Carrington from *Dynasty* by Elle Menzel.

#3: Dynasty, Netflix

Two words: BAD. ASS. Elizabeth Gillies did not come to play in Dynasty. She acts as Fallon Carrington in this reboot of a primetime soap from the 80s, in which we get an inside look into the dirty business of the 1% and their amazing clothes as well. Fallon is completely the type of badass I aspire to be (possibly looking past her political views). Her pantsuits are powerful, taking form in bright, saturated colors. Oh, and always with stilettos. Monochromatic outfits are a must too, so to imitate this business diva, choose a color story, and stay within that range. But if Dynasty isn’t what you’re into, no worries, Gillies and her costume designer post all of the best looks on Instagram, so just follow their feeds to see Fallon’s glorious fits.

Illustration based on Astrid from The Politician by Sydney Theiss. — Illustration based on Astrid from *The Politician* by Sydney Theiss.

#2: The Politician, Netflix

Netflix truly outdid themselves with this original series. If you haven’t seen it yet, you are missing out on not only quality drama TV, but also impeccable style. Ben Platt, the show’s protagonist, wearing Polo Ralph Lauren suits should be enough to make you want to watch. Or even just Ben Platt. If your style is more preppy, then The Politician is perfect for you. Pearls, tweed skirts, and chic blazers embellish an over-the-top story of a highschool presidential election. These crazy-rich Californians wear designer everything, from Chanel handbags for school to Carolina Herrera dresses for gardening. All of the outfits are a mix of price ranges in the fashion industry today: Maje is paired with Urban Outfitters, Valentino with Zara, and Alexander McQueen with Topshop. The result is affordable outfit inspo with room to daydream about lounging around in Gucci pajamas.

#1: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amazon Prime

Welcome to the 50s! This series is about Midge Maisel, an Upper West Side, Jewish housewife with a knack for stand-up. If you have not seen this show, WTF?! The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel series has racked up 34 nominations and won 16 Emmys. Not only is it the funniest show I have come across, but the period-appropriate clothing is mouth-watering. I have never fallen more in love with someone’s closet. Every episode, Midge seems to surprise you with a new hat: the color, the construction, the shape are never the same. You begin to wonder how they manage to pull that off. Regardless, her classy tea-length dresses, red lipstick, and square necklines remain forever timeless for any fashion lover. Midge embodies a regal yet rebellious manner, which is what makes her such a compelling character. But then again, I am a sucker for vintage fashion, and if you are too, this show is for you.

All illustrations were done by amazing artists. I could not be more excited to show their work. Support them by giving their art accounts a follow on Instagram. The Carrie Diaries and Dynasty illustrations were done by Elle Menzel. Follow her @eellllles.eyes. Euphoria was done by Carley Chastain. Follow her @eyecarleyc. Lastly, The Politician was done by Sydney Theiss. Follow her @sydneytheiss.art.