Bringing a character to life is about so much more than casting the perfect actor, writing in their voice, or doing their hair and makeup. Costumes are such an integral part of each character’s individuality. Before an episode is filmed, production meetings with the directors, designers, producers, and writers take place to be sure everyone is on the same page regarding character development. Gilmore Girls costume designer Brenda Maben said, “It’s about matching the clothes to the words,” with the show having “racks and racks of clothes for most of these characters.” Additional meetings take place with the rest of the wardrobe department to carry that vision across. Key costumer Valerie Campbell states, “The moment the designer hands it off to us, we establish it, we follow the continuity, and when the episode and outfit is done, we put it away and archive it.” Some of the actors were allowed to provide input into their costume, picking and choosing from their character’s racks. Some wardrobe choices were difficult, like Rory’s handmade blue off-the-shoulder Chilton dance dress (crafted by costume tailor Ian Carter), while some choices were easy, like Rory’s plaid Chilton uniform paired with classic saddle shoes.

Worked in the round from the cuff down, these classic saddle shoe ankle socks are the perfect accessory for your next Gilmore Girls marathon. They begin with a 2x2 ribbed cuff, and then a German short row heel is followed by short rows to create the saddle, ending with wedge toe shaping and grafting.