When it comes to absorbing the world of film and television, we desire to relate to the characters, the plotlines, and the overall message of the film or series. As part of character connections, fashions can make a difference. They set the tone of the production, and let's face it, you can't truly cosplay without observing the clothes.
Eliza Taylor, best known for her roles as Clarke Griffin in CW's The 100 and Hannah Carson in NBC's continuation of Quantum Leap, has styled many outfits in her long line of credits. From the glamorous pieces to the "I'm just trying to save everyone" wardrobe, each look made an impact and was memorable.
In an exclusive reveal, Taylor shared with us what her favorite looks she got to wear for her characters! What she chose is just as iconic as her on-screen personas.
See what she picked, plus other looks from her career.
5 best looks of Eliza Taylor and her top favorites
Whether it's fighting to survive or cracking codes from the 1950s, Taylor always slayed it with the clothes.
Ellen's red dress from Netflix's Christmas Inheritance (2015)
In Netflix's holiday rom-com, Taylor starred as Ellen, a greeting cards and stationery (think Hallmark) heiress who loves to live up the spotlight and party. After a scandal at her company's charity event, Ellen is transported to a small town to deliver a letter, only to discover the true meaning of the holiday season and kindness.
For the film, Taylor wore some cheerful holiday fashions, including a Hollyberry-red dress at the party. It's a stark contrast from her post-apocalyptic wardrobe from The 100.
Where to watch: Netflix (US)
Dr. Villika's alien look from The Orville
Since we're streaming on sci-fi realms, Taylor guest-starred on Seth MacFarlane's comedy The Orville: New Horizons in season 3 and went complete alien as Dr. Villika. Not only did we see her have violet eyes, but we also saw her in heavy prosthetic costuming to create the character. It took several hours to perfect the transformation, and while it couldn't be the most comfortable outfit, we applaud Taylor for pulling the lever up to experiment with new boundaries.
As a bonus, her The 100 costar, Christopher Larkin, also appeared in the episode as a robot.
Where to watch: Hulu
Clarke Griffin's dark blue dress from The 100 (season 6-2019)
Clarke swapped her jacket and boots for a dark blue lace and silk dress and danced the night away, escaping from her "saving everyone" responsibilities, even if only for a few hours. With Bellamy Blake (Bob Morley) watching her partner with another guy, he fantasized about what could have been had he taken the next step.
The blue dress is Clarke's third formal piece in the series. Her first was the gold and bronze Medieval-inspired gown she wore in early season 3 when Skaikrü became the thirteenth clan in the Coalition. The second dress was the pink number she wore in the third episode of season six.
Where to watch: Netflix (US)
Clarke Griffin's entire The 100 season 1 wardrobe (2014)
In an exclusive video, Taylor revealed what were her favorite outfits were from her "lots of credits."
"I feel like Clarke season 1, big fan, big fan of that," she replies in the clip."Just because like, I don't know, it's just so special to me."
We couldn't agree more. Season 1 of The 100 propelled Taylor into international fame, and in Clarke, she created one of the most influential and empowering female characters in TV history. Clarke was the first bisexual lead on a network, and despite her sincerity in trying to save the human race, Clarke was just as flawed and imperfect as the rest of us.
And another great thing about the first season? The start of Bellarke and it's roller coaster evolution.
As for her season 1 wardrobe, it was designed to survive the elements of a war-destroyed Earth and you really don't have the patience to decide what to wear when you're trying to live another day.
Where to watch: Netflix (US)
Hannah Carson from NBC's Quantum Leap (2023)
Another favorite on-set look was Hannah Carson's mid-20th-century blouse and wide-legged pants, which was on point for a woman physicist in the 1950s, which Taylor portrayed in season 2 of the sci-fi adventure drama Quantum Leap.
The 1940s-1950s was an era when women wanted to become more independent and assertive individuals as they found substantial ways of supporting themselves in the workforce. Hannah's example was important as there were few female university professors. Her role as both a scientist and mother was strengthened by the equitable love of Dr. Ben Song, portrayed by Raymond Lee.
"Recent days, I would say, Hannah Carson, episode 6 of Quantum Leap, I loved that outfit. I really, really, really loved that outfit," shares Taylor. I think it is just because it was set in the 50s, and I got to like the hair and the makeup, just made . I just loved that, and it was nice to be clean."
Unfortunately, and undeservingly, Quantum Leap was canceled after two seasons. At Conageddon this year, Taylor wanted to reprise Hannah, but we can't have nice things.
But Taylor isn't the only one who loved her 1950s makeover. Cole Sprouse of Riverdale fame said that his favorite on-set wardrobe was the seventh and last season, as everyone transported back to the 1950s and wore reflective clothes from the time.
"I really loved that when we did ," Sprouse revealed at his 2024 FAN EXPO Chicago panel. "When we went back to sort of like, 50s Archie, 'Like golly shucks, Arch,' that made us all almost wish the show had been set like that the entire time. It was so much fun to play around like that, like a sort of teenage Mad Men. It was like really exciting. I loved all the old costumes and the period piece stuff. A lot of that stuff lives really well."