The Workwear Lessons We Can (Still) All Learn From Rachel Green

Get ready to be schooled.

Rachel Green Coffee Shop House

by Lucy Morris |
Updated on

It’s been 26 years since Friendsaired its first episode and though the show has dated somewhat since then, there is one thing that’s still on the money: Rachel Green’s workwear wardrobe. It’s arguably the sitcoms unsung hero and has stood the test of time so well that Ralph Lauren have released a workwear collection inspired by the Jennifer Aniston's character.

Not too long ago, the internet went into a frenzy (and rightfully so) as official news broke of the rumoured Friends reunion. According to the Hollywood Reporter, HBO confirmed a one-off special with not one, not some, but all of the original six cast members. What better time is there to relive the nostalgic 'means business' styles of Rachel?

From her waistcoat and miniskirt Central Perk uniform to her straight-shooting Ralph Lauren suits, the show is worth re-watching if only for a dose of sartorial inspiration. Pull up a seat and take note...

Gallery

All Of The Times That Rachel Green Bossed Workwear In Friends

The One With The Waistcoat1 of 14

The One With The Waistcoat

Forget Kate Moss, Rachel Green served up the ultimate waistcoat rebrand in the early 2000s while working at Central Perk.

The One With Ralph Lauren2 of 14

The One With Ralph Lauren

Nothing's changed, we're still harbouring a crush for Rachel's leather jacket, poker straight hair and polo neck.

The One With The Barely buttoned Shirt3 of 14

The One With The Barely buttoned Shirt

Rachel (obviously) nailed her interview with Gucci thanks to this suit situation.

The One With The Brilliant Boots4 of 14

The One With The Brilliant Boots

Glossy, knee-high boots with a heel sturdy enough to spend a day stomping around in. Dreamy.

The One With The Fur Coat5 of 14

The One With The Fur Coat

Pink, fluffy and fake – this is our kind of fun fur coat.

The One With The Mini Skirt Suit6 of 14

The One With The Mini Skirt Suit

Taking the skirt suit to new heights, Rachel wasn't afraid of giving the co-ord legs.

The One With The 70s Collar7 of 14

The One With The 70s Collar

Showing little fear in the face of print, Rachel made a black suit pop with a retro blouse.

The One With The Low Denier Tights8 of 14

The One With The Low Denier Tights

Though they are liable to ladder at just the lightest graze, a low denier tight is the key to wearing an ultra short skirt to work.

The One With The Clueless Skirt9 of 14

The One With The Clueless Skirt

Taking notes from Cher, Rachel teamed a check skirt and short sleeve roll-neck.

The One With The Tie Situation10 of 14

The One With The Tie Situation

She was never not serving up looks, but the jury's out on whether Rachel managed to pull off the impossible by teaming a bootcut tailored trouser with pointed shoes and off the shoulder top and a tie.

The One Thatu2019s So Casual It Makes Your Boss Give You Side-Eye11 of 14

The One That’s So Casual It Makes Your Boss Give You Side-Eye

A white tee and a black mini skirt gives us heart eyes, even if it has the opposite effect on our employer.

The One With Head-to-Toe Brown12 of 14

The One With Head-to-Toe Brown

Brown is a tricky colour to pull off, but Rachel made it work with a dose of auburn hair dye and a chunky necklace.

The One With The Work Crush13 of 14

The One With The Work Crush

When you're Rachel Green you can justify this Christopher Kane-lite mini as a desk-to-date dress.

The One With The u2018I Mean Business’ Suit14 of 14

The One With The ‘I Mean Business’ Suit

Regardless of the situation, strong grey tailoring will give your argument gravitas.

SHOP: Rachel Green-Inspired Pieces To Up Your Workwear Game

Gallery

Shop Rachel's Wardrobe With Pieces You Can Buy Right Now

ARKET, 5/5 Cropped Wool Hopsack Waistcoat, £591 of 20

ARKET, 5/5 Cropped Wool Hopsack Waistcoat, £59

Cashmere Turtle Neck Sweater, £249, Ralph Lauren2 of 20

Ralph Lauren, Cashmere Turtle Neck Sweater, £249

Black Leather Fitted Jacket, £195, Topshop3 of 20

TOPSHOP, Black Leather Fitted Jacket, £195

COS, Lapel Neck Cotton Shirt, £29.504 of 20

COS, Lapel Neck Cotton Shirt, £29.50

Russel & Bromley, Trilogy Mid-Heel Boot, £3655 of 20

Russel & Bromley, Trilogy Mid-Heel Boot, £365

SHRIMPS, River Coat, £6956 of 20

SHRIMPS, River Coat, £695

Uterqu00fce, Embellished Cardigan, £997 of 20

Uterqüe, Embellished Cardigan, £99

Uterqu00fce, Embellished Skirt, £59.908 of 20

Uterqüe, Embellished Skirt, £59.90

PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL, Animal Print Cotton poplin Shirt, £1899 of 20

PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL, Animal Print Cotton poplin Shirt, £189

MAJE, Jabaki pleated leather mini skirt, £37010 of 20

MAJE, Jabaki pleated leather mini skirt, £370

REISS, Lavinia Leather Chain Clasp Waist Belt, £5011 of 20

REISS, Lavinia Leather Chain Clasp Waist Belt, £50

Charles & Keith, Mary Jane Strap Flat Mules, £4512 of 20

Charles & Keith, Mary Jane Strap Flat Mules, £45

Heavy-Weight T-shirt, £35, Arket13 of 20

ARKET, Heavy-Weight T-shirt, £35

REISS, Ginnie Jacket, £16514 of 20

REISS, Ginnie Jacket, £165

Ginnie Trouser, £120, Reiss15 of 20

REISS, Ginnie Trouser, £70

PVC Layered Collar Mesh Panelled Wool Dress, £1850, Fendi at Matchesfashion16 of 20

FENDI, PVC Layered Collar Mesh Panelled Wool Dress, £1850

Woven Knit Dress,  £2275, Bottega Veneta17 of 20

Bottega Veneta, Woven Knit Dress, £2275

A.W.A.K.E. MODE, Off-Shoulder Cotton Poplin Blouse, £28218 of 20

A.W.A.K.E. MODE, Off-Shoulder Cotton Poplin Blouse, £282

& Other Stories, Plaid Mini Skirt, £2719 of 20

& Other Stories, Plaid Mini Skirt, £27

ZARA, Pinstripe Shirt, £19.9920 of 20

ZARA, Pinstripe Shirt, £19.99

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