Stop everything. The first ever Brady Bunch convention is happening this weekend in New Jersey. Do you know what this means? It’s time to pull out your Carol Brady butterfly-collared, avocado-green dress and pay tribute to one of TV’s most fashionable moms. Florence Henderson singlehandedly made sitcom motherhood more psychedelic than it had ever been before, thanks to her incredible wardrobe.
She’s not just a TV mom, she’s the TV mom. From her extensive frilly nightgown collection, to her ginormous collars and vests, Mrs. Brady was always impeccably dressed for a ’70s disco party. She also knew how to accessorize. Note the long, slightly Stevie Nicks-ish necklace. Very cool.
No matter what your opinion is on her parenting style, one thing is indisputable: Betty Francis knows how to dress. Her waistline hugging dress suits and perfectly primped hair make me cringe at my workout pants. Throw me a skirt, Betty!
Conducting research on human sexuality is no small feat, and neither is being a mother. How she even has the time to purchase a wardrobe is a mystery to me. But between her and high-waisted pencil skirts, she is the poster child for late ’50s elegance. I’m calling dibs on the hat.
I’m fudging this one a bit since Denise became a mom much later on The Cosby Show, but I do this with good reason. Denise Huxtable may very well go down as one of the most stylish characters in television history. Between her printed head wraps, eccentric hats, and slouchy sweaters, she’s got boho-chic executed to perfection . . . don’t let these Google image results tell you otherwise.
Endora is one witchy momma with the clothes to prove it. , but she was a witch, for goodness sake. What do you expect?
Aside from that voluminous red hair, Peggy Bundy is best known for her waist-cinching belts and spandex pants. Some argue that her leopard print leotards are beyond the boundaries of “good taste,” but I say what the heck. Her style is kitschy, and that’s why we love it.
Aah, Morticia and her minimalist ways. Seeing as though the concept for Morticia’s character was born in the 1930s by cartoonist, Charles Addams, it’s safe to say that she may very well be the original gothic girl. We learned from Morticia that if you’re going to wear one dress all the time, you better make it a black, floor-length gown, with draping sleeves and a plunging neckline.
Selina’s outfits are just as sharp as her tongue. And while her foul mouth borders on is totally unprofessional, her tailored dresses paint a very different portrait. To all my working office professionals, take heed. The only F-bombs you should be dropping are some Ferragamos at the end of a long work day.
Wilhelmina Slater is undoubtedly an ice queen (her daughter Nico would probably agree), but boy does she know how to work an outfit. Whether she’s flaunting a flamboyant white suit or a sleek and simple dress, she rarely disappoints in the style department. Just remember—a crappy attitude is the ugliest thing you can ever wear (seriously).
Laura Petrie exuded that classic ’60s elegance in every piece she wore, but let us not forget about her infamous Capri pants! Mary Tyler Moore, who played the character of Laura Petrie, insisted that it was unrealistic for women to do housework draped in dresses and jewels, and opted for the pants instead. Of course, the wardrobe choice caused a bit of controversy at first, but later became popular to female viewers.
Lily van der Woodsen possesses a certain sophistication that requires a matching attitude to go along with it. Even though her clothes are contemporary, she’s got that retro-chic spark fit for a ’60s fashion magazine. With the exception of Endora and her daughter Samantha on Bewitched, Lily and Serena van der Woodsen might be one of the most fashionable mother-daughter combos in TV history.
Alicia Florrick is not only a smart woman, but also a smart dresser. She’s the definition of sleek sophistication and a poster child for modern work wear. I’ll take two of those jackets, thank you.
In spite of the hulking shoulder pads and confusing hemlines that dominated ’80s fashion, Clair Huxtable still managed to come out on the other side totally unscathed. Not to mention, she’s one of the most beloved sitcom moms of all time.
I think I’m slowly coming to the realization that antagonists are generally well-dressed, and Victoria Grayson is certainly no exception to the rule. Has she ever not worn a contemporary designer dress?
Is there any other character more lovable than Lucy Ricardo? While she may be revered for being one of the greatest sitcom stars of all time, we also would like to give an appreciative nod to mid-century dresses and head wraps.
I don’t know about you, but I’m all for a little white asymmetrical dress and chunky necklace. Betty’s blue number with the Grecian neckline isn’t too shabby either. . . figuratively speaking, I mean.