I Dressed Like Rachel Green For A Week And Here's What Happened

I've got a passion for Rachel Green fashion.

If you know me, you know I love theming. If a party has a theme, I am there. No. Question. I love going all out and will spend the time, effort, and money in order to be as accurate as possible. This makes Halloween one of my favorite times of the year. I take it very seriously. I start thinking about costumes well in advance, making sure I have enough time to get everything just right. This past summer, during my annual Halloween brainstorm, I entertained the idea of being Rachel Green. I am a huge fan of Friends and I’ve seen every episode. Although I don’t know if I could pick a favorite character above the rest, I really admire Rachel’s 90s looks. Going through her iconic outfits, I realized that I truly could not pick just one. This Halloween idea started to grow. What if… what if I did a whole week of Rachel outfits? Thus, #7DaysofRachelGreen was born.

Beginning in late July, I started to plan. I picked outfits based on memorability and my estimated ability to pull them off as a college student on a budget. I broke down the outfits into what I owned already and what I needed to acquire. I’m a huge thrifter and did not doubt myself in finding these clothes at my local Goodwill. There were also a few pieces that I knew I would probably have to make. I decided to shoot for October to unveil my project. This gave me a few months to gather all the necessary items and to scour countless thrift and craft stores. Also, October weather and aesthetic best matched the outfits chosen.

Sunday: Opening Theme

Mallory Golski

“So no one told you life was gonna be this way…”

Turtleneck sweater: thrift store; Black skirt: my closet; Tights: my closet; Black boots: my closet; Pearl bracelets: borrowed

Starting with the first day, I decided it was necessary to include a side by side picture with Rachel. I think this was successful in getting across what the project was about and highlighted my efforts of accuracy. I also decided to caption the photos with a quote from when she was wearing that outfit in that specific episode. I think this helped in reminding people of the outfits and episodes I was recrecreating. Getting such positive reactions from Twitter, Facebook and in person got me excited to continue my #7DaysofRachelGreen.

Monday: “The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate” (Season 1, Episode 1)

Via buzzfeed.com

“I know you probably think this is about what I said the other night about you making love with your socks on, but it isn’t. It isn’t. It’s about me.”

White undershirt: my closet; Pink button down: thrift store; Mom jeans: my closet; White Keds: thrifted

I thought it would be fitting to start with an outfit from the pilot. Honestly, this outfit is something you would see in my everyday wardrobe. I am obsessed with my mom jeans.

Tuesday: “The One with the Sonogram at the End” (Season 1, Episode 2)

Via img.buzzfeed.com

“Everything you need to know is in that first kiss.”

Jean vest: thrift store; Black skirt: my closet; Black boots: my closet; Jewelry: my closet

I absolutely had to include an outfit of Rachel at work. Although this episode is from before she was employed at Central Perk, it is similar to what she would wear on the job in later episodes. Shouts out to Brenen’s Coffee Cafe, my own Central Perk, for being the perfect backdrop.

Wednesday: “The One with the Sonogram at the End” (Season 1, Episode 2)

Via buzzfeed.com

“Oh, and you know if everything works out and you guys end up getting married and having kids and everything, I just hope they have his old hairline and your old nose.”

Overall pants: thrifted; Lace cami: thrifted; Gray hoodie: borrowed; White Keds: thrifted; Purse: my closet; Watch: borrowed

This outfit is a Rachel staple. She rocks those overalls and continues to rock overalls throughout the series. I was low-key freaking out about finding some of my own and happened upon this pair at the costume shop on Court Street. Blessed. I know I will be wearing these for the rest of my life. Also, while wearing this outfit, someone who didn’t know about my project, commented on how much I reminded her of Rachel Green! Hoorah!

Thursday: “The One Where the Monkey Gets Away” (Season 1, Episode 19)

Via bustle.com

“Ross, please don’t hate me… you know Marcel? Well, I kind of… kind of lost him.”

Turtleneck sweater: thrifted; Red plaid skirt: created from a thrifted nightgown; Knee highs: my closet; Black boots: my closet; Watch: borrowed

This was my favorite outfit of the week. When I think of Rachel Green’s wardrobe, this particular outfit is the first one that comes to mind. It is the epitomy of Rachel Green. HUGE thanks to Delta Zeta’s house mom, Glo, for helping me turn a dated, floor-length, grandma-esque nightgown into a cute mini skirt Rachel would be proud of. I will definitely be wearing it again. #DZLAM

Danielle McCarthy

Also, my friend, Brynne, recently cut all of her hair off making her the perfect Monica.

Friday: “The One with the Breast Milk” (Season 2, Episode 2)

Via goodhousekeeping.com

“Okay, Monica… I just have to know one thing… did you go with her to Bloomingdales?”

Striped shirt: thrifted; Blazer: thrifted; Overall shorts: my closet; White Keds: thrifted

Ugh, accidentally messed up the order on this day. I wanted to do every outfit in order of appearance and didn’t even realize until Saturday that I had switched them. But, nobody is perfect. Except Rachel Green.

Saturday: “The One with the Fake Monica” (Season 1, Episode 21)

Via elle.com

“What, so you can dance with the woman that stole your credit card?”

Tulip shirt: created with the help of Michael’s Arts & Crafts and my dad; Red checkered leggings: Amazon; Gray hoodie: borrowed; White Keds: thrifted

I know my Dad wanted a shoutout for helping me make the shirt for this day. So thank you, Dad. Also, I’ve grown to love these leggings. I was unsure about them at first but I’ve found that they are perfect for fall.

Sunday: “The One with the Football” (Season 3, Episode 9)

Via thechicdaily.com

“Ha! I almost caught that one!”

Green tee: my closet #ouohyeah; Black undershirt: my closet; Joggers: thrifted; White gym shoes: thrifted; Baseball cap: my closet

Because Rachel is so chic 99% of the time, I wanted to show her sporty side. Proud to rep my school, be comfortable, and model Ms. Green all at the same time.

Bonus: “The One Where No One’s Ready” (Season 3, Episode 2)

Via weheartit.com

“Look at me, I’m Chandler. Could I BE wearing any more clothes??”

3 sweatshirts, 3 tee-shirts, 2 sweatpants, 2 gym shorts, 1 pair of jeans, 1 flannel, 1 sweater, moccasins: my closet

This was kind of spur of the moment. Earlier in the week, a Facebook friend commented on one of the photos suggesting that I do this favorite from Joey as a bonus. I agreed and thought it was a must. An easy and funny end to the week.

In conclusion, I had such an awesome time recreating all of these infamous outfits. It combined three of my favorite things: social media, thrifting, and pop culture. It’s so much fun to create something out of total passion and to see other people appreciating it. After the great response I got, it had me thinking about what I could do next. Who knows… maybe I’ll be doing another Rachel week in the future, or maybe I’ll recreate another beloved television show.