I can't be alone in finding most celeb ‘get the look’ features a bit pointless. Even if you have an ‘occasion’ to attend, the bridal couple or parents of the baby being christened probably wouldn’t appreciate you showing up in a wannabe A-list slashed-to-the-navel gown complete with train. And as for photos of Kim K strutting through LAX in leather leggings, stilettos and a fedora, ‘helpfully’ annotated with high street equivalents for us to buy? To shamelessly paraphrase Morrissey, it says nothing to me about my life.
Instead I’m inspired by the women in my favourite television shows, because even though they are fictional characters, they somehow seem more relatable and inspiring than celebrities’ 'real' lives - and wardrobes. So here are the women who are helping me get dressed right now when I’m all out of ideas...
**Mindy Lahiri, *The Mindy Project ***
We’re obsessed with Mindy Kaling's alter ego and star of The Mindy Project, Mindy Lahiri. Ms Kaling’s Insta feed is a technicolour tale of two wardrobes and it’s fascinating to see the similarities between her real clothes and those of her on-screen persona. Mindy L wears a ramped up version of Mindy K’s style, with a glorious mix of high street, designer, bright colours and prints (lots of leopard and Peter Pilotto). She favours a figure-hugging silhouette, high heels and colourful handbags, preferably from Chanel. This is the ultimate working woman’s wardrobe, just turned up to 11. If you’ve got an office job where you need to look smart, follow Mindy’s lead (when she lies on her office rug crying about being single, not so much.)
Hobbs Dariella Dress, £139
Zara Checked Pencilskirt, £29.99
Mango Heels, £39.99
Puck, Crimes of Passion
Puck is the girl detective / literature student who stars in BBC4’s sexy ‘50s Skandi drama, Crimes of Passion. It’s like Miss Marple crossed with Mad Men AND* The Killing* - beautiful people, gorgeous clothes and furniture so perfectly mid-century-modern it makes us want to weep. But best of all is Puck’s sassy, gamine style - skinny cigarette pants, preppy shirts, twinsets and sweaters, all worn with brogues or ballet flats. While the rest of the female characters are slinking around in pencil skirts so tight they’re effectively hobbled (albeit very stylishly) or full-skirted flowery frocks, Puck looks chic, androgynous and suitably dressed for chasing down murderers.
Gap Faded Crew Cardigan, £29.95
Clarks Griffin Maddy, £50
Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa
Ok, the culinary queen of the Hamptons (and one-time nuclear policy advisor to the White House) isn't technically a fictional character but she’s just too damn inspiring to leave out. And her gorgeous Hamptons lifestyle, complete with a gang of pastel-cashmere-jumper-wearing pals is pure fantasy. Ina has amazing style and it’s incredibly versatile. Her uniform of oversized silk shirts and black pyjama-style trousers, plus a shiny bob to rival Anna Wintour’s, would suit any age, shape or size. If you’re ever invited to something that requires ‘smart casual’ dress (so vague! not helpful!), Ina’s signature look is spot on.
Gap Black Loafers, £24.99
Peggy Carter, Agent Carter
Hayley Atwell’s super-spy Peggy Carter is the star of Agent Carter - Marvel’s TV spin-off from the Captain America films. In the show Peggy has to battle everyday sexism in the workplace while fighting the forces of evil in post-war America. It’s no easy gig, but she pulls it off with aplomb and looks pretty damn fantastic at the same time. The sharp-shouldered 1940s look with its high-waisted trousers, pin-up girl sweaters and tea dresses suits Hayley Atwell’s bod perfectly, and the blocky-heeled shoes she wears are both practical and feminine. Miuccia Prada would approve.
H&M Wide Trousers, £19.99
Uniqlo Ines Cotton Cashmere Short Sleeve Crew Neck Sweater, £29.90
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.