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No series on TV fashion would be complete without everyone’s favorite blonde of the ’90s, Phoebe Buffay!

Played by Lisa Kudrow, Phoebe Buffay was one of the six main characters on the mega-hit show Friendsand was probably the wackiest leading lady on TV at the time. Even though I was pretty young during the show’s run, the jokes, dialogue, and memorable characters from Friends pepper almost every aspect of my life. This show was iconic, and the standard to which all other sitcoms are measured. I don’t think a day of my life has passed by without someone I know referencing the series!

Take a break this afternoon and imagine yourself snuggled up on the big orange couch in the middle of Central Perk — we’re breaking down the style of one Phoebe Buffay!

(For more Old School TV Style, check out our posts on Elaine from Seinfeld, My So-Called Life, Ally McBeal, Saved by the Bell, The Nanny, Three’s Company, and Rachel from Friends.)

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Table of Contents

Phoebe’s Background

Unlike her other “Friends,” Phoebe Buffay had a very unconventional upbringing. Phoebe’s dad abandoned her family and her mom later followed suit, so Phoebe spend most of her adolescence living on the streets. Despite her humble beginnings, Phoebe is one of the most optimistic, innocent, and idealistic friends in the group. She is scrappy and kind, but also a bit of a flake. Much of the show’s humor comes from Phoebe’s bizarre comments and unconventional outlook on life.

Phoebe didn’t go to high school, so she works as a freelance massage “therapist” throughout most of the series. She makes significantly less money than the other characters, but her whimsical style enables her to create awesome outfits from DIY projects and thrift shop finds.