Brenda Walsh Was Our CBK
Still is tbh.
Image: Fox
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by The Candidly Team
It started with the bangs. Honestly, it might still be the bangs. But Brenda Walsh was the first fictional character we saw on screen whose style we wanted to clone from head to toe.
So yes, it was the bangs. But it was also her clothes.
Her clothes had all the confidence of Brenda herself. She knew when to be cool and when to be classic, when to play it safe and when to be wild. And when we recently looked back at her quintessentially 90s looks, we were flummoxed to find how many of them we would still wear today.
We picked 6 specific pieces from Brenda’s closet that we think are just as critical to our own closets today, as over 40 women who would still like to be Brendas.
(Okay, okay -, some of us wanted to be Kellys, and for those of you (us), please go HERE.)
1. THE STRIPES
Images: Fox
Women’s Breton Stripe Boatneck Tee
This boatneck tee, known as a marinière has been a staple of chic, French women’s wardrobes for decades. Naturally, Brenda had hers in green stripe instead of navy, perhaps to set off her green eyes. This one is the perfect shape and comes in every color you could want.
Price: $88
Kule The Modern
Stripes just makes everything look more understated and luxe, and KULE is the brand that does stripes best. Tuck this classic tee into a long pair of 90s jeans, and voila, you have a complete look.
Price: $98
2. The Fitted Top And High-Waist Denim Template
Images: Fox
Los angeles Apparel Baby Rib L/S Scoopneck Tee
At 5’2”, Brenda seemingly knew how a fitted long-sleeve tee, belted with high-waist jeans, would complement her curves and make her legs look longer. This is a template that works for every body shape. We start with this staple tee, because the scoop-neck makes our chest look its best, and the ribbing smooths and holds us in.
Price: $38
Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Distressed Hem Jean
The curve-love line from Abercrombie is life-changing for women who struggle to hoist jeans over our hips and butts only to suffer a big, old gap at the waist. These jeans flatter every inch of our lower bodies, while having that classic 90s fit.
Price: $90
3. The Oversized Blazers
Images: Fox
Faherty Inlet Knit Double Breasted Blazer - Rockhill Houndstooth
An oversized blazer is an answer to all our prayers, as it gives us a covered-up feeling without looking like we shrouded ourselves in something frumpy and shapeless. Houndstooths and plaids make us look particularly put together, especially when we’re wearing something very neutral otherwise.
Price: $55
J.Crew Madelyn blazer in four-season stretch
This is the solid blazer we own in multiple colors and reach for whenever we want all our denim and t-shirts to look more polished while still looking cool and casj - Brenda’s trademark combination.
Price: $258
4. The Spectacular-Fitting Tanks
Images: Fox
Z Supply Sirena Contrast Rib Tank
We hugely underestimate the power of a great-fitting tank. But when we choose one with a scoopneck and ribbing, we create a gorgeous silhouette that works beautifully with high-waist bottoms. We love that this one has straps that cover your bra and that same two-tone as Brenda’s, but for the best solid version with skinny straps, go HERE.
Price: $39
Z Supply Noelle Jersey Tank
We have wanted her vest tank for 30 years. And now, we finally own it.
Price: $54
5. The Day Dresses
Images: Fox
Mikuta The Ecru Crochet Tank Dress
Apart from their matching prom dresses, Brenda’s dresses were much more understated than Kelly’s or Donna’s. Her little, white shift dress showed us that dresses can be skimming without being tight, so we feel like we’re showing the right amount of skin without feeling exposed. We’ll be wearing this dress with flat sandals all spring/ summer accordingly.
Price: $190
Marcella Clara Dress
She managed to wear a black maxi dress to school and not look overdressed. We follow suit with this supremely flattering everyday dress, that we belt with THIS*.
Price: $128
Anthropologie The Peregrine Square-Neck Midi Dress
If you didn’t own a black and white floral maxi dress, were you even alive in the 90s? Word to the wise, choose this smocked version. You’ll look phenomenal and feel like you’re in pajamas.
Price: $158
6. The Button-Downs
Images: Fox
AYR The Deep End
Brenda introduced us to the realization that the easiest way to look instantly chic is to toss on a button-down. This is our favorite white, button-down of all time. Tie it, tuck it, leave it open and loose over a tank. It all works like a dream.
Price: $165
Sézane Tomboy Shirt
You will indeed also need it in stripes. This tan version will match everything you already own.
Price: $110
J.Crew Factory Chambray shirt in signature fit
Chambray is the “cool girl” version of the crisp, white button-down. Though we wear ours with a scarf instead of a tie.
Price: $58.50
BONUS: THE ACCESSORIES
Images: Fox
THE CHOKER: Why oh why did we ever stop wearing a choker?
THE SUNGLASSES: The most iconic shape TO. THIS. DAY.
THE BLACK BELT: It’s what singlehandedly turned her clothes into outfits.
THE TIE: … and if you’re reeeeeally feeling bold and Brenda.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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