Saying Goodbye to Shannen Doherty; Remembering Brenda Walsh’s Style
Okay, this one really hurts. On July 13, Shannen Doherty, star of Heathers, Beverly Hills 90210, and Charmed—died after a long battle with cancer. Shannen generously shared her journey with the world—educating people about breast cancer until the end. Just last year, Shannen boldly drew attention to ableism in SAG-AFTRA’s insurance practices; Shannen pointed out that being sick makes it hard to work and members who cannot work a certain number of hours lose their health insurance just when they need coverage the most. Even though I knew Shannen was sick, her death still shocks me because she had survived cancer multiple times and was still active with her podcast (Let’s Be Clear) and numerous other projects. And probably because I just don’t want it to be true. Shannen’s death comes five years after the loss of her 90210 co-star Luke Perry. (In 2019, I filmed this video after Perry’s passing). While many articles have been written about Shannen’s resilience and long career spanning television and film, I want to do a sartorial tribute to Shannen focusing on the style of her iconic 90210 character, Brenda Walsh. These are some of my favorite Brenda outfits. (NOTE: If you are a first-time viewer, there are spoilers ahead. You can stream BH 90210 for free on Pluto.)
Bandits: Bonnie and Clyde!
I adore this couple’s costume that Brenda and Dylan wore to Halloween in season 2. Brenda is wearing a crisp white beret, a pearl necklace, and a bright red blouse with a pleated collar. She is also wearing bright red matching lipstick. Dylan is wearing a brown fedora hat with a matching pinstripe suit and silk tie. While Dylan could be moody, pictures like this remind me that Brenda often brought out the lighter side of him. Side note: If you wanted to be dress up as Bonnie and Clyde, you can try this Bonnie costume from Amazon (comes in sizes extra small through extra large) and this Clyde costume (comes in sizes XS-XL).*
Peppermint Brenda (Meeting Mr. Pony – Season 2, Episode 25)
Green striped shirt with green skirt. I love how cute this outfit is; the two pieces complement each other so well and green brings out Shannen’s light eyes. Shannen (and Luke) also turn in some of their best performances as Dylan comforts Brenda while she deals with PTSD from being held at gunpoint at the Peach Pit. Later, Brenda wears a red version of this outfit when Brenda and Dylan go to Baja.
Lady in Red (The Twins, the Trustee and the Very Big Trip–Season 3, Episode 2)
Brenda is breathtaking in red. I love her long, brown hair—she is wearing just the right amount of hair product. If you look through any high school yearbook from the early 1990’s, you know what I mean by that. In this scene, Brenda and Dylan argue after her parents offer her a trip to Paris—the trip that will change everything. But at the time, we (the viewers) are blissfully ignorant of the future. However, we do know that Brenda’s bangs are perfect and that she looks great in red. It’s also impossible not to notice how handsome Dylan is in these scenes where Luke rocks his famous pompadour. Sigh.
Baby Blues! (Rebel With a Cause – Season 3, Episode 10)
Brenda was stunning in this blue bustier and light, bootcut jeans. The black and silver belt pulls the outfit together flawlessly. Again, Brenda’s hair is amazing.
LBD! “If It Walks Like a Duck”
This outfit is also from the same episode, Rebel With a Cause (Season 3, Episode 10). Now, we get to the infamous confrontation when Brenda and her date Rick (played by a gorgeous pre-Superman Dean Cain) stumble upon Dylan and Kelly. Shannen stuns in this classic LBD (little black dress). This scene is the climax of the iconic Brenda-Dylan-Kelly love triangle and gave us the classic Brenda burn, “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck…” Luke Perry’s eyebrows move in 20 different directions in 90 seconds. Everything about Brenda’s outfit—the dress, the updo, and makeup—is perfection.
YouTube clip features “Beverly Hills 90210 logo” in white lettering in bottom left corner. Actress, Shannen Doherty, who is wearing a little black dress with her brown hair in an updo and dangling earrings, is holding back tears. Shannen was a White woman with blue eyes.
Coming up, July 17!
Join my friends at the Beverly Hills 90210 podcast on Wednesday, July 17 at 7 pm CST. They are doing a special tribute episode to Shannen. If you recall, I have been on the podcast a few times–I did a play with them called “Dylan’s Confession” where I played a pre-season 1 love interest of Dylan McKay’s.
Conclusion
There are other looks I could have included if I had more time. After all, this is Beverly Hills 90210! No two shows influenced my sense of style as much as Beverly Hills 90210 and Mad Men. I am praying for Shannen’s friends and family—especially her mom. I hope Brenda and Dylan are together again eating mega burgers at that Peach Pit in the sky. Now, excuse me; I have to go and listen to REM’s Losing My Religion.
Tributes to Shannen by the Show and Cast Members
*Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate.
