Penny from The Big Bang Theory is the ultimate girl next door (literally–she started as Leonard and Sheldon’s neighbor). She’s been the main female lead of one of TV’s biggest shows for almost ten years, but she also has a more relaxed, relatable style than most leading ladies.

Penny’s go-to outfit formula is a familiar one for college girls: blouse or button-down, blue jeans (skinny or boyfriend), and cute flats. Sure, her versions of these pieces may be from brands a little outside your typical budget — like Rails, Equipment, Joie, and Rebecca Taylor — but that doesn’t mean her style isn’t easily imitated. 

Read on for three different ways to channel this funny lady. 

Table of Contents

Look #1: Casual Cool

Products: Tee – Dorothy Perkins, Jacket – Saks off 5th, Jeans – River Island, Sneakers – Vans, Bag – Ebags.

A floral top is a Penny classic, as are a great pair of mid-wash skinny jeans. This casual look is exactly like what Penny would wear to order copious amounts of Chinese takeout with her geek squad, or when she’s forced to drive Sheldon to the comic book store.

When it gets chilly in Pasadena, Penny likes to throw on a go-with-everything army jacket like this one for an effortlessly stylish vibe. Although I could see her finishing this look with any number of shoes, from little ballet flats to tall boots, slide sneakers are a comfy, on-trend, and Penny-approved choice. Bag-wise, Penny loves a practical hobo style.

Look #2: Easy Shirtdress

Products: Dress – Nordstrom Rack, Flats – Nordstrom Rack, Bag – Century 21, Earrings – Banana Republic.

When Penny gets tired of her tried-and-true jeans formula, her backup plan is a cute, breezy shirtdress — it’s like the dressy cousin of her favorite flannels. A dress like this would work with all sorts of different footwear, but I think shoe nut Penny would be particularly partial to these flats with a trendy ankle-tie detail.