For anyone familiar with my tastes, it’s no secret that I’m a devoted admirer of Della Street. My fascination began in childhood, watching the Perry Mason TV movies, but it deepened when my grandmother introduced me to the original series from the 1950s and 60s. It was then I truly appreciated Della for her competence, her impeccable style, and her understated elegance. She embodies the quintessential “girl Friday,” a character brought to life by a succession of talented actresses in the 1930s and beyond, but definitively etched into popular culture by Barbara Hale in the classic Perry Mason television show and subsequent movies.
Della Street as portrayed in the 1930s and 40s films
Created by Erle Stanley Gardner in 1933, Della Street debuted alongside the iconic attorney Perry Mason in The Case of the Velvet Claws. From her very first appearance in the novels, Della was depicted as spirited and assertive, yet consistently skillful and fiercely loyal – traits that would define her across eighty-one thrilling whodunit novels. Gardner made it clear from the outset that Della and Perry shared a bond that transcended the typical employer-employee dynamic. Their relationship hinted at deeper feelings, subtly acknowledged but never fully explored beyond an occasional, passionate kiss, often observed by their steadfast ally, private investigator Paul Drake. Despite Perry Mason proposing marriage on a few occasions, Della, his indispensable office mainstay, consistently declined. She seemed to understand that Perry was not cut out for a conventional domestic life, and equally, she couldn’t envision a life without being by his side, professionally and personally. This understanding kept them together, navigating countless cases through novels, films, radio dramas, and ultimately, television adaptations.
While adaptations inevitably took liberties with her character, the core of Della Street – her beauty, unwavering loyalty to Perry, and sharp intellect – remained constant. In the Perry Mason films of the 1930s, Della was often portrayed with a more overtly sassy and adventurous edge. Radio adaptations in the 1940s frequently placed her in thrilling scenarios, even on the run from the police. Television, a more conservative medium in the late 1950s, saw Barbara Hale’s Della portray a more restrained romantic dynamic with Raymond Burr’s Perry. Yet, their undeniable on-screen chemistry and Hale’s nuanced acting conveyed a simmering, unspoken romance that captivated Perry Mason fans for decades. It wasn’t until the 1993 TV movie The Case of the Telltale Talk Show Host that a kiss finally explicitly confirmed the long-hinted-at depth of their relationship.
In Erle Stanley Gardner’s original novels, Della Street was consistently described as beautiful. Actresses portraying her in early adaptations sported platinum blonde hair and brunette curls, complemented by sophisticated office-appropriate attire. Barbara Hale, however, became the definitive Della Street for many, shaping the character’s lasting visual impression. Throughout the original TV series (1957-1966), Hale’s Della embodied the fashionable yet professional style of the era: figure-flattering, feminine dresses and skirts that always maintained a modest knee-length hemline. Executive producer Gail Patrick Jackson insisted on Della’s timeless elegance, ensuring she didn’t chase every fleeting 1960s trend, particularly the rapidly changing hemlines. This decision solidified Della’s image as a woman of classic, enduring style.
Barbara Hale as Della Street showcasing her signature 1950s/60s style
Despite a presumably curated wardrobe, Della cleverly mixed and matched blouses, sweaters, and skirts to create fresh looks. Her signature style included waist-cinching shirt dresses (famously, one embroidered with her initials), pencil skirts, cardigans, and blouses often featuring delicate neck bows. In the early seasons, Della was frequently seen navigating office scenarios in mules before transitioning to more sophisticated heels, becoming a hallmark of her polished appearance. Accessories were understated yet impactful: a pearl necklace or a charm bracelet on her left wrist, and a simple ring on her little finger, mirroring Perry’s own ring – subtle symbols of their close connection. Notably, Della sported a pendant necklace with her initials, predating Carrie Bradshaw’s popularized initial necklaces by decades, establishing Della as a style innovator ahead of her time.
When Barbara Hale and Raymond Burr reprised their roles in the 1980s Perry Mason TV movies, Della’s style evolved to reflect contemporary fashion while retaining her signature elegance and efficiency. She embraced over-the-knee skirts paired with stylish boots, turtleneck sweaters, blazer jackets, and layered pearl necklaces, reflecting a sophisticated yet practical approach to professional dressing in the 80s. While her hairstyles remained relatively consistent, avoiding the voluminous beehives of previous decades, Della maintained her cropped, manageable curls, reinforcing her image as Perry Mason’s dependable and tirelessly efficient associate.
Today, Della Street’s iconic style remains accessible and inspiring. DVD box sets allow viewers to meticulously study her wardrobe, and a thriving vintage clothing market, alongside contemporary designers drawing inspiration from mid-century silhouettes, makes it easy to emulate her sophisticated charm. A circle skirt and scarf, a tailored vintage-inspired suit, or classic heels can instantly evoke Della’s timeless elegance. For a truly authentic touch, adding soft curls, vintage-style lingerie, and a petticoat completes the transformation. From my perspective, paying homage to Della Street’s style is a worthwhile endeavor, celebrating a character who continues to inspire admiration, particularly among real-world secretaries and anyone who appreciates timeless grace and professional poise.
