Every Time Sabrina Carpenter Channeled Fran from 'The Nanny'

If there’s one thing Sabrina Carpenter will do, it’s recreate an iconic vintage fashion moment. Remember her archival Chanel post-breakup with Barry Keoghan? Lately, though, there's been a through line, and Carpenter seems to be taking inspiration from ‘90s icon Fran Drescher, specifically her character's wardrobe from the ‘90s sitcom The Nanny. 

Carpenter first paid homage to Fran Fine in December 2024 when she arrived at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for a talk-show appearance. While walking the streets of New York City, the "Espresso" singer donned a 1990s vintage Lillie Rubin number: a black blazer and mini skirt with leopard print details on the lapels, cuffs, and oversized buttons. She also wore a matching beret trimmed with leopard print detailing and black pumps to tie the look together.

The ensemble was immediately recognized by fans of the beloved ‘90s sitcom as well as Carpenter’s fans. She even carried a similar structured handbag resembling a briefcase to the one Fran sports in the pilot episode. The Grammy-winning singer chose a special piece to pay tribute to Fran Drescher as the ensemble was worn in the debut episode of the series and introduced the iconic character to the world.

This wasn’t the first time Carpenter took inspiration from the glamorous, style-redefining nanny. While attending the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, she wore archival Bob Mackie which was also worn by Madonna at the 1991 Academy Awards. The silver, form-fitting gown made its appearance in The Nanny season 1 episode 20 when Miss Fine channeled My Fair Lady, combining sexiness and elegance, her iconic aesthetic.

Her most recent tribute was at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she wore a Hervé Léger Spring/Summer 1997 design, which Fine wore in Season 3's ninth Nanny episode. The white and blue striped, off-the-shoulder gown was featured in a pre-Grammy video where the singer talked about her career.

The series revolves around Fine as she makes her way upstate to New York City from Flushing, Queens to become the stewardess of three upper-class children. She falls in love with the children’s father and Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield (played by Charles Shaughnessy). The series ran for a total of six seasons from 1993 to 1999; it was created and produced by Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson. The series, one of the highest-rated sitcoms in the ‘90s, received 12 total Emmy nominations, including one for Fran Fine’s grandiose wardrobe.

Carpenter may be Short n’ Sweet, but she’s bold and daring when it comes to fashion, much like the fashion icon. Drescher’s character was known for her extravagant looks which featured animal prints and body-hugging silhouettes from designer labels. Her wardrobe remains coveted to this day and The Nanny’s fashion influence has persisted for over three decades. Carpenter is proving that '90s fashion and style are here to stay.