Revenge Dressing & Fashion Trends Led by TV Characters: From Carrie Bradshaw’s stilettos to Villanelle’s killer couture, television has long been a stage not just for drama, but also for defining fashion moments.

In 2025, the influence of TV characters on real-world fashion is more powerful than ever. One standout style phenomenon continuing to captivate viewers and designers alike is revenge dressing—the bold, often emotionally charged fashion statement made post-breakup, post-downfall, or post-betrayal.

But revenge dressing isn’t the only trend TV characters are leading. From minimalist power suits to edgy gender-neutral fits, series across streaming platforms are setting the sartorial tone of our times. Let’s explore the evolution of revenge dressing and the top fashion trends sparked by TV’s most iconic characters this year.

What is Revenge Dressing?

The term “revenge dressing” was coined after Princess Diana wore a daring off-the-shoulder black dress to a 1994 event the same night Prince Charles publicly admitted to infidelity. It’s since evolved into a cultural motif—representing reclaiming power, confidence, and control through fashion.

On TV, revenge dressing is about more than looking good—it’s about making a statement. Whether it’s a character rising from the ashes of betrayal or signaling transformation, their clothing often speaks louder than words.

1. Maddie Redfield (from The Diplomat) and the Rise of “Power Mourning”

Keri Russell’s Maddie Redfield returned in The Diplomat Season 2 with a wardrobe shift that fans dubbed “power mourning.” Following betrayal in both politics and marriage, Maddie swapped her neutrals for structured, all-black ensembles—sleek silhouettes, military-inspired blazers, and statement belts.

Trend Sparked:

• Power Mourning: Structured black outfits signaling grief mixed with resilience.
• Sharp tailoring with somber undertones
• Gold accents and leather boots as symbols of control

Real-World Impact:

• Designers like Alexander McQueen and Balmain leaned into gothic tailoring in 2025 collections.
• “Post-breakup black” trended on TikTok with over 40M views.

2. Shiv Roy (from Succession) and the Neo-Power Suit Movement

Though Succession ended in 2023, Shiv Roy’s wardrobe still haunts fashion boards. In 2025, power suits have evolved into “neo-suits”—fluid, gender-neutral tailoring influenced by her quiet authority and cool control.

Trend Sparked:

• Neo-Power Suiting: Monochromatic suiting in muted tones (bone, olive, slate).
• Relaxed shoulders, high-waist trousers, minimalist jewelry

Real-World Impact:

• Brands like The Row, COS, and Theory reintroduced capsule collections based on this understated aesthetic.
• The hashtag #ShivRoyStyle continues trending on Pinterest boards and workwear blogs.

3. Rhaenyra Targaryen (House of the Dragon) and Medieval Maximalism

Fantasy series often lean on costuming for dramatic effect, but House of the Dragon’s Rhaenyra has ignited a surprising trend: medieval maximalism. Her gowns in Season 2—a mix of brocade, velvet, and deep gemstone hues—are influencing modern occasion wear.

Trend Sparked:

• Medieval Maximalism: Corset-inspired silhouettes, puffed sleeves, and opulent fabrics
• Gold embroidery and symbolic jewelry

Real-World Impact:

• Brands like Zimmermann and Rodarte have incorporated medieval-inspired detailing into their bridal and evening collections.
• Gen Z TikTokers are calling this aesthetic “dragoncore.”

4. Jules Vaughn (Euphoria) and E-Girl 2.0

Jules from Euphoria continued her fashion evolution in Season 3 by leaning into a more expressive, cyber-gothic wardrobe that blends early 2000s internet aesthetics with modern queerness.

Trend Sparked:

• E-Girl 2.0: Iridescent fabrics, mesh layering, glow-in-the-dark makeup, arm warmers
• Gender-fluid silhouettes mixed with chaotic color blocking

Real-World Impact:

• Smaller streetwear brands are embracing Y2K tech-futurism.
• Glitchcore makeup trends are being seen on Instagram Reels and fashion campaigns.

5. Emily Cooper (Emily in Paris) and Luxe Maximalism

Love it or hate it, Emily in Paris still dictates Instagram fashion trends. In Season 4, Emily dials up her fashion even more with a curated “Paris-meets-Milan” wardrobe filled with bold patterns, mixed textures, and designer layering.

Trend Sparked:

• Luxe Maximalism: Clashing prints, vibrant color-blocking, over-accessorizing
• Pattern-on-pattern styling with no rules

Real-World Impact:

• European retailers like Zara and Mango have launched “Emily-inspired” capsule collections.
• Influencers replicate her looks on YouTube styling challenges.

6. Beth Dutton (Yellowstone) and High-Fashion Western

The Yellowstone finale reignited the “cowgirl chic” movement in 2025. Beth Dutton’s gritty-glam wardrobe has sparked an upscale take on Western wear—think suede coats, fringe jackets, leather skirts, and snakeskin boots.

Trend Sparked:

• High-Fashion Western: Country roots with modern tailoring
• Earth-toned fabrics, turquoise accessories, dramatic hats

Real-World Impact:

• Labels like Ralph Lauren and Isabel Marant adopted Americana details in Spring/Summer lines.
• Coachella 2025 saw a massive surge in cowboy-core outfits.

7. Nadia Sinh (Citadel) and Tactical Glam

Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Nadia in Citadel brought action-girl glam to life. Her character redefined spywear—mixing sleek leather bodysuits with tactical gear and a futuristic edge.

Trend Sparked:

• Tactical Glam: Combat aesthetics with feminine silhouettes
• Utility vests, knee-high boots, fitted jumpsuits

Real-World Impact:

• Popular in gaming cosplay and music festival fashion.
• Athletic brands are blending high-tech fabrics with sleek cuts in new collections.

8. Wednesday Addams (Wednesday) and Dark Academia 2.0

Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday rebooted the gothic schoolgirl look in 2022, but the trend continues to evolve. In 2025, it’s matured into Dark Academia 2.0—moody intellectualism with an edge.

Trend Sparked:

• Dark Academia 2.0: Plaid, lace collars, Victorian blouses, combat boots
• Black and charcoal palettes, minimal but poetic makeup

Real-World Impact:

• Fashion schools like Central Saint Martins are citing Wednesday-style looks as mood board staples.
• BookTok and fashion Twitter have revived “moody academic” aesthetics.

TV’s Influence on Modern Fashion: Why It Works

1. Cultural Accessibility

Streaming platforms make these characters—and their style—globally accessible. The moment a new episode drops, viewers around the world take fashion notes.

2. Narrative Dressing

Characters don’t just wear outfits—they wear arcs. Every costume supports emotional beats, which makes the style more resonant and copyable.

3. Social Media Amplification

From Instagram breakdowns of Emily Cooper’s outfits to TikToks recreating Shiv Roy’s suiting, fans now act as fashion curators, pushing trends into the mainstream.

TV characters are the modern fashion influencers. In 2025, their impact goes beyond the screen and into our closets—fueling trends that combine storytelling with style. Revenge dressing has evolved from a one-time outfit into a genre of self-expression. Meanwhile, gender-neutral tailoring, fantasy couture, and chaotic Gen Z aesthetics are all shaping the future of fashion thanks to the power of pop culture.

So whether you’re channeling your inner Shiv, Emily, or Jules, one thing’s clear—TV isn’t just about what we watch. It’s about how we wear it.