This take might ruffle some feathers. Ever since binging Friends for the first time back in college, I have been a Phoebe Buffay style apologist. My roommates loved Rachel’s crisp white button downs and flare jeans, but I found her fashion to be risk-averse (read: boring), and Monica, well, she accessorizes with yellow cleaning gloves.
But Phoebe? She’s quirky. Eclectic. Her polka dot leggings remind me of my kindergarten art teacher, and her necklaces are always delightfully chunky. Her sartorial choices exude a spirited self-possession and coolness that make her, in my opinion, the best-dressed friend.
There are so many other reasons to love Lisa Kudrow’s iconic character, from her loyalty to her kindness. Clothing is just another reminder of how much confidence she has. As we know from the episode “The One Where Phoebe Runs,” Phoebe doesn’t care what you think about her—and at its truest form, isn’t that what fashion is all about? As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Friends premiere, here are five reasons why Pheebs is a style icon for the ages.
Her Whimsical Maxi Skirts
Quiet luxury trembles when Phoebe walks into the room. She has a lot of loud staples in heavy rotation, but my favorite is her maxi skirts, which she owns in a million different colors and patterns. Some are paisley print, others are patterned with bold florals. She often pairs them with sweaters and long necklaces. The vibe is fun and whimsical, not to mention very comfortable.
Spell Road Trip Denim Maxi Skirt
Ganni Leopard-Print Chiffon Maxi Skirt
Reformation Bella Skirt
The Velvet Dresses
Brat summer is over, and that means fall fashion has finally (finally!) arrived. There is perhaps no better way to kick off cozy season than slipping on a long velvet dress and going on a leaf-peeping stroll. Velvet dresses are soft, warm, perfect for layering, and also…kind of witchy? Phoebe wears a lot of them.
Diane von Furstenberg Trent Tile Print Velvet Burnout Slipdress
Lovers + Friends Simone Dress
Ralph Lauren Velvet Scoopneck Tank Dress
A Good Chunky Necklace
![phoebe buffay on the hit nbc series](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2575724-66d8d95280233.jpg?crop=0.6629333333333333xw:1xh;center "The Final Days Of "Friends"")
One unforgettable fashion trend from the early aughts—which ELLE’s fashion features director declared is having a major comeback—is the chunky necklace. Many have tried, but no one does it better than Phoebe. She loves a good beaded moment and an oversized medallion. She’ll go for a choker or extra-long chain; she’s not picky. As long as it’s big. And as long as it’s chunky.
Collina Strada Silver Celeste Necklace
Heaven Mayhem Julia Necklace
Those Weird, Wacky Leggings
If I had to pick a second fashion icon, besides Phoebe of course, it would be my elementary school art teacher. She wore big red glasses, stacks of bracelets, and polka dot leggings. There’s just something about choosing to dress totally for yourself. In some episodes, Phoebe is definitely giving me art teacher vibes—and I do mean that in the best way possible.
Adore Me Cora Cozy 7/8
Pucci Orchidee Printed Leggings
And, of Course, Her Scrunchies
In Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw famously tells her boyfriend Berger that no one wears scrunchies anymore—that a New Yorker wouldn’t be caught dead with one in her hair. Well, Phoebe Buffay begs to differ. Like many fashion magazine editors, I bow down at the altar of Bradshaw, but in this case she is just so wrong! Scrunchies were and will always be “in.” They’re practical and cute. Bonus points if, like Phoebe, you have them in an array of colors and textures.
Emi Jay Silk Scrunchie
Hunza G Crinkle Scrunchie
