We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us the most fashionable Black characters of all time, and they shared several Black women who made fashion history onscreen. Here’s what they had to say:
1.“The exquisite Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, who never saw a moment in her entire life when she wasn’t just button-down PERFECT.”
Hilary stylishly dressed in a black suit and black hat in one image, and a red jacket with a black hat in another
“Even though I wish somebody would please explain to me before I die just how a formally uneducated, bubble-headed debutante without a brain in her head (but God help me, I love her!) manages to land a gig as a nationally syndicated talk show hostess!!!”
2.“Olivia Pope from Scandal. Simple elegance. Her wardrobe is iconic. She went from wearing all white to black to even trying different color-themed outfits at the end, but no one looked as good as her while solving a crisis.”
Olivia woman in TV scenes: left, in a business suit; right, in a stylish trench coat outside a building
—38, Minnesota
“Scandal’s magnificent Olivia Pope is dressed to the nines 24/7 and belongs on this list.”
3.“I always admired the fashion style of the one-and-only Mrs. Clair Hanks Huxtable from The Cosby Show. She dressed appropriately for every occasion and looked elegant doing so.”
Clair in stylish outfits: one in a business suit seated on a couch, the other in a yellow top with a blue sweater and matching pants
“For example, when she injured her foot yet still had to compete in the ‘Smooth’ contest, she altered her costume so creatively that she won unanimously.”
4.“Cousin Rachel from Family Matters. I want HER ENTIRE WARDROBE.”
Rachel in two different looks: a red outfit with a headscarf, the other in a black off-shoulder dress holding a child
—30, Washington
5.“Jessica Pearson in Suits. She looks more like a runway model than a lawyer, and all her dresses and coats are gorgeous.”
Two images of an elegantly dressed Jessica indoors: one in a sleeveless dress, the other in a tailored outfit holding a red handbag
6.“Lisa Turtle from the almost-unbearably treacly Saved By the Bell.”
Two photos of Lisa in stylish outfits: one in a denim jacket with large earrings, the other in a denim top and floral skirt
“However, homegirl needs to seriously consider a new surname that is definitely more reflective of how beautiful she actually is — Lisa is certainly no turtle!!!!!”
7.“Moesha from Moesha.”
Moesha in casual outfits, including a blazer and slacks
—41, New Orleans
8.“Whitley Gilbert from A Different World. She always dressed fancy in college; no hanging around in sweats for her.”
Two images of Whitney: one in a blue blazer with gold earrings, the other in a red top with gold jewelry
9.“Also was very intrigued by Denise Huxtable from A Different World. Her wardrobe was very random and funky, like she ran through her closet and wore whatever stuck to her. I loved it.”
Split image: Left shows a woman in a Hillman College sweatshirt; right, she’s in a casual jacket and hat, sitting at a table
10.“Joan Clayton from Girlfriends.”
Joan n a casual, off-the-shoulder top on left, elegant dress on right
—41, New Orleans
11.“Jacqueline from Boomerang.“
Two images of Jacqueline elegant business attire: In one, she wears a coat; in the other, a blazer with a necklace
—41, New Orleans
12.“Tasha St. Patrick from Power. Her style was classy yet lady gangster.”
Two images of Tasha; left: wearing a faux fur jacket and holding a handbag; right: in a shearling coat over a white top, looking serious
13.“Monet Tejada, played by Mary J. Blige from Power Book II, was high fashion while portraying a queen pin who wasn’t afraid to sling her gun or throw down a punch, especially for her kids and business.”
Monet in elaborate outfit and fur-trimmed coat, posing in different settings
“She mixed high-end labels with large jewelry pieces combined with her bright hair, which complemented her look to a tee.”
14.“Regine Hunter from Living Single.”
Regine in stylish 1990s fashion: Left, wearing a beret and blazer; right, in a sleeveless red top with a black skirt
—41, New Orleans
15.“Gina and Pam from Martin, for sure.”
Gina and Pam, dressed in 90s fashion: one in a velvet blazer with a crest and the other in a yellow cardigan with a black belt
“Hell, the entire main cast of Martin, too, if you wanna be all the way real about it.”
16.“Lisa from And Just Like That… Nicole Ari Parker can pull off just about any look, and her character’s style is classy and elegant.”
Two images of Lisa in elegant outfits: one in a patterned off-shoulder dress indoors and the other in a red ensemble outdoors, smiling warmly
And finally…
17.“My ultimate, top-vote for the Best Dressed Black Woman in media goes to both Julia’s Julia Baker — and Dynasty’s Dominique Deveraux, who were both played by simply the most gorgeous woman who ever lived — the classically immortal Diahann Carroll!”
Two images of an elegantly dressed Diahnn, one in a flowing gown as Julia, the other in a strapless dress with a statement necklace as Dominique
“Women simply do NOT GET any better looking than the magnificent Miss Diahann Carroll! God rest her beautiful soul!!!!”
“Dominique Deveraux was the mother of the ‘Bad and Bougie’ aesthetic.”
—41, New Orleans
Who are YOUR picks for the most fashionable black characters of all time? Let us know in the comments below. Or to remain anonymous, feel free to use this Google form.
Check out more Black-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed is celebrating Black History Month this year! Of course, the content doesn’t end after February. Follow BuzzFeed’s Cocoa Butter on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest Black culture content year-round.
Illustration celebrating Black History Month with various scenes of people engaging in family and community activities
