Crime fighters range from the absolutely well-dressed to those who can’t even manage to get the crumbs off their shirts. Can you imagine Magnum without his Hawaiian shirts or Columbo without his trench coat? Clothes make the detective, or help turn an ordinary character into an icon. Below you’ll find the Crime Fighter Fashion Awards, the good, the bad, and the super sloppy.
Don’t Mess with Me Award
Winner: Joe Pike from the books of Robert Crais.
Joe Pike always wears his sunglasses— always—so you can never see his eyes, but the real fashion choice that delineates his character is the famous red arrow tattoos on his arms. His natural scowl and man-of-few-words-style doesn’t hurt either.
Honorable Mention: Ranger from the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich.
Ranger might have made it to number one, but since we always see him through Stephanie’s eyes, his description is always a bit biased. According to Stephanie, “Ranger only wears black, smells warm and sexy and is one hundred percent pure perfectly toned muscle. He gets his dark complexion and liquid brown eyes from Cuban ancestors.”
Most Feminine Wardrobe
Winner: Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, The Closer.
Instead of hiding her femininity to succeed in the male dominated world of law enforcement, southern belle Brenda Leigh Johnson wields it like a weapon. Pastel colors, flouncy flowery skirts, and twin sets make for a wardrobe that helps her lull suspects into a false sense of security while she wrings confessions out of them. And of course there is the fabulous big black bag that she carries everywhere fit to hold Twinkies and hand guns alike.
**Wouldn’t you like to have an amazing purse like Brenda Leigh’s? Keep reading, because you can win one right here!
Honorable Mention: Nancy Drew from the books by Carolyn Keene.
Nancy Drew always looks great in her carefully selected smart skirts and neatly pressed shirts, as she zips about River Heights in her blue convertible. From parties to kidnappings, her outfit is always appropriate for the occasion.
Most Popular Fashion Victim
Winner: Barbara Havers from the Inspector Lynley novels by Elizabeth George.
After showing up to work in an outfit consisting of red high-top trainers with purple socks peeking out, olive corduroy trousers, and a lint-covered brown pullover, Havers’s new boss gave her a clear directive to buy new things and clean up her look. In This Body of Death, it led Barbara to turn to her little nine year-old neighbor, Hadiyyah, for fashion and shopping advice. Barbara’s fashion choices are even more marked when compared to the easy elegance of her partner for most of the series, Inspector Lynley, the 8th Earl of Asherton. This award only applies to the print version of Barbara. Her TV version isn’t quite as sloppy or poorly dressed.
Best Designer Wardrobe
Winner: Dr. Maura Isles, Rizzoli and Isles, based upon the novels by Tess Gerritsen.
Despite being known as “Queen of the Dead” around the force, Dr. Maura Isles always looks like she is headed for a photo shoot instead of a crime scene. She often wears designers like Balenciaga, while her partner Jane Rizzoli wears the same suit for days in a row, and Maura’s doctor handbag is absolutely fabulous.
Best Dressed Police Department
Winner: Major Crimes Unit, LAPD, The Closer.
There aren’t any real slobs in this department, and Gabriel, Flynn, and Provenza spend more time talking about their wardrobe than most women I know. Where do they get the money for all of these suits? Is there a special budget line item for clothing for LAPD?
Best Hat
Winner: Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock.
Yes, the deerstalker is iconic, but I never thought they would trot it out in the series set in the current day. Surprisingly, Benedict Cumberbatch doesn’t look silly in this deerstalker as he dons it to hide from the press. It just looks like it belongs right there on top of his head.
There is a large contingent of female crime fighters who love their high heels. We know they can’t possibly run in them, but somehow they do. It must be part of the magic of TV. I couldn’t think of one book in which a female detective wears heels to work.
Here are the Top Five:
Detective Kate Beckett, Castle
Deputy Chief, Brenda Leigh Johnson, The Closer
Dr. Maura Isles, Rizzoli and Isles
Captain Sharon Raydor, Major Crimes
Dr. Megan Hunt, Body of Proof
The sweepstakes has ended. Good luck to all our entrants!
And here’s the extra squee as promised!
You can enter for a chance to win one of two fantastic MAXX New York totes, officially modeled after Brenda Leigh Johnson’s, the original of which was designed by the costume department of The Closer. These handbags come with protective covers and even little tags with the show name on them, and to TNT, we must say: Thank You, Thank You So Much!
Just make sure you’re a registered member of the site, and then leave a comment, maybe even telling us YOUR picks for fashion awards below!
TIP: Since only comments from registered users will be tabulated, if your user name appears in red above your comment—STOP—go log in, then try commenting again. If your user name appears in black above your comment, You’re In!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 or older. To enter, fill out entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2012/07/crime-fighter-fashion-awards-best-worst-closer-castle-major-crimes-isles-joe-pike-sherlock-havers-beckett-heels-brenda-leigh-purse-sweepstakes-deborah-lacy beginning at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) July 8, 2012. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 a.m. ET on July 15, 2012 (the “Promotion Period”). Void outside of the 50 US and DC and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules at https://www.criminalelement.com/page/official-rules-closer-comment-sweepstakes. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
Deborah Lacy likes speakeasies, yellow heirloom tomatoes, and crime fiction. She blogs over at Mystery Playground. You can meet her on Twitter @quippy.
What a wonderful list.
I have to add Jessica King (played by Amy Price-Francis in the Canadian series, King) to this list, somewhere. Maybe the High Heel Detective Club. Shoes are this woman’s passion, next to (or maybe equaling) solving ‘major crimes.’ If you haven’t seen this series, do check it out. There are only two seasons, as it was cancelled last month 🙁
@Cindydawn – thank you!
@decarillion – I haven’t even heard of this series. Is in on Netflix? I would love to check it out.
You have to love the attitude (and altitude) the high-heels give those detectives.
@Renni – you are so right about the attitude. I do love the women detectives who are coming to the job on their own terms to fight gender barriers.
@DeborahLacy–I don’t subscribe to Netflix, but I searched for it, and it does not seem to be available–at least, not yet. Maybe a subscriber could double-check for you…
Don’t forget V.I. Warshawski’s Italian shoes and silk shirts. She is always destroying them while kicking serious butt.
I love The Closer, but then again I love most of the characters and shows, books and people mentioned in this piece… guess that this is where I belong ~~ and of course the purse would be a nice prize to win!
Dr. Maura Isles definitely dresses up compared to the hospital personnel I’ve encountered in my day. I don’t know how she manages to keep it together during an autopsy – those definitely aren’t for the faint of heart or fashionably dressed!
I love The Closer and Dr. Maura Isles, The bag would be great to!
I love Brenda Leigh! Her bag would be great.
Love the series; love the bag. Could work with Sherlock Holmes hat, too!
@bbibel – V.I. Watshawski is a great add! Thank you.
@Johannah – you have excellent taste. I am so glad you are here. Who are some of your favorites not on the list above?
@jtmswim – I would so love to have Maura’s wardrobe…
@cat198 and @debbiecowhered – I’m so sad that The Closer is ending. Hopefully Major Crimes will be just as good. I have high hopes.
@JoanTu – Can you imagine Brenda Leigh in the Sherlock hat? That would be really funny. If you win the bag, you have to send us a photo of you, with the bag, in the Sherlock hat.
I can see Captain Raydor in the Sherlock hat…not sure if it matches with Brenda’s wardrobe. However, Joel the cat would definitely sleep in it!
Still trying to figure out HOW those lady detectives run in heels…
@NKK – HA! Raydor in a Sherlock cap. That would be awesome.
I am convinced they must train in the heels. Maybe we should put on four inch heels ever morning and jog a mile or seven…
Awesome info Deb. I love Maura’s wardrobe .
I really need to learn to log in before I comment. Great post Deb. I wish I could wear what Maura does!! And that black bag is right up my alley.
Well done, Deborah. I should say that the deerstalker hat is something I’ve always admired. Would love to have one, although I’d probably never leave the house with it. And of the many actors who have assumed the role of Holmes, it is my opinion that none looked better in the hat than Peter Cushing.
I do love Maura’s style, and that handbag is fantastic!
A few years ago I stopped buying shoes I couldn’t run in. Maybe something about one too many times being accosted by some weirdo when out with friends. Heels, I can run in, but the secret is some sort of strap to keep them on. The pumps Maura and Kate have on in the photos above would just flop right off unless they were too tight.
This topic always reminds me of an episode of Buffy when the main character is running down the halls of a school in spiky-heeled boots. In that case, the boots would stay on, but the floor would be to slick to round corners in.
Note the Nancy Drew silhouette has on sensible shoes.
(Obviously, I’ve put too much thought into this.)
I love Brenda Lee’s clothes on the Closer.
I have such an issue with the cops who wear not just high heels, but 4- and 5- inch heels!
On the other hand, I love Brenda’s floaty, flowery skirt and especially her bag!
I would like to point out that I would dress like ANY of the above ladies, if I had their figure!!!!!! OH yeah, and LOVE Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock.
What a great list! And a fun read.
I am going to miss Brenda. She is the best character on TV since Columbo. I hope the next 6 weeks goes by slowly. Thanks to a great cast and an even greater actress.
I always shake my head at the shoes female detectives usually wear on TV. I don’t wear heels in real life or at work when I’m in plain clothes and I wear boots with my uniform (and sometimes with my plain clothes).
Love the choice of Barbara Havers for fashion victim. I just finished “A Traitor to Memory” and cringed at some of the descriptions of her outfits in that one. Can’t wait for the makeover with Hadiyyah!
I love detectives, I love fashion, and I especially love fashionable female detectives! This is the best list ever!
I love how clever you are Debbie – thanks for entertaining all of us with your posts!
I always wonder about the heels – I can barely walk on 2 inch heels much less run on 4. And how do they never get dirty? All that fighting crime and not a smudge to be seen – ah the beauty of TV magic. Looking forward to your next post.
I agree with the never get dirty shoes – and crime fighting in white pants!!!
Outstanding Overcoat on a Brooding Hero: Luther
Best Use of a Waxed Jacket in a Damp Landscape: Vera
Most Likely to be Found in the Loo Touching Up Their Lipstick and Adjusting Their Shirt Collars: Scott and Bailey
Best Bicep Revealing T-Shirts: Burn Notice
What fun awards. I love that the ladies dress fashionably and wear heels while fighting crime.
Have to say I agree with the [b]Best Designer Wardrobe[/b]
Winner: Dr. Maura Isles, Rizzoli and Isles, based upon the novels by [b]Tess Gerritsen[/b]. She always looks great.
What a great article! I smiled the whole way through it….. Thanks for the opportunity.
What fun awards. I love that the ladies dress fashionably and wear heels while fighting crime.
Very cool! Dr Isles always looks pretty good, I agree. But Brenda Leigh makes such a statement with her clothing selections! I just love her to pieces. And I NEED that bag. tyvm.
My first favorite crime-fighting fashionista was Pepper Anderson (Angie Dickinson)..I loved her swanky 70’s outfits, complete with bell-bottom pants. Brenda Leigh Johnson reminds me of her.
I love Brenda Lee, she is such a strong woman in femine clothes.
Gotta love her!!
I love Brenda Leigh’s selection of cardigans and that pink trench coat. I also fell in love with Agent Kate Moretti’s red trench on last night’s debut of “Perception,” also on TNT.
I love a woman who is not ashamed of carrying a large purse! And who doesn’t love Brenda’s dependence on chocolate?
Television-fighting just won’t be the same without Brenda and her major crimes unit on the job.
Great choice for
[b]Best Designer Wardrobe[/b] Winner: Dr. Maura Isles, Rizzoli and Isles, based upon the novels by [b]Tess Gerritsen[/b].
Love the outfits she wears!
Brenda Leigh Johnson’s Purse ROCKS! Good luck everyone who has entered the sweepstakes to win it 🙂
I love the closer, and will be sorry to see it end. I would probably get lost in her bag, but it’s worth it just to find out.
Brenda is great, and she always gets her criminal, and finds what she needs in the bag
It’s a tie for Dr Isles’ and Dr Hunt. Talk about high fashion at a crime scene. They are flawless. Well put together women. They do us proud.
Brenda Leigh comes in a loose third for that fabulous purse.
Bee
Who would not want to have the charm and charisma of Brenda Leigh? I am from GA and still do not have that Southern Charm that just oozes out of her! Love, love, love The Closer!!!
These are great winners of women’s fashions but I would also add for the men, Matt Boomer of White Collar for his great clothes. He looks good in hats too. Also the men on Suits wear great looking….what else….suits.
Fighting crime and rocking high heels? Yeow! I’m in!!!
Women who fight crime and are still stylin!
Thanks for including Sherlock. Love, love, love Ben as Sherlock.
Fabulous bag
Well of course you have to look fashionable while chasing bad guys , but I would need to be wearing flats.
Great awards! Tough decisions!
Fun post. Nice choices for awards.
My wife would love that bag!
My wife would love that bag!
I love Maura Isles fashion savvy for what she does. I think Jane Rizzoli’s method of dress and practicality are perfect for her role and they are perfect opposites.
This is a fun post! Thanks for sharing.
I will miss Brenda Leigh so much, being from the south myself I can relate to her mannerisms and dress. I do love Rizzoli and Isles, but TV land will be dimmer when the Closer is no longer on. Oh well, back to reading!
I love Det. Kate Beckett on Castle- even if her fashion choices leave me clueless-(I know, it’s NYC, but really? 5 inch heels?{
Hi, I have only caught this show a few times. Don’t ask what I have been doing at that time, I don’t know. She really is southern! One of the few originals!!!
I’ll miss the closer
Ms. Brenda Leigh dresses like nobody’s business, but I could not pull off those pastels. The bag, though. I WANT THE BAG. 🙂
How could anyone forget Cagney and Lacey running after suspects in heels? I’ve always wondered how they could do that and not fall down.
I’m also amazed at the low cut tops worn by female investigators on CSI. Ok, so it’s hot in Vegas, but to be taken seriously, women do better when dressed more conservatively.
I LOVE THE BAG AND BRENDA…I AM IN IT TO WIN IT!
Brenda’s clothes are “way-out there” usually but I love her pink raincoat!
I think I’ll go with Nancy Drew, growing up reading them I always admired her style. And I love that bag!
I love that you mentioned Beckett’s heels in Castle. I’m always amazed how she can run in those things. While not a typical crime fighter, I always love Bones’ Brennen who usually has beautiful jewelry.
I finally stopped watching The Closer, but loved Brenda’s fashion and well if I won one of her bags I’d give it to my gal as I’d look silly with it.
What’s wrong with red high tops and purple socks? Go Barbara Havers!
I’m far more Rizzoli than Isles, but I do like Maura’s fashion sense. Except for those high heels – how does ANYone get through the day walking around in 4″ spike heels???
Temperance Brennan from Bones should get a mention on this list – for a character who doesn’t have a lot of social skills, she actually dresses very well, and always has fabulous jewelry.
But I would kill for Brenda Leigh’s bag! I also carry my life around in a large bag, so it would be very useful for me!
Your list is spot on! I watch all of those programs- the women are all very strong. Brenda will be missed!
Neal Caffrey (White Collar) should be nominated for best dressed guy. I agree that Brenda Leigh Johnson has the most feminine category.
What a classy list, you have comprised…
I like the chic casual style of The Glades, too~
Many thank for this fabulous prize giveaway.
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Too much fun…I will miss Brenda…I wonder how she will be leaving the show…fired, pregnant, forced retirement? I would love this bag.
I will miss Brenda Leigh – and the rest of the gang. I know they’re doing a spin off, but it won’t be the same. The bag giveaway is fantastic. It’s just too Brenda Leigh!
I love the Closer & will miss Brenda Leigh. I think her purse might console me just a little.
Sure gonna miss Brenda Leigh!!!! Anxious to see how Capt. Raydor’s spin- off compares!
I surely will miss Brenda Leigh and her whole crew. Now, here is why I should win her bag. First, I’ve been looking for one like it for almost a year. Second, I am such a fan of her fashion style that I’ve written a knitting pattern to copy the beige shawl collar lace mohair cardigan she often wears at home!
Also, I’d nominate the inimitable Zeva David from NCIS. She is usually dressed for comfort, blissfully unaware of her appearance, but when she dresses up (often for some op or another) she is just drop-dead gorgeous.
Thanks for the site.
I have to keep wondering if these ladies get worried about their clothes as they work. You know what I mean, maybe brush against some blood or other bodily stuff. And run in those heels? They’ve gotta be good. But I guess that is the charm, isn’t it? Love the list!
My wife is already haveing withdrawal pains knowing The Closer is going away next month. This prize would help ease the pain.
Great post – love Brenda’s feminine style…..a southern femme fatale
Do love the Brenda Leigh character (female version of the much loved Columbo – dumb like a fox.) Winning the purse would surely prompt the start of many a conversation!
I also love Aimee LeDuc’s fashion sense. She’s in Cara Black’s Paris mysteries set in the 1990’s. She wears couture and vintage clothes she gets at thrift stores and manages to run away from the bad guys in high heels and pencil skirts. My kind of crime fighter.
I am so handbag obsessed! I love her bag, and if you watch Bones, I love temperance brennan’s collection of raincoats, her trenches are fab, I love the red one and purple one she wears often.
If I win this bag, I will tell my mail man ‘Thank EWW’ when he delivers it! 🙂
Joe Pike…definitely the winner…but like Nancy Drew’s outfits.
Did u say a Purse? I will miss Brenda Leigh!…(sobbing) *0(….
I’ve always admired Joe Pike’s style!
Dr. Isles and Kate Beckett are great choices. Better dressed than 85% of the women you see anywhere in real life.
79. @mkolb: Would you consider sharing your knitting pattern? That would be fabulous! And thank you, thank you very much!
Yes, I would adore having a purse like Brenda Leigh’s!
Poor Havers! The TV version has her really tarted up (relatively speaking).
I think Kinsey Milhone might give Havers a run for her money.
I would LOVE Brenda’s purse!!! Brenda dresses the way I wish I did–fairly practical skirts and tops, though the shoes aren’t always practical. I think she’s my favorite on the list above. I also like how Ziva David on NCIS dresses–so comfortably! But I don’t have her figure :). AND Abby, but I couldn’t carry that look. This is a fun discussion!
I faithfully watch the closer and will hopefully see the reruns soon.. Would love the bottomless bag of Brenda’s.. Now there’s Style galore!
Great list, that had to be fun to make! I don’t get to watch all those shows all the time, but I have to say that Kate Beckett from Castle should simply win everything. She’s my idol 🙂
Hey! That purse would hold a few body parts….uh…oh! Hello! LOL!
Great awards and perfect winners.
I love: Honorable Mention: Nancy Drew from the books by [b]Carolyn Keene [/b]
Really, Maura? Do you worry about bloodstains on those designer duds?
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com
After retiring from the military with no purse (they don’t go well with ACU’s :), I need a new look and I would be honored to pick up where Brenda leaves off.
Fun post to read, I’m behind on all my series but I love The Closer!
i like that Brenda always looks pulled together – the bag is a great statement piece – the PBS series of the Thomas Lynly mysteries really has Havers pegged. Nancy Drew was one of my fave’s as a kid – so she would get my vote
Gotta love Barbara Havers.
I would love to dress like Maura Isles with Brenda Leigh’s purse!!
Great list. A lot of fun to read.
Love the shoes – and ALL purses, bags, totes, clutches . . . .!!
How about a pair of Beckett’s shoes also? Size seven, please!
How about Temperance Brennan and Seeley Booth from Bones?
Love Pauley Perrette as Abby on NCIS!
Fun article. No reason you can’t be a great crime fighter and look great at the same time.
Love the list! I also think that Cam from Bones should be added to the High Heel club, Angela from Bones gets most Bohemian Chic and the best dressed over 70 to Mrs. Marple. 😀
I really like wearing feminine pieces when I go out, so I definitely agree to the fact that Brenda’s wardrobe has been chosen as most representative of this style. I’d also add Mariska Hargitay’s style to the list above, under a special section I would name – “the most elegant color combinations in conservative office attire”.
I love the list! I’m a fan of Kate Beckitt and love her look!
I nominate Annie Walker (Covert Affairs) for Most Feminine and Dr. Saroyen (Bones) for Best Designer Wardrobe!
I would have to agree that Annie Walker on Covert Affairs is a great dresser, but Brenda on The Closer has some truly awesome bags…. and don’t forget the snickers to go along with them!
Thanks for the chance to win!
You mentioned the wardrobe of the police in The Closer. Just think of the number of TV shows where, in real life, the characters could not live in the luxury of the homes or apartments where we see them living with the income that their characters get in real life.
Part of the charm (and strategy as a detective) of the Colombo character was his dissheveled look
Love that bag!
My award goes to Kate Beckett on Castle for her fashion sense
MY award goes to Kate Beckett on Castle for her keen fashion sense
Love her look! So girly which is my thing.
Also into the
Dr. Maura Isles look. Sharp!
This is one chic bag and hope to win!
pupkake at yahoo dot com
Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂
i need to look for
Kate Beckett, Castle.. where is this? i’ll find it.
Do spies count? I love watching Covert Affairs, and she’s always running around in her Christian Louboutin’s.
Love her look and the bag!! I sure would like one.
That is my purse : )
Her purse would fit in my actual purse : )