“Have you been watching Girls?”
It’s a question 20something women (or girls, rather) have been asking each other across America. The HBO show has received mixed reviews, some calling racism, others exclaiming “OMG, this is so my life!” I decided to spend a night catching up on the show—you know, for research.
Some moments had me laughing (when Shoshannah admits she doesn’t love her grandmother); others, muttering “WTF?” at the television (generally Hannah’s strange encounters with her sort-of-not-really boyfriend, AKA the poor man’s Justin Long).
I can’t comment on the accuracy of the portrayal of living young & broke in New York—it’s something I haven’t yet had the pleasure/misfortune of experiencing—or the accused nepotism surrounding the cast; better to let you make your own decisions about those topics. Here are some articles to help you along:
> Why ‘Girls’ is Like Nothing Else on TV on NY Mag
> HBO ‘Girls’ Review on IB Times
> With All the Focus on Being Real, Girls Forgot to be Human at Jezebel
Or just watch and decide for yourself.
But enough about the show; let’s talk fashion. While I’m not a big fan of the lead character’s choice of colored tights and wide elastic belts, there is a saving style grace at work here, in the form of the flaky-cool British friend Jessa.
We first meet Jessa as she arrives at her cousin’s apartment in New York, toting LV luggage and sporting a chic little hat. Just another rich brat? But no, she has dimension (an unplanned pregnancy and a privilege complex), as well as a killer wardrobe.
Played by blonde bombshell Jemima Kirke (described by a fellow character as having “a face like Brigitte Bardot and an ass like Rihanna”), Jessa’s morals are questionable but her fashion impeccable. She breezes through scenes in silky trousers and exotic printed scarves, choosing to wear a sheer white maxi dress over a hot pink underwear set to her first babysitting job—justifying her decision because, well, at least the dress is floor-length.
Another reason to nominate Jessa for the unofficial title of best dressed on HBO? The girl can really rock a great pair of pants. Not difficult, you say? Sure, a huge majority of girls in America make the choice to pull on a pair of jeans every morning. Boring/pretty lead character Marnie (the only girl who seems to actually work) chose a dark-wash skinny pair for a dinner party co-hosted with her smothering boyfriend. But it takes a more confident, interesting, and fashion-forward girl, especially if said girl has previously mentioned curves, to pull off a floral printed palazzo pant. (Jessa’s are from Zara) Also: kimono dresses. She’s definitely on to the pajama trend, and I love it.
Props to Jenn Rogien, the show’s stylist, for outfitting Jessa in these crazy-cool outfits…and while I appreciate how each girl’s style fits in with her identity (and yes, that this isn’t a show about fashion), here’s hoping Jessa might give the rest of the Girls makeovers sometime soon. Actually, that’s probably not really her thing. Maybe Shoshannah could help.
Jessa’s hair and makeup experimentation are also worth noting—generally she wears little on her flawless face but a bold slick of lipstick; she pulls off a very “fashion girl” topknot like nobody’s business. And french braids. Even a Snooki poof, it appears, in an upcoming episode.
So, how to get Jessa’s love-child look? Thrift for unique, bohemian pieces like vintage pajama sets and flowing maxi dresses. (Check out some of our past articles on thrifting here and here). Mix your best finds with bits from the high street, like a pair of Zara sandals or a hat from H&M. Dress spontaneously and experiment with hair and makeup. Adopt a carefree, confident attitude—but keep your morals if you’ve got any.
> Girls airs on Sundays at 10:30 on HBO.
> New episodes can also be watched online at HBO Go.
What do you think of the fashion on Girls? Leave a comment or send us a tweet @everybodyisugly
by Heather (headbandit)
Main image via New York Magazine
Additional images via girlscaps
