- Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars” is one of the most popular teen shows of the past decade.
- During its seven seasons on the air, the show became known for its intense storylines and cliffhangers, as well as the costumes.
- The four protagonists, Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna each have their own styles that evolve over the course of the show.
- Some of the most memorable looks from “Pretty Little Liars” include couture ball gowns, a cropped trench coat, and even a wedding dress (or two!)
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During its seven seasons airing on Freeform, “Pretty Little Liars” became known for its twisted plot lines, intense cliffhangers, and statement-making style. Though the four main protagonists – Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna -were in high school when the show started, their style was not what you’d expect from a teen show.
Each character has a very distinct sense of style, which evolves as the girls mature. Aria is the bold one, always mixing up prints and textures, and never without statement jewelry. Spencer is always preppy, wearing lots of tailored pieces, collared shirts, and sweaters. Emily likes to keep it casual, often seen in canvas jackets, flannel shirts, and Converse sneakers. Hanna is the glam one, always reaching for lighter colors, trending styles, and high heels.
When pulling pieces for the show, “PLL” costume designer Cameron Dale said her team focused on dressing the characters in clothes the average viewer could afford. She described major shopping trips to Topshop, Zara, and Nordstrom Rack, as well as frequenting Rag and Bone for some of the more “splurge” pieces. Costume designer Mandi Line has also spoken on their approach, telling Entertainment Weekly, “I don’t want these viewers to watch and get their hearts broken and just be like, ‘I can’t [afford that].’ I would rather have them see a Free People top that they can save up for.”
Here are some of the best outfits ever worn on “Pretty Little Liars.”
Hanna’s blazer collection takes girl power to a whole new level.
For this quintessentially Hanna look, she wears a light pink blazer with white studded hoops. The show's costume designer, Mandi Line, described the character's style saying, "I don't think [Hanna] knows what to do without a blazer. It's like she can't breathe without a blazer and heels."
Spencer once rocked this perfectly-tailored cropped trench.
A cropped version of a classic camel trench made this outfit quintessentially Spencer: preppy with a modern twist.
Emily showed her sporty side in this lounge look.
Emily's cozy tank, pony, and striped knee socks were athleisure perfection before it was even a thing.
Hanna’s blue dress and straw bag brought high and low together.
This ensemble proved Hanna is a master at making glamorous pieces daytime appropriate. The neon color-blocking of the dress paired well with her chic, brightly-detailed beach bag.
Aria’s leopard obsession began with a cardigan and purple camisole tank.
The bold color of Aria's tank complimented her leopard cardigan without feeling too loud, and introduced leopard as a staple in her wardrobe
Emily wore this trendy camouflage leopard print jacket.
In her character's take on Aria's signature leopard print, Emily wore this trendy military-style canvas coat. She paired the jacket with dark jeans and a gray t-shirt, and accessorized with one of her character's staple long necklaces.
Hannah made homecoming court in this teal feathered dress.
This Sue Wong dress was homecoming heaven with its feathered skirt and wide beaded belt. Ever the showstopper, Hanna pulls it off with her chic, undone curls.
Only Aria could look this good wearing plaid, polka dots, and stripes together.
In this look, Aria did the impossible and pulled off wearing polka dots, stripes, and plaid together. The top is a vertical striped button up with a polka dot bow, which is partially covered by a red tartan blazer. This combination of patterns could've been overwhelming, especially on Lucy Hale's tiny frame, but both the blouse and the blazer fit perfectly.
Spencer’s belted red dress is girly, but strong.
The horsebit buckle belt Spencer chose gives this girly, floaty peasant dress a masculine edge.
Hanna went all-out for this bold look.
Always experimenting, Hanna rocked this bright look on season three. Wearing a ruffled white blouse with lace detailing and a neon green skirt from Urban Outfitters, this look is bright and fun, and very Hanna.
Aria once matched her earrings to her miniskirt.
Aria is known to love a statement earring, and chose a green pair of oval hoops to match her patterned green miniskirt in this scene.
Hanna put her own spin on prep in this structured look.
Though prep is much more Spencer's speed, Hanna put her own flair on this collared blouse and structured jacket. The hardware on both the jacket and her purse combined with her leather skirt bring a trendy edge to this otherwise classic combination.
Mona proved slime green has always been in style with this leopard print sweater.
Mona clearly knew slime green was going to be a major trend on the runways before anyone else did. Just look at this blue and green leopard print sweater by Equipment she's wearing!
Emily hit the town in a gorgeous royal blue jumpsuit.
Emily donned this fashion-forward royal blue jumpsuit on season five. Paired with high heels, a black crossbody bag, and a cropped blazer by Alice + Olivia, this outfit was a total power move.
Aria once wore a comic book strip dress to school.
On season four, Aria wore a comic-print peplum dress to school. She wore hoop earrings, a belt, and carried a yellow purse. On this outfit, "Pretty Little Liars" costume designer Mandi Line told InStyle, "No one would wear this to school except Aria, actually, no one on TV would wear this except Aria."
Hanna’s style took a grungy turn on season five.
On season five, Hanna started to experiment with her style. In an attempt to find her individuality, she started leaning towards distressed denim and grungier looks. This one in particular featured a custom denim jacket with "Rosewood" emblazoned across her shoulders and pins on the front.
Mona’s glam collegiate look exudes confidence.
As one of the major antagonists on the show, Mona played the role of popular girl, nerdy girl, kidnapper, and so many more. She changed up her look a lot throughout the series, but this glam collegiate look was one of her best. The striped trim crop top is from Topshop, and her crisp white skirt is Marc Jacobs. Paired with the brown ankle boots and gold necklace, this look exudes confidence.
This ensemble showed Spencer has a punk side.
Though the pearl-studded sweater and button-up shirt stay true to Spencer's preppy style, her tartan plaid leggings and All Saints ankle boots added a bit of punk-inspired edge to this look.
Spencer added a sleeveless trench to her expansive outerwear collection.
There's nothing Spencer loves more than a structured jacket and this look is no exception. This iteration of her wardrobe staple is military style and cinched with a belt at her waist.
Mona wore this cherry dress during an emotional heart-to-heart with Aria.
Mona wore this pin up-inspired look during a conversation with Aria on season five. The retro outfit consisted of a cherry print top, Topshop ice cream cone earrings, and a red bird necklace.
Hanna’s dollhouse prom dress brings nothing but drama.
On the season five finale, the Liars are kidnapped by "A" and wake up in a dollhouse replica of their own bedrooms. They're instructed to organize a prom, and given dresses to wear. Lucky for us, Hanna is given this stunning red mermaid gown by Sherri Hill. The gown has a satin skirt and glitter bodice, and the plunging neckline and evening gloves bring the drama.
Aria’s ripped shirt perfectly complemented her black skater skirt.
The show's costume designer Cameron Dale once told Brit + Co, "Aria is trendy with an eye for throwing together unexpected color and pattern," which is exactly why this look works. Aria wears a lightning bolt-printed skater skirt, a fringed tee, and a hot pink bangle. The three pieces are all statement-makers on their own, but are magic together.
Hanna’s girly winter accessories sparkled in a Christmas flashback.
In this flashback scene, Hanna was giving off major Blair Waldorf vibes in her pink and lilac marbled coat and matching beret. The pink hues are so Hanna's style, and complement her then-BFF Mona's ensemble as well.
The Liars’ personal styles shined in winter white.
"Pretty Little Liars" loves a holiday episode, but up until season five, these specials focused mainly on Halloween. Episode "How the 'A' Stole Christmas" aired in December 2014, as the first-ever "PLL" Christmas special. It featured the Liars at a charity event, the Ice Ball, decked out in stunning winter white dresses. As with other times the Liars attended special events, these gowns reflect each of their individual styles while complementing each other's looks. Aria wore a tea-length Georges Chakra couture dress, Emily's gown was by Sherri Hill, Spencer opted for a beaded Adrianna Papell number, and Hanna also wore a lacy prom dress by Windsor.
Aria went wild in a silky leopard print maxi dress.
Aria looks sultry in her signature leopard print, this time in the form of a silky Urban Outfitters dress, accessorized with an Anthropologie belt. Her fierce statement necklace rounds out this wild look.
The Liars looked fashion-forward on prom night.
The Liars looked all grown up attending Rosewood High prom. Each girl's outfit reflected their personal styles-classic, edgy, glam, and bold, respectively. Spencer wore a tasteful velvet Walter Mendez gown, which featured a high neckline and a wrapped silhouette. Emily wore a gown straight off the runway with a unique crown from Etsy. Hanna shined in a gold and white Sherri Hill prom dress and Anthropologie belt. Aria made a statement in a crop top and skirt set from Alice + Olivia.
Hanna looked sophisticated in this sleeveless dress.
Hanna channeled her inner Madonna in this sleeveless black top with contrasting lapel collar. The mature look was finished with a smokey eye, dark nails, and a sleek blowout.
Hanna and Emily brought athleisure looks to the dance floor.
On season five, Hanna and Emily dance to "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj. They both wore athletic clothing-Hanna in printed leggings, a cropped tee, and a sweatshirt around her waist, and Emily in a tank, denim shorts, and a plaid shirt tied around her waist.
Spencer went back to her roots in this striped sweater.
This striped Veronica Beard sweater and tan lace-up oxfords are peak preppy Spencer. Even while roughing it, she manages to look buttoned up and pulled together.
Emily’s signature camo print came back on a later season in the form of a shirtdress.
Emily's style is streetwear-informed, so it's only right that it heavily relies on camo print. In this look, Emily comfortably toes the line between masculine and feminine with this camo jumpsuit from Enza Costa.
Aria sported this trendy leopard print bomber jacket.
As the Liars grew up, their style did too. Aria continued to wear leopard print throughout all seven seasons, including this Elizabeth And James bomber jacket she wore on season six.
Spencer’s weekend wear is just as polished as her more elevated pieces.
Even Spencer's cozy style is elevated, as highlighted by her Rag and Bone sweater. Her voluminous, relaxed waves and the washed denim go perfectly with her sweater's casual vibe.
Alison wore a sweet tunic dress on season seven.
This simple black dress was perfect for Alison's laid back season seven wardrobe. It has white embroidery, and is by French Connection.
Emily’s signature flannel and long necklace were paired with a high fashion skirt and sneakers for this look.
Emily plays with high and low fashion in this outfit, combining an asymmetrical Elizabeth and James skirt with a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors.
Hanna rocked this red bomber jacket and block heels.
After the time jump, Hanna went to school in New York City at FIT. She interned in the fashion world, and this shiny red bomber jacket from Topshop proved she had picked up a few styling tips along the way. The trendy jacket totally elevated her jeans and tee look, and her rock star block heels exude glam.
Aria continued playing with prints, but in a modern way.
On the show's final season, Aria remained close to her style roots in this long sleeve, v-neck Zara blouse. The blouse's pattern makes this look feel like Aria, but with a contemporary twist.
Hanna stepped up her off-duty cool with an oversized denim jacket.
This is the perfect weekend look for Hanna. The maroon skinny jeans and lace camisole are on-trend, and only made that much better by her oversized denim jacket. The jacket features white distressed detailing, and is actually a Kimono-style coat by Current/Elliott.
Spencer’s classic trench coat got a trendy upgrade.
If one thing's for sure, it's that Spencer is all about the trench coat. On a later season, she's seen wearing the classic silhouette in a trendy burnt orange hue. The rust-colored jacket is by Zara, and really stands out against her dark outfit.
Emily’s lace-up blouse is chic, but street-wear inspired.
This white blouse by Sanctuary is a perfect representation of Emily's maturing taste. As the athlete of the group, her style always focused on streetwear and athleisure. The nautical neckline on this otherwise-classic blouse brings it to her unique level of cool, but isn't too glam to fit in with Emily's existing wardrobe.
Hanna once wore this statement sequin bomber jacket from Topshop.
According to the show's costume designers, Topshop is a favorite brand in the Liars' wardrobes. It's no surprise, then, that Hanna has an extensive collection of statement bomber jackets from the trendy retailer. This style in particular is silver, pink, and blue sequin, which she wore over an all-black look.
Alison brings the color in a patterned Alice + Olivia dress and gray denim jacket.
Alison plays with color in this funky Alice + Olivia dress. She's ahead of the style curve in this boat neckline, which was recently propelled back into popularity by Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy.
Emily’s denim vest and plaid shorts gave off major '90s vibes.
Emily flexes her grunge side in this playful pair of plaid shorts from R13 with attached tied shirtsleeves. She emphasizes the '90s vibe with a worn in white tee, a combo leather and denim jacket, and an ever-cool layered black choker.
On season six, Spencer trades her striped blouses for a floral jumpsuit.
Spencer's look strayed from her usual stripes in this floral jumpsuit by Ralph Lauren. She grounds the ditzy print and makes it her own with an on-brand, mid-length camel coat.
Hanna’s military-style jacket followed runway trends.
Hanna's style always evolves as the trends do, so it's no surprise that this Rag and Bone double breasted jacket made an appearance on season seven. By the time this episode aired in May 2017, military-style jackets had taken over the runways and become a staple among fashion insiders.
Spencer looks Capitol Hill-ready in this flutter sleeve jacket.
In this scene from after the time jump, Spencer is catching Emily up on her life as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. Spencer is suitably all business in her flutter sleeve coat by Bebe and sleek ponytail.
Aria wore this on-trend eyelet dress in season seven.
Aria stays right on brand in this bold yellow eyelet dress from Cinq á Sept, complete with trumpet sleeves and ruched details. Aria is no stranger to wearing bright colors, but this mustard yellow is ultra-trendy and so contemporary.
Emily brought the heat in a matching pajama set.
The costume designers on "Pretty Little Liars" paid close attention to each look they created. Each girl's distinct style is apparent in every single scene, even when they are in their pajamas. This matching sleepwear Emily wore on season seven is by Clover Canyon and gave us all of the island vibes.
Mona paired a feminine camisole with a suede jacket on season seven.
Mona is such a chameleon of a character, and her style is no different. This outfit came from one of the show's final episodes where she is seemingly back to 'normal,' and spending time with Hanna and Caleb. Mona wears a romantic floral camisole underneath a green BLANKNYC suede moto jacket. The look is completed with a '90s-inspired opal choker from Urban Outfitters.
Alison’s sequin tee is beyond sweet.
All's well that ends well in Rosewood. In one of the final scenes of the series, we see the Liars walking together through the town. All in signature looks, Alison walks with the girls in a pair of purple pants, a bomber jacket, and an adorable pineapple sequined tee from H&M.
Aria had two wedding dresses, but this one was was our favorite dress.
When fans of the show were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the show's final episode, they were surprised to see Aria's wedding dress revealed so casually. When the finale aired, it became clear that the original gown-a gothic, lace dress with long sleeves-was not the one she would walk down the aisle in. After some twists and turns, Aria walked down the aisle in this Alexis mini dress which features romantic lace detailing and a tiered skirt.