In the lead-up to this Sunday’s Girls Season 2 premiere, much has been written on the fashion sense — or lack thereof — of the show’s characters, and by extension, that of its costume designer, Jenn Rogien. The Times , which emphasizes the show’s concern with veracity, has us believe that each character’s outfits in Girls are what they would wear in reality, with real-life budgets (in which case, we’re jealous of Marnie being able to afford DVF). And as Girls star and creator Lena Dunham tells the paper, the show’s producers are wary of outfits with a “TV-matchy-cutesy-ness” vibe, and of outfits that fit “a little too well.” Girls is, after all, about a group of young women making mistakes – the ones we’re told constantly that we’re meant to be making in our 20s, many of which will inevitably be fashion ones. Still, there’s plenty of inspiration to take from the show’s beautifully bashful wardrobes, which perfectly reflect that new Season 2 slogan we’re seeing everywhere, “Almost getting it kind of together.” Before a new season of controversial fashion dawns upon us, we’ve taken a moment to consider what we can learn from the first season’s most interesting outfits.
How to Dress for Work Because who says a cardigan covered in tomatoes isn’t first-day-of-work appropriate? Also ticks the vegetable-chic box nicely. (Well, fruit actually.)
How to Dress for a Swanky Art Party
Marnie is the most put together of the four girls – when it comes to clothes, that is. She’s also the most uptight, hence the fitted dress. Next time you’re invited to a posh cultured party, opt for a tailored, Kate Middleton-style dress like Marnie’s to impress.
How to Travel in Style This is what Jessa’s wearing when we first meet her in the pilot, as she rocks up to Shoshanna’s in New York in a yellow taxi, clutching her Louis Vuitton luggage. With her boho, Bob Dylan hat and vintage polka dot scarf, she looks every inch the glamorous jet- and trend-setter – a first impression that will stick throughout the season. Now that’s how to accessorize.
How to Lounge Like a Lady And this is what Shoshanna’s wearing when we first meet her. We thought we’d left velour, along with our favorite pair of Ugg boots, tucked safely away in 2003. But Shoshanna’s the ultimate girlie girl, and she should wear whatever the hell she wants, even that gold chain that adds a certain Godfather vibe to her Juicy getup, and especially when not in public.
How to Lounge With Your Boyfriend
You won’t get a cuddle out of Adam (at least at first), but you’ll get a constant cuddle in a onesie. The perfect his-and-hers solution to post-coital lounging, and the like. The brave might even wear it outside, like Hannah and Adam. (Probably best to keep this one indoors, though.)
How to Lounge Like a Lady, Pt. II
Shoshanna loves her loungewear. The slanket is the single girl’s answer to the onesie, and the best way to watch a weekend’s worth of trash TV.
How to Wear PJs in the Park Ever the advocate of underwear as outerwear (remember that see-through white dress she wears for her gig as a nanny?), Jessa slips on a gorgeous sheer kimono – with a pair of Uggs, no less – for a date with an old flame. Pin your hair up in a bun, and add cherry red lipstick and statement earrings to complete the look.
How to Dress for the Best Party Ever
These girls know how to make an entrance. Shoshanna, in her sequin skirt, has clearly never been to a warehouse party in Bushwick before. Hannah’s sporting more colors than Uniqlo, and Jessa’s in… well, whatever died on her, it looks seriously cool.
How to Dress for Your Wedding A devout fan of vintage clothing, Jessa’s always wearing something borrowed. The shoes are the perfect something blue, and the hippie headband’s a nod to her bohemian style, while the high hem of her dress sticks a middle finger up to tradition.
How to Dress for Your Friend’s Surprise Wedding
Wear a white dress, obviously, like Shoshanna – which, in this case, is more prim than the bride’s dress. Or opt for a silky, show-stopping number like the svelte Marnie.
How to Dress for Your Friend’s Surprise Wedding, Pt. II In the series finale, Hannah doesn’t stay for long at Jessa’s impromptu wedding. She has a tiff with Adam outside, instead. He ends up in hospital, hit by a car, and she in Coney Island, eating wedding cake alone on the beach in this pretty floral dress.