TV Inspiration: Fashion Inspired by How I Met Your Mother
When responding to comments for my Geek Chic column, I always take note of reader requests for future articles. And though it’s not really a “geeky” show, I’ve received more requests than I can count for a post on the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
So today, your wish is our command: We’re breaking down the styles of the NYC BFFs of HIMYM. (Enough acronyms for you?) I hope you’ll find it legen — wait for it… DARY!
Challenge Accepted: About How I Met Your Mother
- CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother (or HIMYM, because that’s a really long name to keep typing) was created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays and premiered in 2005. The show is currently in its eighth season and has been renewed for a ninth.
- The show is set up as an elaborate flashback where protagonist Ted is telling his two children the story of how he met their mother, along with all the crazy shenanigans he and his friends Barney, Marshall, Robin, and Lily get into along the way.
- Ultimately, it’s a fun, hilarious show about the lives of five thirty-somethings living in New York City.
Outfits Inspired by HIMYM
Two words: Suit. Up.
Ted
Have you met Ted? Ted Mosby of Shaker Heights, Ohio (played by Josh Radner) is an architect and professor who yearns to meet the woman of his dreams. Although he’s got many desirable qualities — he’s intelligent, romantic, and endearingly dorky, plus he loves trivia and Star Wars — Ted keeps getting his heart broken.
Product Information: Cardigan, Blouse, Jeans, Boots, Satchel, Earrings, Umbrella
Since Ted now teaches at Columbia, his old flannel-and-jeans outfits have evolved into more polished ensembles featuring scholarly blazers and button-downs. Get Ted’s style with a cute polka-dot top, worn-in boyfriend jeans, and a roomy leather satchel. Top it off with an elbow patch cardigan that recalls Ted’s corduroy blazers without being stuffy; plus, the heart patches allude to his romantic nature.
Add accessories that reference some of Ted’s flames: snowflake earrings for Victoria, the baker who moved to Germany, and a yellow umbrella for the mysterious Mother. Finally, slip into a pair of ankle boots that are infinitely more stylish than Ted’s beloved red cowboy boots!
Lily
Lily Aldrin, played by Buffy alum Alyson Hannigan, used to be a bit of a punk, but is now a bubbly kindergarten teacher married to Marshall. (They call each other Lilypad and Marshmallow. Awwwww.) She’s a great shoulder to lean on, although she can’t keep a secret to save her life. Lily and Marshall recently had a son, Marvin.
Product Information: Sweater, Tank, Jeans, Boots, Bracelet, Bag
Lily has a bit of a shopping addiction, which seems to mostly manifest in the form of brightly colored or patterned tops and dresses as well as slouchy sweaters and knee-high boots. Get this feisty redhead’s style with a kelly green pullover layered over a striped tank. Finish off the look with sexy platform boots and a boldly printed hobo bag.
Robin
Robin Scherbatsky, played by Cobie Smulders, is a tough-as-nails reporter from Canada. (Though she hates to talk about it, she used to be a Canadian teen pop star known as Robin Sparkles.) Her father didn’t really want a daughter, so he raised Robin as a son, forcing her to play hockey, go on dangerous wilderness treks, and go hunting with him. Although Robin is bitter about her upbringing, she still retains a passion for hockey, guns, and cigars.
Product Information: Blazer, Top, Skirt, Shoes, Ring, Bracelets, Nail Polish
As an anchorwoman for World Wide News, Robin wears professional outfits, usually with a sexy twist. She favors slinky camis, fitted skirts, and plunging necklines. Snag her look with a cobalt top, blush blazer, and pencil skirt. Robin would love these pretty bracelets that support her hometown hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks. Finish with fun extras that allude to Robin’s pop star past in the form of sparkle nail polish and a pave bow ring. Let’s go to the mall!
Barney
Barney Stinson, played by Neil Patrick Harris, is legen-wait for it, and I hope you’re not lactose intolerant because the second half of that word is–dary! He’s the ultimate womanizer and spends most of his time creating elaborate plots to seduce women: the crazier the plan, the better. Barney also has a bit of an obsession with laser tag. Although Barney has a high-paying job at GNB, we rarely see him do any work. Nevertheless, he’s always dressed to the nines–nothing suits him like a suit!
Product Information: Jacket, Top, Jeans, Shoes, Necklace, Bracelet
Follow Barney’s “suit up” mantra with this feminine take on a suit. A studded blazer adds a bit of edge to a cute ivory peplum top and classic black skinny jeans. Finish off the “suit” with a pair of heeled loafers and a tie-shaped necklace. Finally, add a duck bracelet as a reference to the dreaded ducky tie that Barney’s forced to wear after losing a bet with Marshall.
Marshall
Marshall Eriksen, played by Jason Segel, is an easygoing environmental lawyer who hails from Minnesota. He’s an avid fan of the Vikings and a paranormal enthusiast utterly convinced of Bigfoot and alien existence. Marshall can be a bit of an idealist, but at the end of the day, he’s a devoted friend, husband and father.
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Tee, Boots, Socks, Bracelet
Capture Marshall’s laid-back look with a comfy plaid shirtdress and cargo jacket; if it’s cold out, layer a Vikings tee under the dress (or substitute the team of your choice). Slip on a pair of rugged boots along with quirky alien socks as a reference to Marshall’s beliefs. Finally, slip on a pretty tree bracelet that alludes to Marshall’s devotion to protecting the environment.
What did you think?
Would you wear these outfits? Do you watch HIMYM? Are you looking forward to finding out the mother’s identity? What other television inspirations would you like to see featured? Let us know in the comments!
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Posted on on January 17, 2013 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Featured, How I Met Your Mother, Inspiration, TV, TV fashion
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Leslie
Such a good idea!! I love it! Robin’s look is my favorite.
Casey
OH em gee. I absolutely adore this! As soon as I saw the red boots featured in the first outfit, I knew the rest would be amazing as well :)
Dana
WOW! Spot-on!!! One of your best posts yet (and one of my favorite shows! Coincidence…?) I love all the small detains that allude to the characters’ quirks
Emily
perfect. PERFECT. Perfect. The outfits go with each character so well, and I appreciate the quotes :) One of my favorite shows!
Alana
Yes!! HIMYM is my favorite show. I love how you incorporated things from past seasons, like Ted’s red boots and the ducky tie. My favorite outfit is Lily’s, it really looks like something should would wear, and I’d wear it myself too!
Roxie
All the suggested outfits are spot on, I especially love the shoes from the Barney inspired outfit!
Kaitlin
This is the most perfect CF post I’ve seen in the two years I’ve been reading. I think these outfits are perfect for capturing the characters, and they’re nowhere near costumey like similar articles sometimes show.
Nicole Sim
I love this inspiration post so much! I keep smiling while reading it =) HIMYM is my favourite show and the styles go so well with the characters! I love Robin’s style =)
Shelby
I’m so happy with this! Although I’m still impatiently waiting for more Geek Chic looks (Firefly, Angel and Buffy part 2?) this will satisfy me for awhile.
Shelby
and surprisingly, Marshall’s is my favorite look out of them all!
Danelle
Vancouver Canucks*….
These are great.
Hilary
THIS IS AMAZING! spot on with all the references! “The Office” next perhaps?? Or community?
heather
i love this show! lily and marshall are one of the best television couples ever. love these outfits!
Carrie
This is awesome!!!!! I LOVE the Ted inspired outfit the most! Great job! :)
kera
Can you do one only on Lilly? She is the best dress, girl next door, one in the show.
Leah
Words cannot describe how awesome this post is! I especially loved Lily and Barney’s looks
Mary
I love this article, especially Ted’s outfit
Angie
Love this. Love the outfits. Love the descriptions. Love the quotes and references. Love himym!
Michelle
Love! My favorite is Marshall’s. Totally what he would wear if he was a girl!
It’d be awesome to see The Lying Game, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Dexter, Gilmore Girls
Fillenoire
This is amazing and these looks were all wonderful appropriations of each character! Love the show although I’m ready for them to just reveal who the mother is already!
Joanne
One of the best posts I’ve seen on CF the entire time I’ve been reading it. You captured each character’s personality spot-on, as well as their fashion styles, even though they’ve all gone through fashion transformations (even Barney – in the earlier seasons he wore more stripes and patterns, but lately he’s been wearing more solid colors).
Brilliant post, I wish I could buy every single one of these pieces!
Emily
I love Lily’s outfit, mostly because I just bought a sweater at Kohl’s that looks just like the one pictured…now I have at least one idea of how to wear it! :)
LIz
I loved all the little details in the post! I love ted’s look. It would be great if you did a post on the X-Files!
Chloe
wow, this is definitely one of my favorite CF posts!! love this show!
All the outfits are spot on and capture each character perfectly!! love all the quotes as well, and all the little accessory details added.. (barneys duck tie/duck charm bracelet, robin sparkles/sparkle nail polish, etc) AWESOME POST!
there should be a post on Community or Parks and Rec!! or modern family!!
Hermione
Thank you so much for finally putting up an HIMYM inspired post! I love all the looks although I would’ve quite liked one that focused more on Robin’s casual clothes as I adore her look!
Shelby
okay, one more comment: future tv inspirations should cover Once Upon a Time part 2 (Belle! Her outfits this week were amazing.) and Downton Abbey. :)
Bree
I recently got sooo hooked on this show, so this is an awesome post! But, I didn’t know about Marvin yet, so maybe include a spoiler warning in the future?
Evanna
Awesome!
Could you PLEASE do something like this for Modern Family?! :D
Alyssa Nicole
Omg this just made my night!! <3 I loved all the outfits, especially Lily's since the bag was a must have! :)
Abby
So great! Love this top for the Barney inspired outfit: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2040494867&VariantID=
Natalie
Woohoo! Have you guys done a “Girls” fashion inspiration post yet? I just started watching it and already love their styles!
jacqueline
GREAT post!! the robin outfit is my favorite. and those red ankle boots? PULLING. THEM. OFF.
Katherine
The Marshall outfit is so spot-on! I love them all, great post!
Jen
I love it! The lily outfit is totally my style :)
dina
it would have better if you would have shown the best outfits of robin
Brigid
You did a great job with this one! Like everyone else said, you really represented the characters well :) I’d love to see Community!