As one of the longest-running shows in television history, Doctor Who has always evolved with the times, and so has the Doctor. The time-traveling, self-proclaimed 'mad man with a box' has lived for over a thousand years mingling with humans of different backgrounds and experiences, so it made sense that they would learn something along the way.
As an almost mythical creature, the Doctor has developed a unique sense of style that changes with each new regeneration to fit their current state of mind, personality, and companions. From regal three-pieces and clean-cut suits to multicolor sweaters and ridiculous hats, there's no denying the Doctor has has his fair share of fashion hits and misses.
13 The Sixth Doctor's Mismatched Monstrosity
Poor Colin Baker didn't deserve the monstrosity he was saddled with. The English actor took on the role of the Sixth Doctor in the mid-1980s, a fact that is clearly reflected in the character's choice of an awful, patterned ensemble. His colorful outfit was inspired by patchwork, with a yellow, pinstriped pair of pants; red, checkered waistcoat; blue, dotted tie; and a long overcoat made up of mismatched patterns.
The Sixth Doctor's signature outfit is arguably one of the Doctor's worst. It makes him look far less competent and a lot more cartoony and ridiculous than the character deserves.
12 The Seventh Doctor's Confusing Ensemble
In 1987, Scottish comedian Sylvester McCoy stepped into the Seventh Doctor's unflattering brown-and-white brogues. Whoever styled him in plaid pants, a yellow sweater with red question marks and blue detailing, a beige coat, and a Panama hat, should've been immediately fired after presenting the look to the BBC. Somehow the outfit stayed, giving viewers one of the worst ensembles in the Doctor's fashion history.
The Seventh Doctor did alter his main outfit as his personality sobered up over the seasons, but there's no forgetting this first costume that made viewers as confused as the question marks on his sweater.
11 The Fifth Doctor's Tacky Cricket Player Look
After achieving fame and critical acclaim with his role in BBC dramas, Peter Davison was cast as the humane, but equally unfashionable, Fifth Doctor. The Gallifreyan's fifth incarnation wears a modified beige cricketer's kit, a cream frock with orange piping, a Panama hat, and white Plimsoll shoes.
The outfit could've worked if not for the awful shade of orange and the questionable addition of a fake celery stalk pinned to the coat's lapel. Yes, the Doctor would've still looked like a dad about to play cricket, and yes, the celery had a purpose within the story, but that still doesn't save the ensemble from being utterly tacky.
10 The Second Doctor's Comically Oversized Atrocity
Patrick Troughton took on a difficult task when he became the Second Doctor. Not only did he follow in the footsteps of William Hartnell, who had originated the character, but he also received a far less regal outfit than his predecessor. The Second Doctor's ensemble consists of an oversized coat with comically large pockets, a crooked, thin bowtie, a light blue button-up, and tartan pants.
While the ensemble portrays the Second Doctor's resourceful and clownish personality, it still pales in comparison to some of the Doctor's better clothes. At least the goofy stovepipe hat he seemed to favor wasn't a permanent part of the outfit.
9 The Third Doctor's Campy But Elegant Outfit
Given that Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor had to steal his outfit from a hospital, no one can fault him for the strange but surprisingly stylish ensemble. Consisting of a frilly white shirt, a black velvet coat and bowtie, and a black cape with red innings, the Third Doctor's outfit makes him look fashionably campy, dramatic, and formal.
What could've been a terrible costume remains passable only because of its darker, more neutral shade. As the seasons went, the Third Doctor would replace his clothes with similar items of different colors including a red velvet coat and a purple frilly shirt, but the silhouette remained mostly the same.
8 The First Doctor's Classy Ensemble
William Hartnell changed science fiction and British television forever when he changed into the First Doctor's Victorian-inspired costume. He wore a striped waistcoat under a black frock coat, tartan pants, black shoes, and a deep blue ascot around his neck, occasionally adding a cane or a monocle to the ensemble.
The First Doctor's clothes were meant to show a mature, scholarly look that would represent the Doctor as a teacher who taught his companions, and thus the audience, about history and science. While the outfit isn't particularly unique, it's still a lot more stylish than others that would come after.
7 The Eighth Doctor's Battle-Ready Costume
Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor has had two main costumes, the first one appearing in the 1996 TV movie and the second debuting in "The Night of the Doctor," a prequel to the 50th-anniversary special. The latter, colloquially known as his War outfit, consists of a long moleskin coat over a paisley waistcoat and leather gaiters, an ascot of varying colors, and caramel brown British Army combat boots.
The second ensemble suited the Eighth Doctor far more than the first one, which was made up of similar items but in velvet and satin. He also carried a fob watch like most of his other incarnations.
6 The Twelfth Doctor's Stripped Back Look
Peter Capaldi brought a more minimalist and darker look to the Doctor when he took over the role. The Twelfth Doctor's main outfit is made up of a Crombie coat, a white button-up under a cardigan, a pair of black pants, and black brogue boots. It tended to vary in some episodes, with the Doctor often replacing his cardigan for a hoodie or a waistcoat, and changing the color of his shirt and coat.
The look is quite timeless and classy, with a simple silhouette that shows the Twelfth Doctor's more somber and practical personality. It certainly seems to mirror Capaldi's tastes, too.
5 The Ninth Doctor's Rugged & Practical Costume
Christopher Eccleston revived the franchise when he turned into the Ninth Doctor in 2005. Though his reign was quite short—a single season of thirteen episodes—the Ninth Doctor definitely left an impact with his Northern accent, his double-breasted leather jacket, v-neck jumpers, and Dr. Marten's boots.
The look made the Doctor a lot more approachable and human-like than his other incarnations, allowing him to embrace a simple style after the Last Great Time War. It was a perfect choice to reintroduce the Doctor to a new audience who had heard jaded recounts about the character and the show.
4 The Thirteenth Doctor's Colorful Aesthetic
As the first female incarnation of the time-traveling Gallifreyan, the Thirteenth Doctor went for a fun, colorful, and comfy outfit that shows off a brighter side to the character. Her costume consists of a blue shirt with a rainbow graphic shirt, a pair of high-waisted blue capris held up by yellow suspenders, brown boots, and a lilac, hooded trenchcoat.
It's a modern and much more tasteful throwback to the gaudy looks of the 1980s, which combined color with terrible designs. By keeping the outfit patternless, the Thirteenth Doctor looks modern, unique, and full of personality. While Jodie Whittaker's version of the character has received mixed reviews from fans, there's no denying she's stylish!
3 The Fourth Doctor's Bohemian Look
As the most recognizable and beloved Doctor of the Classic era, the Fourth Doctor is also known for his emblematic outfit. Tom Baker's version of the character wore bohemian-inspired clothes with earthy tones that mirrored the fashion of the 1970s when he debuted on-screen. It consisted of a long, brown coat over a plaid waistcoat, a pair of tweed pants, and a wide-brimmed, grey fedora.
The best Doctor outfits always have a signature item attached to them and in the Fourth Doctor's case, his overly long rainbow scarf is what makes it so iconic. It has become synonymous with the best eras in Classic Who and brings great nostalgia to fans of the older seasons.
2 The Tenth Doctor's Geek Chic Outfit
David Tennant took Doctor Who to new heights wearing a suede duster coat, a pinstripe suit, and a pair of ratty Converse. The Scottish actor commented on the look, calling it 'geek chic' and explaining that it was inspired by an outfit worn by British chef Jamie Oliver.
Aside from his formal suit and informal shoewear, the Tenth Doctor occasionally dons a pair of tortoiseshell rectangular glasses, particularly when he's examining an object or when he's trying to be clever. The ensemble has proved incredibly popular, being one of the most frequently cosplayed outfits from the show.
1 The Eleventh Doctor's Early 2010s Hipster Look
The Eleventh Doctor arrived at a time when hipsters were dominating the fashion sphere and it shows. After regenerating and saving the world in the Tenth Doctor's costume, Matt Smith's Doctor finally chooses his own outfit consisting of a brown tweed jacket over a tight-fitted button-up, blue trousers with suspenders, and the iconic bowtie.
The Doctor's outfit changes slightly after he loses the Ponds, but the one he chose in his introductory episode remains his most emblematic. It's a fresh, modern take on similar styles the Doctor has worn in the past and is distinctive without being loud or boring. It's certainly one of the best so far, and thankfully it wasn't ruined by the Doctor accessorizing with a fez.