Did someone say cheesecake? Golden Girl Style

This one’s for the girls. The Golden Girls, that is. I apologize for not writing too much about women’s fashion lately—I get so excited about menswear it sucks up all my time and energy. So to get back to my roots as a women’s fashion enthusiast and former Barbie and Cabbage Patch Kid stylist, I would like to impart a few of my thoughts about how I think women should be dressing right now. And those thoughts revolve around one main source of inspiration, The Golden Girls.

That’s right, Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sofia really knew what they were doing when it came to self-expression through fashion. Blanch the seductress, Dorothy the intellect, Rose the romantic and Sofia... Well I’m not sure if this post will reflect Sofia’s personal style choices; however, I think everyone should own at least one rattan handbag. And while I’m be honest here, I’ll admit that this post will not reflect Rose’s style, either. We all know that Dorothy and Blanche were the fashion icons in that house. But what would they be without the other two? Like, what would Carrie have been without Miranda?

Blanche Deveraux

Blanche knows sexy. If you could see yourself lounging on a lanai wearing the piece in question, then BUY IT. This means watercolour prints, caftans, silks, luxurious cuts, flowing robes and over-all prettiness. Chanel, Erdem, Miu Miu and Ralph Lauren are all over this. Even consumer-level retailers like Club Monaco and Zara are picking up on the trend. Just remember to wear these items on the correct occasions. If Blanche was going sailing she wore a sailing outfit, if she was going out dancing she wore a dancing outfit, if she was sipping iced tea on the lanai she wore a sipping-iced-tea-on-the-lanai outfit. Simple! Nothing annoys me more than to see people wear loungewear out at night just because it’s in style; Same goes for evening pieces during the day.

Chanel Spring 2010 RTW

Erdem Spring 2010 RTW

Miu Miu Spring 2010 RTW

Ralph Lauren Spring 2010 RTW

Etro Paisley-print silk-chiffon kaftan

Dilemma: Big Daddy just called. He's in Miami and will be coming over in five minutes. What do you wear to look more sweet as cherry pie? Easy, slip on this Chloé linen and cotton maxi dress.

Club Monaco Spring 2010

Zara Spring 2010

Club Monaco Spring 2010

Show some cleavage—especially if you have perky breasts like Blanche. Donna Karan lamé cross-front top

Just add wicker. Marc Jacobs Printed crepe silk shorts

Wolford Chiffon-tie 66 denier leggings

An icon. Chanel Classic Flap Bag

Blanche's little black book probably looked more like this. Erdem notebook for Smythson

Classic nude pumps go with everything. Buy them now. Christian Louboutin Simple 70 leather pumps

And a pair in black. Christian Louboutin Simple 70 leather pumps

Dorothy Zbornak

Dorothy knows sophistication. If there is one thing an over-achieving substitute teacher should master, it’s the art of layering. Layers are good. Even if you shouldn’t faithfully recreate and wear one of her outfits piece-by-piece, Dorothy has the right idea. The trick is to play with proportion and colour. Where Dorothy might be billowy from head-to-toe, you shouldn’t be. Try to pair a slouchy t-shirt and cardigan or cape with leggings and flats. She also pulls off the androgynous look very well, too. Can’t you see yourself in a tailored blazer, boyfriend jeans and booties? Chloé, Stella McCartney, Donna Karan, Alexander Wang and Celine (Phoebe Philo!!!!!) do this very well. So does Club Monaco, so there’s no excuse pocketbook-wise. Side note, for now and always, buy yourself an iconic Hobo bag. Spend the money, get the look. Wear it forever. Be Dorothy Zbornak.

Phoebe Philo is a genius. Celine Spring 2010 RTW

Celine Spring 2010 RTW

Hello class, my name is Dorothy. I'll be your substitute teacher today. Chloé Spring 2010 RTW

Club Monaco Spring 2010

Zara Spring 2010

Diane Von Furstenburg Short Didi sequined jacket

See by Chloé Crepe boyfriend-fit blazer

Stella McCartney Studded cotton sweater dress

T by Alexander Wang Classic jersey tank

Alexandar Wang Zip-front stretch leggings

Stella McCartney Tapered linen-blend pants

Levi's 501 boyfriend jean

Virginia Johnson beetle-print merino wool scarf

The natural, budget-friendly choice for a substitute teacher. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato leather shoulder bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier hobo bag

Delightfully elfin. Somewhat Ballet Russes. All Dorothy. Newbark Love lamé leather shoes

Slouchy and sexy. Brian Atwood Studded Ankle Boots

Rule of thumb: Blanche is more spring/summer and Dorothy is more fall/winter. That doesn’t mean you can’t layer it up for summer, you just have to choose the appropriate fabrics. Same goes for florals and watercolours in the winter—nothing is more welcome than a pop of colour on a drab November day. So have fun, watch some old episodes of The Golden Girls and start channeling your inner senior. You’ll be surprised at how modern you’ll look.