Along with the Spice Girls, Tamagotchis, the Macarena and Clueless, Buffy The Vampire Slayer is an intrinsic part of the late 90s zeitgeist. Winning countless awards and being referenced in just about every TV show since — from Friends and Gilmore Girls to True Blood and The Vampire Diaries — the series has definitely earned its ‘iconic’ status.
Viewers tuned in from 1997 to 2003 to watch teenage vampire hunter Buffy Summers (played by Sarah Michelle Geller) and the Scooby Gang fight demons and save the world. Now, 25 years later, the loyal fanbase is still captivated by the show’s action-packed scenes, love triangles, pop culture references, queer representation, and themes of feminism and friendship. And while they may still squabble over Team Spike vs Team Angel, there’s one thing that is pretty much universally agreed on: Buffy Summers is a fashion icon.
Series after series, the titular heroine slayed looks while slaying vampires with a wardrobe that was the perfect mix of grunge, gothic and girly. There’s at least one drool-worthy outfit in every episode, usually incorporating leather, leopard print, pastels, baby tees, mini skirts and platform boots. Whether she was hanging out in the library with Giles, staking a vamp at the cemetery, or taking over the dancefloor at The Bronze, Buffy The Vampire Slayer outfits were always enviable.
So, what if we told you that Buffy’s style is *officially* trendy again? Yes, seriously. Right now, Sarah Michelle Geller is the face on everyone’s Pinterest mood board. This is partly thanks to new generations discovering the show since it launched on Disney + back in 2021, and partly because we’re smack-bang in the middle of a Y2K fashion renaissance anyway (you defo own some metallic trousers, a baguette bag, or tie front top by now).
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- Why Emily in Paris outfits are your unexpected party style inspiration
Since the start of 2023, Google searches for ‘Buffy’ have increased by 50%. Searches for ‘90s fashion’ have risen by 60% since January, and image searches for ‘grunge fashion’ are up by 1,350% in the last month alone. Over on Instagram, accounts like @buffytheoutfitslayer, @retrobuffy and @buffyfashion are paying homage to their favourite Buffy The Vampire Slayer outfits from the series, and TikTokers are making videos to show off their Buffy-esque (and occasionally Faith, Cordelia, and Willow-inspired) wardrobes. So, if you’ve always admired the show’s fashion, now’s your chance to change up your look.
Are you ready to get your slayer on? Me too. Here’s 11 Buffy-inspired outfits to buy now.
My 8 favourite Buffy The Vampire Slayer outfits:
Sundress + chunky sandals
Buffy’s 2023 summer wardrobe would consist of a whole lotta printed mini dresses, and she’d definitely style them with chunky sandals. Don’t be stingy with the quirky accessories, either.
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Leather trousers + crop top
Buffy was a huge fan of leather trousers— both black and red — back in the day, and I think it’s safe to say that she’d still be donning them in 2023. She’d probably wear them with a crop top, some ankle boots and some statement jewellery (including a crucifix necklace, obviously). Spanish label Dominnico, which showed its latest collection at 080 Barcelona Fashion Week, would be right up Buffy’s street too. She’d be filling this edgy leather crossbody with mini stakes and her favourite lip glosses, no doubt.
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Mini dresses + platform boots
One of Buffy’s most popular outfits, worn in season one, involves a leopard print mini dress, a leather jacket, and some long black boots. So, why not try an updated version? This cheetah print dress is a close match and it can be styled with bare legs or tights, so you’ll be able to rock it all-year-round. For an all-out 90s look, style it with some dainty jewellery and a shoulder bag. Oh and yes, that is the Claddagh ring that Angel gave Buffy (thank me later).
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Knee-length skirts + knee-high boots
Buffy had a penchant for mixing knee-length patterned midi skirts and knee-high boots, with a little bit of calf-showing. Although this feels like a foreign concept to Gen Z because society has favoured minis and longer midis in recent years, knee-length skirts are actually becoming cool again. Result!
This look is giving a mix of Buffy and Willow’s witchy girlfriend Tara, and the Penny Lane coat plays right into TikTok’s current obsession with the ‘Whimsigothic Aesthetic’ (which Buffy would absolutely devour in 2023, btw).
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Collared shirts + Mary Janes
If Buffy is your style icon, you better get used to wearing shirts with collars. She’d wear this one with a lace bra peeping out or open with a tank top underneath. Mary Janes were more ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch’ than Buffy, but I think she’d partake in the gothic trend this time around. She’d love the rose choker resurgence that’s going on atm, too.
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Mini skirt + cardigan
Although most people associate Buffy’s style solely with gothic and grunge fashion, that’s not the full picture. A lot of her outfits were actually very girly, like an edgier version of Alicia Silverstone’s character in Clueless. This outfit is SO season one Buffy, right down to the adorable matching baby-blue accessories. The cardi co-ord and plaid skirt are super-cutesy and preppy, but the leather boots and choker give it that instantly recognisable slayer edge. Buffy would definitely be wearing this look throughout spring and summer.
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Tonal look + statement sunglasses
One thing about Buffy? She knew how to rock a tonal look, which is something that many of us find overwhelming and tricky to execute. In 2023, I reckon Buffy would continue the tradition of wearing a single colour head to toe — especially where pastels and neutrals are concerned. This
However, she probably couldn’t resist adding at least one clashing accessory and these pink oval retro sunnies are the vibrant pop of an all-purple outfit needs. Plus, they’re an elevated version of the simple pink oval pair she wore a few times in the series (yay!)
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Jeans + a top
Ah, the humble ‘jeans and a nice top’. It’s a staple outfit in everyone’s wardrobe, and a real savior on panicky ‘nothing to wear’ days. So, what would Buffy’s take on this classic combo be?
Levi 501 90s are what all the cool kids were wearing back in her day and they’re still available today, so she’d definitely be adding those to her basket. To complete the look, she’d wear a pretty floral top, a statement necklace, some wedge sandals, and a slouchy bag. Easy.
Party top + mid-rise trousers
Buffy would 100% wear this look to a party, so take notes for the next time you’re getting glammed up for a big night out.
Our leading lady often teamed a formal-looking trouser with a sexy top, and these mid-rise trousers are perfect if the Y2K low-rise look isn’t for you but you still want an authentic 90s vibe. Oh, and notice how retro the top and heels look? That’s because they’re from Tammy Girl’s comeback collection with Daisy Street on ASOS (yes, that’s really a thing).
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