Science fiction stories are often remembered for their high-tech gadgets, alien make up, and dystopian governments, but what about their fashion? From iconic bikinis to perfectly tailored suits – sci-fi has given us some of the most stylish characters in pop culture, and we think it’s about time to celebrate their cutting-edge looks. Here are the top 10 stylish sci-fi characters of all time:
1. Princess Leia – Star Wars
Sure, it’s a cliché, but only because it’s true. No other character in sci-fi has had such a huge impact on fashion, on costuming, and on the way we picture futuristic space women. The metal bikini, the cinnamon bun hair – Princess Leia is the reigning queen of sci-fi style.
2. Marty McFly – Back to the Future
The red puffy vest! The jeans jacket! The plaid shirt! This guy knows how to layer, making his look one of the most recognizable sci-fi styles ever.
3. Six – Battlestar Galactica
Hard to believe this well-dressed blonde is actually a robot. But the rebooted Battlestar Galactica changed the robot-game, making them hotter – and more deadly! – than ever. Six, with her red dress and platinum hair, was the embodiment of a stylish fantasy come to life.
4. Neo – The Matrix
You’ve got to love Neo’s all-black caped look – somehow it’s both old-fashioned and modern, conservative and sexy, and obviously built for a wind-machine. Not an easy feat.
5. Ruby Rhod – The Fifth Element
Sure, Milla Jovovich’s LeeLoo is more recognizable with her white-strapped leotard and bright orange hair, but come on – Chris Tucker clearly steals the show as Ruby Rhod. Who else could get away with an all leopard jumpsuit or a collar made of red roses? It’s not very subtle, but it’s definitely fashionable.
6. Inara Serra – Firefly
Everyone looked good in Joss Whedon’s Western-set-in-space TV series, Firefly. But no one else had the grace and poise of Inara, who glided across the small screen in Grecian-inspired gowns, sari-prints, and lots of jewels.
7. Rachael – Blade Runner
Rachael’s style is a perfect blend of ‘80’s does ‘40’s does sci-fi. It’s all sculpted shoulder pads, rolled bangs and fitted suits. If this is what the future looks like, sign me up.
8. The Tenth Doctor – Dr. Who
Geeky and adorable, the Tenth Doctor looks exactly like that high school science teacher you had a secret crush on. He even has cute glasses! And tweed! One thing’s for certain: if my teachers were this fashionably cute I might have actually paid attention in physics.
9. Chiana – Farscape
Not only did Chiana have awesome black-and-white contrast make-up, but the impulsively wild alien also got the best outfits – lots of fitted leather, fur collars, and hectic dark-colored prints.
10. Vincent Freeman – Gattaca
Is there anything sexier than a great-fitting suit? Not in Gattaca, where Ethan Hawk rocks this tailored look, making the future seem stylish and sleek.
Check out 1000 Steampunk Creations by Dr. Grymm to try and come up with a sci-fi style of your own. And be sure to check out more futuristic fun with our list of YA’s toughest sci-fi heroines!
