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Clair Flair: The Fashions of TV Mom & Style Icon Clair Huxtable

Clair Huxtable, the no-nonsense Cosby Show mom with a voice of reason as strong as her 80s fashion sense, always caught my attention.  In a half hour, Clair (Phylicia Rashad) tended to the antics of her children, bonded with her husband, worked as a successful lawyer AND wore some spiffy outfits in the process.  Now put on your blast-from-the past hats, ladies.  Here’s a look at Clair Huxtable’s style, along with some affordable modern day inspirations.

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Deconstructing the Clair Huxtable Fashion Statement

Monochrome Mania

Collage of Clair Huxtable wearing green

Although Clair Huxtable wore wild color combos on occasion, she was a fan of head-to-toe monochromatic colors.  Jumpsuits or matching pants and blouses were her go-to looks.  Billowy fabrics in bold, shimmery hues were offset by a belt, big jewelry and of course, her perfect hair.

Pleats ‘n Plaid

Collage of Clair Huxtable wearing plaid

Nothing screams “80s” like high-waisted front pleated pants paired with a blouse sprouting shoulder pads.  Clair Huxtable was clearly on the fashion bandwagon in that regard.  Even today, I admit to liking the classic black pants and plaid combo (minus the upturned collar and ultra cinched pant waist).  I can never go wrong adding plaid to black pants or jeans for a fun twist.

Wild Side

Clair Huxtable

While the mindful Huxtable mom often wore solid colored sweaters and jumpsuits, she definitely had her colorful moments.  Back then it looked normal, but when I think about it now…wow. 

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I can’t help but wonder if a paint factory exploded on some of those tops.  Sometimes the look was an intentional funny focal point of an episode, but other times, it was representative of her typical style.  Either way, she made wild patterns and color combos stylish, balancing everything with her coiffed hair and bright smile.

Big, Blousy ‘n Boxy 

Never absent from Clair’s style: large collars poking from underneath a roomy blazer and plenty of loose silk blouses.  We found a few fun and affordable Huxtable-ish looks.

Big Bling

Clair Huxtable wearing jewelry

I don’t think I’ve seen an episode of The Cosby Show where Clair Huxtable was without earrings or a necklace.  But forget tiny studs or delicate chains.  Layered necklaces and earrings three times the size of her lobes were all the rage.

Belt it Out

Collage of Clair Huxtable wearing belts

If ever a lady wore big belts (along with big earrings and big necklaces), it was Clair Huxtable.  Whether with a dress or a matching pants and blouse outfit, the boldness accentuated her figure while adding serious flair.

Clair Hair

Collage of Clair Huxtable

Ah, Clair hair: perfectly coiffed and lovely.  Stiff?  Yes.  (It was the 80s.  Who didn’t appreciate a healthy dose of hairspray)?  Well-maintained and feminine?  Absolutely.

What were some of your favorite Clair Huxtable fashion?