The 50 Most Stylish Sitcom Characters

Show (Air Dates): 30 Rock (2006-present)

Actor: Judah Friedlander

The trucker hat died in 2002, right? Not in Frank's world. The TV writer's signature slacker wardrobe (as well as Judah's off-set style) consists of square-framed glasses, baggy tees, and those chunky foam caps printed with random phrases, such as Bigfoot Expert, Best Dressed, World Champion, and Time Travel Agent. If you share his sense of ironic humor and style, you can buy into it directly at his online shop.

Show (Air Dates): The Love Boat (1977-1987)

Actor: Ted Lange

It's hard to stand out on a cruise boat where everyone basically wears the same uniform. But Isaac Washington, The Love Boat's kindhearted bartender, made viewers look twice with his gleaming white and cherry-red blazers, spiced up with black epaulets and a sharp bowtie, and paired with his prominent handlebar mustache and kempt 'fro. Play on, playa.

Show (Air Dates): Bosom Buddies (1980-1982)

Actor: Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks just couldn't lose in the '80s. And even when dressed like a chick in Bosom Buddies, donning simple wrap dresses with chunky necklaces or pastel pink skirt suits paired with Adam's apple–hiding scarves, he was still sometimes the best-dressed man in the room.

Show (Air Dates): Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

Actor: Rider Strong

A troublemaker from an unstable home, Shawn's rough edges show through in his style choices, including his requisite black leather jacket, bowling shirts on top of black long-sleeves, and long-ish hair to run his frustrated hands through. Don't act like you didn't look just like him junior year.

Show (Air Dates): Moesha (1996-2000)

Actor: Fredro Starr

No wonder Moesha had a long-standing interest in this dude. He rocked oversize fatigues, safari hats, and long-sleeve tees that grazed his knees during a time when all of that was still super-cool. What's not to love?

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Proving that overalls aren't just for hicks and that combining yellow and red isn't just for Ronald McDonald, unassuming infant villain Stewie Griffin chooses to don all of the above while plotting to take over the world. Paired with blue shoes for a vibrant, primary hue trio, the wise (and calculating) beyond his years character also expertly accessorizes with everything from a bottle to a machine gun.

Show (Air Dates): Fraiser (1993-2004)

Actor: David Hyde Pierce

He's got degrees from Yale and Cambridge under his belt, and Fraiser's younger brother Niles definitely dresses like it, donning Ivy League–worthy whites to play tennis, and conservative suits, striped shirts, and preppy V-necks during his working (and fencing) hours. If only his moves were as smooth outside of the wardrobe department.

Show (Air Dates): Benson (1979-1986)

Actor: Robert Guillaume

Something like a black Mr. Rogers, butler extraordinaire Benson knew a thing or two when it came to cardigans and pullover sweaters. He liked his in sophisticated blues and burgundies, worn on top of trim button-ups in complementary hues. In other words, a failsafe combo both in the past and present.

Show (Air Dates): The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)

Actor: Christopher Knight

Who says being the middle child means you always get the short end of the stick? It's definitely not the case when it comes to fashion sense and The Brandy Bunch's Peter. The most stylish kid on the boys side, Peter gave us a steady stream of short-sleeve sweaters, boldly striped tees, and solid polyester pants that don't even hurt our eyes too much a decade later. Plus, somehow this guy was able to nab the hot-yet-nasty (but HOT) model Adrianne Curry as a wife.

Show (Air Dates): The Wonder Years (1988-1993)

Actor: Fred Savage

If only Kevin Arnold's wardrobe came in our size.... We'd have a closet-full of baseball tees, a bright green vintage Jets letterman jacket (in mint condition), original white-on-black Chucks, and a steady supply of versatile striped polos and plaid button-ups. Also note the "Fire Red" Jordan IIIs. No wonder Winnie came around from time to time.

Show (Air Dates): The Addams Family (1964-1966)

Actor: John Astin

Talk about killer style—the original Gomez Addams, from The Addams Family of the mid-'60s, was a study in uniform dressing. Day to day, it was always the same thing: double-breasted thick-pinstripe suit, white shirt, black tie, slicked-back hair, and a cigar. While this gangster-like style might not bowl you over, when you're standing next to Lurch and Uncle Fester each episode, you're already looking pretty good.

Show (Air Dates): Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Actor: James Franco

As the leader of the Freaks, the rebellious Daniel Desario dons the sartorial signifiers of any burnout: stocking caps, combat boots, a distressed denim jacket, tees layered over waffle shirts, and a black leather jacket that he scuffed up himself. Add the fact that he plays guitar and he's about as cool as they come in high school.

Show (Air Dates): Charles in Charge (1984-1990)

Actor: Willie Aames

What's Buddy Lembeck's dressing philosophy? Something between "more is more" and "the more ridiculous, the better," which, if nothing else, makes for good TV. Especially when the get-up involves tiger-stripe leggings, bright red socks, a multicolored tank, and a turquoise headband—and the scene is inside of a ladies' Jazzercise class.

Show (Air Dates): Silver Spoons (1982-1987)

Actor: Rick Schroder

Sure, the privileged and spoiled Ricky Stratton was 12 years old when he started shooting Silver Spoons, but young'n or not, he still had style in spades. Colorful sweaters layered up over contrasting collars, classic striped rugbies, plaid skinny ties, and varsity jackets—we wouldn't mind copping and rocking that garb today.

Show (Air Dates): Three's Company (1976-1984)

Actor: Richard Klein

If you ever wondered where the stereotype of a sleazy used-car salesman came from, look no further than this guy. Lead character Jack Tripper's best friend, Larry favors half-buttoned satin shirts paired with shiny medallions glistening against his tan chest, skin-tight bell-bottoms, and an Afro that can be best described as teddy bear–like. It might sound like an odd combo, but it sure did get him a lot of chicks.

Show (Air Dates): I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

Actor: Desi Arnaz

A master at black-tie dressing, this fiery Cuban would always don a series of fiercely dapper suits and tuxes for his nightly performances at the Tropicana, mixing up his blazer hue (black, white, and grey) from time to time, as well as his ties and bowties, while always appearing completely pulled together and not a bit disheveled. That is, of course, until Lucy inevitably poured cake batter, or the like, all over his elegantly coiffed head.

Show (Air Dates): That '70s Show (1998-2006)

Actor: Ashton Kutcher

While the thought of a dude in second-skin bellbottoms paired with a baseball tee, pumpkin-colored puffer jacket, puka shell necklace, and a Dorothy Hamill haircut might make you shiver a little, keep in mind that this is precisely the type of getup Ashton Kutcher used to reel in über-cougar Demi Moore and take her off the market for good. Burn!

Show (Air Dates): Modern Family (2009-present)

Actor: Rico Rodriguez

Sure, he's a preteen and around 4 feet tall, but Modern Family's Manny Delgado has maturity beyond his years (and height), especially in the wardrobe department. The young romantic, who claims he was "born 16," doesn't mind being overdressed, often donning blazers or festive Cuban-style button-ups while other kids are sporting holey tees. And, because this kid, oddly enough, knows his way around an iron, you'll note everything is pressed to perfection.

Show (Air Dates): Roseanne (1988-1997)

Actor: John Goodman

Lumberjack style is dominating right now. But back when daddy Dan Conner wore it on Roseanne, it was more functional than fashionable (and pre-Nirvana!). Which, of course, makes it all the more cool. Clad in a daily uniform of fuzzy flannels tucked into worn-in denim, Dan helped defined what a blue-collar manly man should dress like. The dudes in Williamsburg definitely got the message—and it doesn't seem like they'll be letting it go anytime soon.

Show (Air Dates): Mr. Belvedere (1985-1990)

Actor: Christopher Hewett

We all know Brits have crazy good style. Mr. Belvedere helped nail this point home with his perfectly fitted gray tweed suits, close-fitting cardigans in classic blues, creams, and burgundies, and thin but not-too-thin ties—making Pittsburgh, his adopted home, a much more stylish place in the process.

Show (Air Dates): Dinosaurs (1991-1995)

Actor: Jason Willinger and Leif Tilden

And you thought Pharrell was the first dude to mash up contrasting genres on his frame? The teenage brother on the epically awesome Dinosaurs was already on that stuff in 1991, perpetually donning a punk-ish mohawk and Chucks mixed with a preppy letterman jacket and nautically themed striped tee. Is it just us or could this head-to-toe look (okay, plus some pants) make it into the next Brooklyn Circus lookbook?

Show (Air Dates): Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979)

Actor: John Travolta

With a head of hair that Farrah Fawcett would envy, Welcome Back, Kotter's Vinnie Barbarino helped put John Travolta's acting skills on the map, and forever immortalized the late '70s style of how-tight-can-you-go turtlenecks, tees, jeans, and silk bomber jackets. It seems that Kid Cudi, for one, has taken note.

Show (Air Dates): What's Happening!! (1976-1979)

Actor: Fred Berry

While we're not sure anyone could actually survive in the inner city dressed like a bag of Skittles, Rerun of What's Happening!! somehow got away with it. Dayglo-colored berets, ridiculously patterned spread-collar shirts, and scrubs-like pants worn up past his belly button, but no one seems to be doing a double-take. Only on television, kids.

Show (Air Dates): The Office (2006-present)

Actor: Ed Helms

His alma mater is Cornell, and the Nard Dog never wants you to forget it. So he drives home the I-went-to-an-Ivy-and-you-didn't point with an array of preppy garb like red stripe ties, navy blazers with gold buttons, bowties, sweater vests, and lots of gingham.

Show (Air Dates): Cheers (1982-1993)

Actor: Ted Danson

For over a decade, Ted Danson's Sam Malone charmed the panties off ladies at his Cheers bar thanks to his tales as a former MLB relief pitcher and his sauve style, consisting of graphic plaid and striped shirts tucked into belted flat-front khakis. Watch and learn.

Show (Air Dates): Three's Company (1976-1984)

Actor: John Ritter

If there's one thing Jack Tripper knew how to do (and there were several), it was rock a mean denim jacket. The rules you can take from him: Keep the cut close to the body, find a slightly faded wash, and, when in doubt, go with a classic, like Levi's.

Show (Air Dates): Perfect Strangers (1986-1993)

Actor: Bronson Pinchot

Before the world went global with this whole, ya know, internet thing, Balki of Perfect Strangers educated American couch-dwellers on Greek culture and dress, thanks to his many richly embroidered vests and suspenders, high-waisted trousers, and silk shirts with puffy sleeves—outfits that really only made sense when he was engaged in an impromptu folk dance. Although we wouldn't be surprised if they appealed to a young Andre 3000 off the bat.

Show (Air Dates): Glee (2009-present)

Actor: Chris Colfer

A fashion fan and proud of it, Glee pretty boy Kurt Hummel always surprises us with his inventive get-ups and, specifically, his stellar jacket collection, which includes everything from bright-red nylon getups worn over a shirt and tie, trenches with dramatic collars, and his envy-inducing navy blazer that's trimmed in red and finished off with gold buttons and a stamp of his school's crest. Cue the "So Fresh, So Clean" cover.

Show (Air Dates): How I Met Your Mother (2005-present)

Actor: Neil Patrick Harris

"Suit up!" That's both the philosophy of the always spiffily dressed Barney Stinson and the fashion demand he shouts at his friends. After all, why should the self-proclaimed king of awesome be surrounded by folks that look dowdy when he's wearing a head-to-toe designer masterpiece that's been proven to pick up women with daddy issues (just how he likes them) time and time again?

Show (Air Dates): Growing Pains (1985-1992)

Actor: Kirk Cameron

The teen heartthrob that made straight guys want to go...curly, Growing Pains lead Mike Seaver did the ringleted mullet as good as anyone. For that, he wound up on on the cover of every Tiger Beat–style magazine in all of his mid-'80s glory, complete with muscle-baring tanks and beat-up white Reebok high-tops.

Show (Air Dates): Parker Lewis Can't Lose (1990-1993)

Actor: Corin Nemec

Donning silky, blouse-like tops in loud patterns and colors doesn't sound like a surefire way to get chicks. But Parker Lewis makes it work, snapping up the utterly hot Annie Sloan. So, we guess what the title says is true: Parker Lewis just can't lose. Or, as another sitcom star would simply put it: Winning!

Show (Air Dates): Seinfeld (1990-1998)

Actor: Jason Alexander

Unlike title character Jerry Seinfeld, his faithful sidekick George doesn't indulge in too many '90s fashion trends. In retrospect, thank God. Instead, George sticks with classic pieces, including plaid button-ups, navy and forest-green anoraks, bright polos, crisp Oxford shirts, and khakis. Besides a few awfully patterned ties and the odd ill-fitting jeans, his style choices have admirably stood the test of time.

Show (Air Dates): The Simpsons (1989-present)

Actor: Phil Hartman and Hank Azaria

Disco Stu loves disco. Disco Stu has style for miles. And Disco Stu loves to talk about himself in the third person, as would anyone with half his sartorial flair. With Stu's white leisure suit with pink flames shooting up the sides, low-cut periwinkle top, platforms with dead goldfish floating in the heels, and purple, hazed-over glasses, Steven Tyler and his ilk are surely jealous.

Show (Air Dates): Gilligan's Island (1964-1967)

Actor: Jim Backus

Shipwrecked but still dapper on the daily, Gilligan's Island's Thurston Howell III didn't let a little island heat stop him from dressing in a monogrammed jacket, button-up, sailor cap, and ascot. Take heed the next time you're about to lose all dignity and don flip-flops and a tank in public.

Show (Air Dates): The Jeffersons (1975-1985)

Actor: Sherman Hemsley

You think a man who owns seven dry cleaning stores would wear a wrinkled suit? Never. The Harlem-raised George Jefferson has great style which consists of three-piece suits in wild prints that Craig Sager only wishes he could have.

Show (Air Dates): Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)

Actor: Robin Williams

A definite precursor to Power Ranger fashion, Robin Williams' star-making performance as alien visitor Mork in Mork & Mindy proved that red-and-silver onesies and Rainbow Brite–like hues weren't just for kids. Or females. Worn by themselves, those loudly striped shirts, multicolored puffer vests, and rainbow suspenders (okay, maybe not the latter), wouldn't look half-bad today.

Show (Air Dates): Taxi (1978-1983)

Actor: Christopher Lloyd

One of the best characters in all of television, the perpetually burnt-out Reverend Jim knew what worked for him sartorially and stuck with it (or, more likely, was oblivious to fashion and just thought it easier to put on the same dirty outfit day in and day out). His Monday through Sunday steez: a gray T-shirt, beneath a sky-blue button-up, under a sky-blue jacket, all paired with faded jeans in the same color family. Tone-on-tone, fellas. Done right, it can be magic.

Show (Air Dates): The Office (2005-present)

Actor: B.J. Novak

After moving to New York for a brief period, Michael Scott's official bro crush Ryan Novak brought a little Big Apple flavor back to Scranton. Debuting in the form of a patchy beard (since shaved off) and slick suits, Ryan's new modern style now includes thick Clark Kent frames, plaid shirts worn with cool-kid cardigans, and artfully draped scarves. Kelly Kapoor, for one, seems pleased with the change. We concur.

Show (Air Dates): The Cosby Show (1984-1992)

Actor: Bill Cosby

Not only does Dr. Cliff Huxtable have jokes for days, he's also got the fancy sweater game on lock. Bubblegum-pink V-necks, cable-knits jazzed up with '80s geometric prints and patterns, pullover patchwork vests—you name it, he's worn it. And pretty damn well at that.

Show (Air Dates): The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Actor: Alfonso Ribeiro

The yin to Will Smith's yang, Carlton Banks didn't indulge in the hysterics of wild, MTV-fueled '90s fashion like his street-savvy cousin. Instead he embraced his monied roots, tying pastel sweaters around his shoulders and pairing button-ups and polos with slim belts looped through tailored khakis. Over a decade after the fact, men sitting in golf clubs coast to coast still rock Cartlon-style threads.

Show (Air Dates): Saved by the Bell (1989-1994)

Actor: Mark-Paul Gosselaar

And this, kids, is where "dad jeans" were born. The only difference is, back then, when worn in the style of Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell, they deemed you the ultimate heartthrob. Especially when combined with billowy, tucked-in button-ups, Member's Only color-block jackets, Sun-In bleached hair, and anything else splashed in garish primary colors. Take a look at your teenage scrapbook—this guy was secretly your style icon.

Show (Air Dates): Seinfeld (1990-1998)

Actor: Jerry Seinfeld

Seinfeld reruns never get old. Not only for the laughs (duh), but for the now-hilarious '90s-tastic get-ups that appear in every scene. The man who made it all happen was, of course, Jerry Seinfeld, who helped define New York style of that era with his printed and tucked-in button-ups, mock turtlenecks, suede bombers, chunky white sneakers worn with everything, and unique Jew-fro-mullet mix. Mazel tov!

Show (Air Dates): Good Times (1974-1979)

Actor: Jimmie Walker

What does Dyno-MITE style look like? Just take a glimpse at Good Times' J.J. Evans. The lanky, self-described ladies' man (who Dave Chappelle admits he has a strong resemblance to) had a thing for brightly colored mock-necks, cropped jackets, and—who can forget?—a blue fisherman's hat that rarely left his dome. I guess that's how you snag a Boom-Boom Belinda.

Show (Air Dates): Full House (1987-1995)

Actor: John Stamos

Your sister wanted to bone him, and you wanted to be him, mullet and all. Why? Let's face it: Uncle Jesse not only had unbelievable swagger (and ridiculously cool hair), but a heart of gold that had both sexes by the throat. His leather jacket/jean vest hybrids, white V-necks, and boxy blazers thrown over crew necks were just the icing on the cake. Have mercy.

Show (Air Dates): Family Matters (1989-1998)

Actor: Jaleel White

Before geek went chic, Steve Urkel was defining the socially awkward style with a combination of high-water trousers, colorful suspenders, plaid shirts buttoned to the top, natty cardigans, and oversize glasses (connected to a handy safety rope). Little did we know all of these elements would be marching down the menswear runways without a shred of irony in the late '00s. Did I do that? Yes, Steve, you did. Mad props.

Show (Air Dates): Entourage (2004-present)

Actor: Jeremy Piven

Want to know how to rock a fuck-you suit to perfection? Look no further than Entourage's Ari Gold, who just reeks of swag, complete with a crazy expensive price tag. Whether in black, navy, shiny silver, or heather gray, Ari's sharply tailored two-piece sets, paired with clean pocket squares, crisp shirts, and smart ties, always make the guy next to him look like a schlub. And that's precisely the point.

Show (Air Dates): Leave It to Beaver (1957-1963)

Actor: Tony Dow

Inspired by Don Draper's style? Try going to the source: Wally Beaver, the much-beloved character who documented the drool-worthy wares from the late '50s and early '60s while they were still being worn. Everything Wally donned—from short-sleeve plaids and slim polos to streamlined suits and skinny ties—is still the epitome of casual cool. And when it came to snagging the ladies, his baby blues didn't hurt either.

Show (Air Dates): Family Ties (1982-1989)

Actor: Michael J. Fox

Way before Kanye was bragging about his revolutionary pink polo, Michael J. Fox's clean-cut, money-hungry character Alex P. Keaton schooled us on preppy style. Fueled by argyle sweater vests, button-down collars, broad-shoulder blazers, and a gently feathered and side-parted 'do, the Young Republican showed viewers what '80s conservatism was all about—both ethically and sartorially. And, despite your politics, it's hard not to salute such time-tested classics.

Show (Air Dates): Happy Days (1974-1984)

Actor: Henry Winkler

A leather jacket doesn't get much cooler than when it was hanging around the shoulders of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli in the decade-long sitcom Happy Days. Just...whoa. His signature greaser style consisted of the aforementioned jacket, a white or black crew-neck tee, jeans, and a mini-pompadour 'do. Then and always, two thumbs up.

Show (Air Dates): The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Actor: Will Smith

Would we repeat any of Will Smith's Fresh Prince get-ups today? Hell no. But we're more than happy to swim in that early '90s nostalgia every time we catch a rerun, thanks to Smith's healthy collection of so-bad-they're-good technicolor wind-suits, baggy neon tanks worn with matching shorts, flashy high-tops, caps worn flipped up and to the side, and a myriad of old-school hairstyles. Oddly enough, with the crazy pants trend currently ruling women's runways, cringe-worthy Fresh Prince style is still very much alive—for better or for worse.