I first saw the Real Housewives of New Jersey when I was a pre-teen. I was entranced by these flamboyant women with a lot of money doing silly things.
I remember the first scene that grabbed me was Teresa Giudice from the New Jersey spinoff, furniture shopping. She went to a furniture store that was by no means cheap, and she spent over $100k CASH on like 2 rooms.
The first time I watched that scene, I only had a fuzzy understanding of how much money that was. Then when I considered how much cash I’ve seen my parents handle versus the number of bills she was flipping through, I was shell-shocked.
Drama, Drama, Drama
But, I digress. Real Housewives is known for more than the wild shopping habits of its stars.
The show is famous for its drama as well. Saturday Night Live famously parodied the series with a not-so-far-off take on the episode every Real Housewives fan waits for at the end of the season: the reunion.
The reunion which spans at least two 45-minute episodes and up to four, is the most anticipated episode of any Real Housewives season.
During these episodes, the housewives all gather in a semi circle and answer for their actions during the season. Hard-hitting questions are asked by the host, Andy Cohen, and the conflicts that transpired between cast members are addressed.
Even if they don’t win a war of words, at least they look bomb fighting it
The questions asked of each wife is brutal. They have to answer for parts of their character that I’m sure have never been questioned before this platform.
Footage from the season is compiled in polarizing videos for the whole cast to watch at once; often causing old feuds to reignite. The amount of vicious wordplay, tension, crying and breakdowns that happen at reunions almost makes me wonder if some internalized misogyny is at play with me for enjoying them so much.
I comfort my fears by saying while I am there for the housewives’ good shade and clever quips, I’m more so there for the fashions. What defines a reunion is more than just the verbal warfare. It’s also what each housewife is wearing to battle.
In one of Real Housewives of Atlanta’s greatest seasons, Season 6, Cynthia Bailey gives Nene Leakes’ friend Mynique (“Monique spelled with a ‘y’ instead of an ’o’. Who does that, anyway?” – Phaedra Parks) some advice after Mynique gets read by Phaedra. Cynthia says, ”to read well you have to look good.”
She uses wearing a tracksuit as an example of an outfit that ”lessens your read”. To paraphrase her words: even if you read someone well while wearing a tracksuit, the outfit brings down the power of the read.
You must look right, your hair has to be together, your outfit has to be killer to deliver the full impact of a good read. If those elements aren’t together, you’ve already lost the battle.
I imagine Ms. Bailey’s advice is in the subconscious of every housewife as they prepare for the reunion. This is the day they have to be on ready for 10+ hours straight. They need a look that will strengthen their reads.
While their dresses during the season may be ~$1000, the gowns for the reunion? More in the range of $5k – $10k. Their glam is red-carpet ready. Their hair is sprayed to poised perfection.
They’re ready for battle. Even if they don’t win a war of words, at least they look bomb fighting it.
What makes a great reunion look?
The ensemble must come together perfectly and make sense for the housewife in question. It’s about each component working well together: Dress, hair, accessories and shoes.
To me, the perfect reunion look is stylish, indicative of that housewife’s personality, and a little risky and/or risqué (there’s a difference).
Some of the looks I chose below I didn’t initially like, probably because I would never wear them. However, over time I realized not everyone is meant to wear everything.
The reason why some of the most questionable looks work is simply because the wearer pulls them off. Period.
Without further ado, please enjoy my favorite picks from Real Housewives reunions. I wonder how many you and I have in common!
*I actually DM’ed Ashley about her season 2 reunion gown asking if I could buy it from her. She hasn’t responded. 🥺
Any looks you think I missed? Do you disagree with any of my choices? Let me know in the comments!