How to Dress Like Toni from Girlfriends: A Style Guide
This week, I took a deep dive into the core elements that define Toni's style.
As many of you requested after my breakdown of Joan’s style in Girlfriends1, I’m back with another and this time, it’s all about Toni!
No surprise here: Toni arguably had the flashiest looks on the show. From power suits to monochrome fits and vibrant colours, her outfits were easily some of the best. Just like her personality, her style was the true definition of high maintenance, drama and confidence. But even with all that flair, Toni wasn’t afraid to get down and dirty…literally. In Season 1, Episode 3, she gets into a physical fight at the club and then immediately gets into another (verbal) fight with Joan. And let’s not forget the time in S1E22, she all but tackled Joan after her breakup with what’s-his-name. I don't want to bore you with Girlfriends lore, but if you haven't watched it…you’re missing out.
“Girl I will wear you out, do not let this Prada fool you!”
- Toni Childs
Toni was quick with the clapbacks and often painted as a little too finicky, but looking back? Her standards were just high, some would say impractically high, others would say aspirational.
So what makes up the essence of Toni’s style? If you’ve ever wondered, wonder no more. Here’s a guide on how to dress like Toni from Girlfriends. Grab your drink of choice, let’s dive in.
Power Suits
Like her personality, Toni’s power suits are all about control, dominance, and boldness. I need my literature girlies to tap in - to be fair, if you’re on Substack, I know you like to read into things. Power suits say “I’m assertive, bossy, and not afraid to take up space”. Sound familiar? Toni also wore suits so often that by S3E11, she even had a toy mini version of herself and what was the toy wearing? A suit! Actually, I think it was two suits.
It also says “I’m in charge”. And I truly believe this styling was intentional. We saw Joan wear suits, mostly at work or work-related events, but Toni wore these almost everywhere. Power suits are high fashion, think Saint Laurent S/S25 with the sharp lines, commanding look and overpowering air of ambition. In a power suit, nothing fazes you and it truly gives off Olivia Pope energy. I’m convinced anyone in a power suit could sell air.
Patterns
Toni choosing to opt for patterns is yet another cue to who she was on the show. Patterns often scream maximalism, loudness and bold self-expression. I usually live in my blacks and whites, but I have to admit, Toni styled her patterns with intention. They were never overwhelming to the point where it drowned out the rest of the outfit or made her look chaotic. They made her stand out from the rest of the group, showcasing her need to dance to the beat of her own drum. Okay, I might be reading a little bit too much into this but you know I love a good breakdown.
Notable mention: Polka dots. A few of her looks alluded to a Parisian-chic style, which we’ll get into in a sec. I also have to bring up that picture of her by the pool2, where her swimsuit had a sprinkle of polka dots across the mid section. Can we talk about how iconic that look was though? The parasol umbrella, the pointed lace-up heels, the stacked gold bracelets, the v-neck swimsuit…she was clearly not going anywhere near the water.
Chic count: 1
Vibrant colors
Toni was not afraid of colour. Red, orange, purple, pink. She wore it all. I need my color theorists to tap into this conversation really quickly. Red often signifies power, dominance, and sometimes passion which Toni definitely brought to many conversations. Whether necessary or not, I’ll leave that up to you.
In the west, purple signifies luxury and wealth. You guessed it; a perfect match for her material-girl tendencies. Pink? Playful and soft, a rare but lovely side of her.
I’ve been doing some light reading into colour theory because of this post (thanks, Substack), and red especially is said to stir up the most emotion/feelings in other people. Maybe Toni stirred things up not just with her words, but her wardrobe too? I’m probably reaching. Either way, she balanced both warm and cool colours delightfully.
Rolled Neck Tops
Ever the picture of sophistication, Toni’s rolled neck tops were perfect for a polished yet understated look. Hair curled/bumped at the ends, she reminded me of a wealthy business owner each time. The high neck tops, the power suits, the sharply pulled back ponytails. Important business on the agenda.
V-Neck Tops
V-necks are deceptively simple, but a tasteful way to show off a hint of skin. It’s elegant without trying too hard and some are simply elevated basics. It can sharpen an outfit - especially when Toni has her hair up in a ponytail - and can soften an outfit when needed as well.
Scarves
How Parisian. How chic. I cackled when she walked in with the scarf and sunglasses looking like she just got back from shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré3. Looking like she was going to head home with the top down, radio on, and wind blowing in her face. I need to talk to the producers, how did we not get an episode of them in Paris? I would have loved to seen that.
Scarves added a touch of whimsy glam and an ode to movie stars in the 50s. Admittedly, Maya wore them too on the show but the scene with the purple dress and sunglasses especially gives off movie star style. Scarves are super versatile, you can wear them on your head, under a hat, on a bag, around your neck and many other ways. Very summer in the Mediterranean.
Chic Count: 2
It's not front row, Toni Childs can't go!
- Toni Childs
Notable mentions
Silk & satin
Silk= wealth, elegance, status. Toni in silk? It just made sense.
Monochrome looks
It’s easy to think monochrome looks are synchronous with being minimal and muted, but Toni used them to feel elevated. She often wore outfits in varying shades of the same colour. Smooth, soft, sophisticated. In her monochrome outfits, she always looked the most composed.
Midi Skirts
Toni wore midi skirts a lot. Usually paired with the patterns, vibrant colours, and in the monochrome looks mentioned previously. From dinner with the girls to casually strolling into Joan’s house (without knocking, of course), the midi skirts gave her an air of elegance and softness we didn't always get to see. I’m definitely on the look out for more midi skirts I can incorporate in my spring/summer rotation.
Small handbags
A signature. Even now still a trending accessory, small handbags were usually Toni’s go-to. Small shoulder or clutch bags. I used to wonder why she didn’t opt for bigger bags, but then I read this quote by Emilia Petrarca in The Cut:
“Some might argue that tiny bags are limiting…but I’ve always thought they were liberating, because they force you to examine why you’re lugging around all of your stuff. When I hold my mini Dior bag, I feel like a dainty little lady without a care in the world. I don’t even need my hands; they exist only in the service of beauty”.
Toni definitely doesn’t seem like the type to carry more than is necessary and to exist only in the service of beauty.
And that’s a wrap on Toni! Did I miss any of your fave looks or style moments? I want to know, let’s chat in the comments.
Also, thank you SO much for all the support on the Joan post. 270 subscribers?? I’m so grateful! I started writing about this show I love and now it’s turning into something really special.
Till next time,
fv.
P.S. I’m starting a new series called The Style Breakdown, diving into the fashion of my favourite TV characters, influencers, internet personalities. If you’ve got someone in mind, let me know!
Girlfriends is an American sitcom television series that premiered in 2000, and focuses on 4 close friends going through life in LA together.
Look spotted in S3E2.
This is a prestigious street in Paris, renowned for its luxury shopping, upscale restaurants and high end jewellery.
This would honestly be my wardrobe.
i loved your Joan fashion breakdown so i KNEW i would love your Toni fashion breakdown. sooo good!