11 TV ‘It Girls’ Who Invented What It Means to Be Iconic

11 TV ‘It Girls’ Who Invented What It Means to Be Iconic

Television has given us some unforgettable female characters who didn’t just wear great outfits—they changed the whole game. These characters became cultural icons, influencing fashion trends, social attitudes, and what it means to be effortlessly cool. From prep school hallways to Parisian cafes, these TV it girls made their mark and left us all wanting to be a little more like them.

1. Serena van der Woodsen (Gossip Girl)

Serena had it all: golden hair, the perfect bag in hand, and a past that kept everyone guessing. Her chic, effortless style made her the queen of Manhattan social life.

Serena proved you could be popular without trying too hard. She made mistakes but always owned them with grace. Her friendships, romances, and family drama kept viewers hooked for six seasons.

What set her apart was her genuine kindness beneath the glamorous surface. She showed that being an it girl meant staying true to yourself, even when everyone’s watching.

2. Rachel Green (Friends)

Running away from her wedding in a poufy dress launched Rachel into our hearts forever. She transformed from a spoiled daddy’s girl into an independent fashion powerhouse. Her famous haircut became so popular that salons couldn’t keep up with requests.

Working at Central Perk and later in fashion, Rachel proved reinvention is possible. She navigated friendship, career struggles, and complicated romance with humor and heart. Her wardrobe choices influenced an entire generation’s style.

Rachel showed that growing up doesn’t mean losing your sparkle. She balanced vulnerability with strength, making her relatable to millions. Her journey from runaway bride to confident woman remains timeless.

3. Emily Cooper (Emily in Paris)

Bold patterns, bright colors, and fearless fashion choices define Emily’s Parisian adventure. She brought American optimism to the French capital, clashing with local culture in the most entertaining ways. Her Instagram-worthy outfits sparked countless debates about style versus substance.

Emily’s marketing genius and social media savvy made her a modern it girl. She stumbled through language barriers and cultural misunderstandings with determination. Her romantic entanglements kept viewers guessing every episode.

Love her or hate her, Emily represents confidence in a foreign world. She taught us that taking risks can lead to amazing opportunities. Her unapologetic approach to life makes her undeniably iconic.

4. Maddy Perez (Euphoria)

With cut-crease eyeshadow, sparkling rhinestones, and an unstoppable presence, Maddy brings runway-level glamour to everyday teenage drama. Her looks inspire tutorials, costumes, and endless envy.

Beneath the perfectly applied makeup lies complexity and vulnerability. Maddy navigates toxic relationships while maintaining her fierce exterior. She demands respect and refuses to settle for less than she deserves.

Her style pushes boundaries and challenges traditional beauty standards. Maddy represents Gen Z confidence mixed with real teenage struggles. She’s raw, real, and unapologetically herself, making her a true icon for her generation.

5. Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl)

Headbands became high fashion thanks to Blair’s signature accessory. She ruled Constance Billard with perfectly coordinated outfits and razor-sharp wit. Her preppy style mixed classic elegance with modern sophistication.

Blair’s ambition drove her to achieve everything she wanted, from Yale to running her own fashion empire. She valued loyalty above all else, fiercely protecting those she loved. Her complicated relationship with Serena showed that even best friends face challenges.

Scheming and planning were Blair’s superpowers, though her heart often got in the way. She proved that being powerful doesn’t mean being perfect. Her journey from queen bee to confident woman inspired countless viewers.

6. Hilary Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

From designer shoes to perfectly coiffed hair, Hilary Banks mastered the craft of looking effortlessly iconic. Every outfit change—sometimes multiple in a single episode—cemented her status as TV’s beloved spoiled princess.

Behind the ditzy exterior was a woman who eventually found her passion in television. Hilary’s journey into broadcasting showed growth beyond shopping sprees. She brought humor and heart to every family moment.

Her character poked fun at privilege while remaining lovable and entertaining. Hilary represented the glamorous lifestyle many dreamed about. She proved you could be fabulous and funny at the same time, creating an enduring legacy.

7. Fran Fine (The Nanny)

Animal prints, mini skirts, and that unforgettable nasal voice made Fran a fashion icon. She brought Queens flair to a stuffy Manhattan mansion with spectacular results. Her designer wardrobe featured bold colors and patterns that shouldn’t work but somehow did.

Fran’s confidence never wavered, even when surrounded by high society. She proved that staying authentic matters more than fitting in. Her warmth and humor won over the Sheffield family and millions of viewers.

Fashion-forward and funny, Fran redefined what a nanny could be. She mixed high and low fashion fearlessly, creating looks that remain memorable decades later. Her impact on 90s style cannot be overstated.

8. Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)

Pink became powerful when Elle proved blondes have way more fun and brains. She turned Harvard Law School upside down with her designer wardrobe and chihuahua companion. Her bubbly personality masked a brilliant legal mind that surprised everyone.

Elle refused to change herself to fit into the stuffy legal world. She brought her authentic self everywhere, from courtrooms to classrooms. Her journey showed that femininity and intelligence aren’t opposites.

Winning her case while staying true to herself made Elle legendary. She inspired countless women to pursue their dreams without sacrificing their identity. Her message about believing in yourself remains powerful and relevant today.

9. London Tipton (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody)

Daddy’s credit card and a closet full of pink made London the ultimate heiress. She lived in a luxury hotel, treating it like her personal palace. Her ditzy personality hid occasional moments of surprising wisdom and kindness.

London’s fashion sense leaned heavily toward designer labels and sparkly accessories. She never wore the same outfit twice, living every girl’s fantasy. Her friendship with Maddie showed that opposites really do attract.

Despite being spoiled rotten, London had a good heart underneath. She taught kids that money can’t buy happiness or real friends. Her character became a beloved part of Disney Channel history, remembered fondly by millennials everywhere.

10. Wednesday Addams (Wednesday)

All black everything defines Wednesday’s distinctive gothic aesthetic. She turned monochrome dressing into a powerful statement about individuality. Her braided hair and deadpan expression became instantly recognizable worldwide.

Wednesday doesn’t care about popularity or fitting in with normal teenagers. She embraces her dark interests and psychic abilities without apology. Her detective skills and sharp intelligence make her formidable and fascinating.

The character proved that being different is something to celebrate, not hide. Wednesday’s refusal to smile or sugarcoat anything feels refreshingly honest. She represents outsiders everywhere, showing that weird is wonderful and darkness has its own beauty.

11. Regina George (Mean Girls)

On Wednesdays, we wear pink—Regina’s rule became a cultural phenomenon. She controlled North Shore High School with an iron fist wrapped in a designer glove. Her burn book and manipulation tactics made her the ultimate mean girl.

Regina’s power came from her confidence and ability to set trends instantly. Everyone wanted to be her or be near her, despite her cruelty. Her downfall taught important lessons about karma and kindness.

Love her or hate her, Regina defined what a queen bee looks like. She showed the dark side of popularity and social hierarchy. Her character remains the gold standard for movie villains who steal every scene.