You're All Chaotic & Twirly
that's what maxi skirts are for | season one, episode two
This is The One With The Fashion, a newsletter exploring the fashion + culture of Friends, episode by episode. Thanks for reading & supporting this project <3
We have to start by addressing the elephant in the room.
Carol.
I know that replacing actors is sometimes inescapable, but does it needlessly annoy me every time? Yes, yes it does. Don’t get me wrong, this Carol (Anita Barone) is perfectly fine, but she’s not Carol, ya know?
That being said, I want to talk about her introductory look. We really only see her in one outfit in the episode, (two if the dreaded paper gown counts) a sundress/ mary janes combo. Looking at her style throughout the rest of the series, this look is somewhat consistent, but there is definitely an evolution that we see! I think it’s hard to even compare because I never can reconcile the two Carols.
We also meet Susan this episode, whose look compliments Carol well, and it’s a classic ‘90s uniform but with a sailor bow twist. I love the added belt on the dress as well.
Speaking of Susan, how do we feel about her as a character? Personally I’ve always thought she’s hilarious (her delivery of “otherwise they don’t let you do it” when Ross mentions having books on being a lesbian is iconic) and though I’m not a Ross apologist by any means, I do feel she was unnecessarily hard on him, especially in the beginning.
I NEED TO TALK ABOUT MONICA’S VEST.
Truly ahead of its time. I know we deem Rachel the style icon- and she is one- but in my opinion Monica has just as many memorable moments. Take the vest she wears when having her parents over for dinner. (Mmmm, what’s that curry taste? Curry.) The cut of the vest and the tie back are reminiscent of a corset (hello, recent resurgence) and the black pants give it such a sleek look. The layered necklace is just the curry cherry on top.
I think this is by far my favorite of the episode.
Same But Different
Something interesting I noticed is that at one point, Rachel & Phoebe seem to be wearing different variations of pretty much the same outfit- a printed maxi skirt and colored tee. The difference lies in the skirt; Phoebe’s is still more of her boho vibe and Rachel’s more classic casual. I don’t know if Debra McGuire did this intentionally, but I like to think she did, because the idea of unconsciously picking up on little pieces of our friends’ personalities sometimes is very real and I think it’s cute!
The Denim Of It All
For pretty much the rest of the episode Rachel wears some kind of denim, and I love it, especially the way she wears her overalls when she goes to visit Barry in his office. The little white cami underneath is cute on its own, but then paired with the cardigan? File under things you wouldn’t think work together but totally do. I will now be wearing cardigans with my overalls from now on.
Sorry guys, this one’s all about the girls. As it should be, honestly.
I do really like Chandler’s pinstripe shirt & jeans combo, though.
Favorite Quote
“Ugly Naked Guy Got a Thighmaster!” -Chandler Bing
*Shoutout to @theonewitheveryoutfit on instagram for the majority of this week’s photos! What a fun account to stumble upon :)
a note:
I honestly have no idea where this is taking me but I’m having fun doing it! I’m still kind of figuring out the flow of each newsletter, so bear with me. If you have anything specific you want me to cover or explore please let me know! Anyway, episode 3, The One With the Thumb, is one of my favorites of season one, so I’m excited to dive in! See you then <3
xoxo, Kaeleen