Three's Company Outfits That Perfectly Capture The Style Of The Era

The outfits in "Three's Company" completely captured the style of the late '70s and early '80s. Running from 1976 to 1984, the iconic sitcom bridged the gap between the two eras in more ways than one. While fashion trends from the early '80s adopted the decade's larger-than-life approach to dressing and often overshadowed the bohemian and disco-inspired trends of the '70s, the wardrobe in "Three's Company" seamlessly blended elements of both eras.

It wasn't just the sitcom's hilarious storyline that captured attention — the playful costumes were also remarkably captivating. The sitcom's leading ladies, Janet Wood and Chrissy Snow, played by Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, embraced the era's most dominant trends in almost every episode. Additional cast members who emerged throughout the later seasons, and as the era progressed in the '80s, followed suit.

From turtlenecks, baseball shirts, and overalls to hot pants, leotards, and stripes, the "Three's Company" wardrobe really had it all. However, although the characters' on-screen wardrobes included style elements that reflected the fashion within both decades, the sitcom's leading ladies also embraced some more distinct fads from the era. Outfits were elevated with niche trends, including socks with heels. On occasion, Somers even appeared wearing pants tucked into boots, a lesser-documented '80s trend that was also worn by Princess Diana.

It wasn't unusual for both Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt to appear in scenes wearing fun ensembles, and this episode was no different. While DeWitt was dressed in a more subtle outfit that captured the '70's love of flared jeans and plaid shirts, Somers wore a more distinctive look that nodded to '80s maximalist fashion trends. By wearing trousers tucked into boots, Somers rocked one of the era's niche trends that was also embraced by Princess Diana. As the '70s and '80s also popularized casual athletic dressing, Somers' blue-and-turquoise varsity striped baseball T-shirt was especially fitting.

Toward the end of the series, Priscilla Barnes became the show's newest roommate, Terri Alden. Barnes may have been a new addition to the cast, but her outfits sure did capture the style of the era almost immediately. In one episode, she wore high-waisted micro shorts with a vibrant headband — a major accessory trend in the '80s. Joyce DeWitt had a strict on-screen fashion rule about wearing pantyhose to make her legs look flawless, and when she wore high-rise pink minishorts, it's safe to say she captured the era's style perfectly. 

Joyce DeWitt's bohemian dungarees would have been a major hit throughout the era. The '70s ushered in a hippie-inspired aesthetic that made natural fabrics and earthy hues popular, and those fads continued to influence '80s fashion. By pairing her dungarees with a sophisticated burgundy turtleneck – another '70s and '80s trend – DeWitt's outfit seamlessly captured the variety of looks that dominated fashion at the time. Suzanne Somers rocked 'fits on "Three's Company" you could easily wear today, including a vibrant pink top and high-waisted trousers that worked in both the '70s and the '80s. 

The '80s witnessed a fitness boom that ultimately popularized bold workout wear and body-conscious silhouettes. Leotards, leggings, and vibrant leg warmers were among the most popular sportswear items, embraced by fashion enthusiasts who also adopted the era's at-home workout trends. Wearing a striped leotard, tight leggings, and bright purple leg warmers, Priscilla Barnes embodied '80s fitness fashion. There's no denying Barnes' athletic ensemble also completely captured the era's love for maximalism. While her lively outfit might look over-the-top at a gym nowadays, the '80s larger-than-life approach to dressing would beg to differ.

Stripes may have dominated spring and summer wardrobes in recent years, but the lively pattern is far from new. In fact, colorful stripes were one of the things people found attractive in the '80s. In true '80s style, Jenilee Harrison joined the cast as Cindy Snow wearing high-waisted shorts with a multicolored striped T-shirt that reflected the era's love for the pattern. The disco aesthetic of the '70s also helped popularize functional crop tops in the '80s. 

Suzanne Somers' look seamlessly merges some of the era's most beloved trends. Enter overalls and micro shorts. The '80s were clearly a fashionable time, and with that, workwear and uniforms became increasingly stylish. Overalls became particularly popular, favored for their practicality. Somers' short overalls blended utility and glamour, and reflected the '80s love for micro shorts and playsuits. Her socks and heels combo, less-documented as an '80s trend, also made a statement.

Suzanne Somers wore her platinum blond hair in an iconic pigtail hairstyle for much of her time on "Three's Company," but hot pants became a signature part of her look as well. When fashion enthusiasts discovered their love for ultra-tight and ultra-short shorts in the '70s and '80s, denim hot pants became a regular feature in television shows (think Daisy Duke in "The Dukes of Hazzard"). A distinctively '80s hot-pink turtleneck completed Somers' fun look.

In Season 1 of "Three's Company," Suzanne Somers wore a color-blocked ensemble that now seems remarkably muted compared to her vibrant activewear and short-shorts. However, her high-waisted, wide-leg trousers still captured the era's maximalist approach when it came to wearing pants. It's safe to say Joyce DeWitt's outfit also reflected the era's reimagining of practical workwear. Her dark denim overalls featured a body-conscious silhouette that cinched her waist. She wore her overalls over a red-and-white plaid shirt, another aspect of men's workwear that women embraced in the '70s and made fashionable in the '80s.

Joyce DeWitt's cute curly bob certainly gave her an '80s edge in "Three's Company," but her casual embrace of everyday activewear also helped capture the era's style. It seems high-waisted jeans became a staple of DeWitt's on-screen wardrobe, reflecting the style of fashion enthusiasts in the '80s. Her red-and-mustard varsity baseball sweatshirt also reflected the era's sportswear trends. Baseball T-shirts, popular in the '70s, became a major trend among fashionistas in the '80s. Varsity-inspired pieces, particularly varsity jackets with large lettering, also continued to influence fashion.