Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

Of all the old school TV shows we’ve covered here, Happy Daysis perhaps the most nostalgic. Set in Milwaukee, the show tells the story of the Cunningham family during an idealized version of the mid-1950s through ’60s. The series, which premiered in the 1970s, was one of the first ever “period” TV shows, depicting the “simpler times” of decades past. The show would quickly become a phenomenon, launching seven different spin-off series and eventually a musical.

Seeking fashion inspiration from a show set sixty years ago might seem strange, but I was surprised to find that clothes worn on Happy Days are actually quite classic and timeless… and can totally be worn today. Read on to see what I mean!

(In case you’re new around here, be sure to check out our Old School TV posts on Elaine from Seinfeld, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Three’s Company, the Nanny, Saved By the Bell, My So-Called Life, Rachel and Phoebe from Friends, Clarissa Explains It All, the Cosby Show, Ally McBeal, and I Love Lucy.)

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

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Richie Cunningham

Before Ron Howard became one of the most lauded directors of our time, he starred in sitcoms like The Andy Griffith Show and, of course, as Richie Cunningham on Happy Days.

For the first seven years of the show’s run, episode plots revolved around Richie and his friends. (In the seventh season, Richie joined the army and Fonzie became the focus of the show.) Richie represented the clean-cut, athletic, All-American teenager of the era. Kind, wholesome, and level-headed, Richie was a ’70s parent’s dream and a positive role model for kids.

Sweater, Shirt, Jeans, Shoes, Earrings, Belt

Style-wise, Richie had a very clean-cut, midwestern high school student look. Collared shirts, khaki pants, basic sneakers, light-wash jeans, cardigans, and sporty jackets were his uniform.