Next month marks 28 years since we were introduced to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her wardrobe of 90s and Y2K treasures. After seven years of love, loss, leather pants and demon slaying, fans bid adieu to Buffy at the edge of a crater that once was her home in Sunnydale. That is until last week when Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed that she’s working on a revival with Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao.
Despite 22 years off the air, the cult 90s hit has never faltered in popularity through reruns, streaming, and a boisterous online fanbase. One of the key accounts keeping the show alive is @EveryOutfitBuffyWore, an archival fashion page which takes a deep dive into the iconic, sometimes chaotic and era-defining fashion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In anticipation of the revival, EveryOutfitBuffyWears delves into their top ten looks from the show.
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1. Spring Fling Dress from “Prophecy Girl” (1×12)
If there is one thing that Buffy has taught us, it is that leather jackets look fucking cool with fancy dresses. Perfect for saving the day in. And for coining the term “fruit punch mouth” . That girl in the white dress, the black jacket, wielding the crossbow? That is a hero. That is our hero. Let’s take a moment. There’s also a running gag throughout the episode about everyone commenting on how they like Buffy’s prom dress, from Willow to Angel to, ugh, the Master. So that is just more evidence of how right we are. So if even the Big Bad of the season is taking a moment to appreciate the look, then we rest our case.
2. Buffy “The Puppet Show” outfit (1×09)
Look. Everything about this outfit is Classic Buffy at its finest. We of course have the leather jacket which is a part of the essential slayer uniform. But the high ponytail, leopard print mini dress and the calf-high boots are pure ‘90s it-girl energy. And let’s not forget the silver rings—because even when battling creepy ventriloquist dummies, accessories matter. This look perfectly captures the late ‘90s fashion trends that defined Buffy’s wardrobe—grungy leather mixed with feminine silhouettes, animal prints making a strong statement, and boots that add just the right amount of edge.
3. The Little Brown Dress from “When She Was Bad” (2×01)
After dying at the end of last season, Buffy is back from her Summer in LA, distant, revved up, and apparently coping through excessive retail therapy. Buffy and her unresolved issues makes for a definitely more sexualised Buffy and thanks to her absentee Dad’s credit card that also includes one very nice striking brown dress when she dances provocatively with Xander at The Bronze. Now, we all know about the iconic LBD (Little Black Dress), but leave it to Buffy to introduce the LBD: Little Brown Dress. This slinky, form-fitting, sleeveless number in chocolate brown is perfect for when you come back from summer break with a new attitude, some repressed rage, and a mission to emotionally destroy your friends.
4. Buffy “Becoming part 1” slow-mo trench (2×21)
For one of the most significant moments of her life, Buffy shows up wearing this blue… or is it green? Honestly, it’s been over 25 years, and we’re still debating the color of this trench.Whatever shade it is, this trench delivers. The fit? Impeccable. The movement? Cinematic perfection. The slo-mo action shot of Buffy running in it? Straight-up legendary. Whether she’s racing toward destiny or away from her problems (relatable), this coat carries the weight of the moment flawlessly. Possibly her best outerwear of the entire series—and easily one of the most dramatic, unforgettable scenes.
5. Buffy “Graduation Day part 1” leather look (3×21)
RED LEATHER TROUSERS. Does anyone NOT love this outfit and how badass Buffy looks in it? Didn’t think so. From the moment she steps out in this almost all leather ensemble, you know she means business. Not many outfits come close to this one. This outfit isn’t just about looking good (though, let’s be real, it looks insanely good)—it’s about power. Confidence. Strength. Buffy goes into one of her most intense, high-stakes fights ever, and she does it in a look that remains unmatched.
6. Yummy Sushi Pyjamas from “Goodbye Iowa” (4×14)
Hello. Have you declared your love of Buffy’s yummy sushi pyjamas yet today? If not, then let me motivate you. Buffy delivered a powerful speech to her friends, sounding like a boss as always, while wearing these. Teaching us to never underestimate the power of yummy sushi pyjamas, because we all wanted them then and still do today. Sarah Michelle Gellar also recently shared a post of herself on her social media wearing the same pyjamas as a cute tease prior to the recent reports of a sequel series set to feature the original star in perhaps more comfortable nightwear looks.
7. Ultimate Y2K outfit from “Real Me” (5×02)
This outfit is the ultimate Y2K time capsule, a reminder that the 2000s were a golden age for fashion trends that were loud, sparkly, and, let’s face it, a little extra. The rhinestone embossed sunglasses. The large hoop earrings. The bedazzled crop top. The chunky watch strap. The embellished skinny hip belt. It’s the kind of style that’s all over Depop today if you want to look like the ultimate 00s gal, with the Depop girlies listing these sorts of pieces for prices that are, well, wild. But not as wild as when you see a ‘vintage’ rhinestone-studded flip phone case going for more than a new iPhone.
8. Buffy’s Chloé top and Y2K look from “No Place Like Home” (5×05)
The era? The 2000s. The obsession? This glittery devil skull Chloé t-shirt, which became a go-to for two fashion legends: Buffy Summers and Carrie Bradshaw. While Carrie was busy navigating NYC’s dating scene in the most dramatic ways possible, Buffy was out here literally fighting vampires. Same top, different priorities—both icons in their own right. And let us not forget those oversized hoop earrings—because if there’s one thing the early 2000s taught us, it’s that no outfit was complete without a statement earring. A styling choice that Carrie also loved.
9. Buffy’s leather jacket, jeans, bandana look from “Goodbye Iowa” (4×14)
Buffy’s boho fashion phase in Season 4 is a perfect reflection of her transition from high school to adulthood, and it’s honestly one of her most underrated style moments. After leaving behind the more “girly” vibes of earlier seasons (the less said about Buffy’s mini handbag trend in Season 3 the better), she fully adopts flowing maxi skirts and bandanas. Buffy’s look is giving military espionage but make it boho. The bandana says laid-back college girl, but the leather jacket says I could take down a secret government task force with my bare hands. And the turtleneck? That’s just for extra main-character energy. Honestly, this outfit is working overtime—investigating the Initiative, dealing with a mopey Riley, AND looking effortlessly cool? Icon behavior.
10. Buffy giraffe trousers from “Surprise/Innocence” (2×13/2×14)
It’s Buffy’s birthday, which, as we all know, is never a good thing. And this is just the beginning of a long tradition of truly cursed birthdays. But let’s focus on the one thing going right: these absolutely iconic giraffe-print trousers. After nearly dying, running away, getting caught in the rain, and experiencing one of the most dramatic and steamiest TV moments of all time, these trousers are there—front and center—witnessing the peak of Buffy and Angel’s romance, and its inevitable downfall. As for the beige twinset? It’s… there. It exists. It looks decent when damp after Buffy’s rain-soaked getaway, and while we all anticipate her and Angel to finally bang. But let’s be real—these trousers are the real MVP, pulling double duty as the star of Buffy’s walk of shame the next morning, carrying her from one life-ruining event to another. This giraffe-print and beige combo has range.
Intro by Sabrina Soormally, captions by @EveryOutfitBuffyWore.