Everyone familiar with classic television knows Della Street. For many, including myself, this admiration started young, captivated by the Perry Mason TV movies and then delving into the original series from the 1950s and 60s. Della Street isn’t just Perry Mason’s secretary; she embodies skill, style, and unwavering elegance. This quintessential “girl Friday” has been portrayed by numerous actresses across different eras, from Helen Trenholme to Barbara Hale, each bringing a unique flavor to the character, yet it’s Barbara Hale’s portrayal that truly cemented Della Street’s iconic status.
Della Street in the 1930s and 40s
Della Street’s journey began in 1933, conceived by the mind of Erle Stanley Gardner alongside her famous boss, Perry Mason, in The Case of the Velvet Claws. From her very first appearance in the novels, Della was depicted as sharp and fiercely loyal, traits that would define her throughout eighty-one thrilling mysteries. Gardner made it evident from the outset that Della and Perry shared a bond that transcended the typical employer-employee dynamic. Their connection was deep, subtly hinted at, and always present, even with the ever-present assistance of their friend, private investigator Paul Drake. While their cases took center stage, the undercurrent of romance between Della and Perry was undeniable, though it rarely progressed beyond a chaste kiss. Perry Mason proposed marriage on occasion, but Della, his invaluable office confidante, consistently declined. She understood Perry’s restless nature and her own unwillingness to live without the professional excitement of working alongside him, choosing their unique partnership over a conventional domestic life. This dedication kept her by his side through countless cases in books, films, radio dramas, and ultimately, television.
Adaptations inevitably brought changes, but Della Street’s core characteristics remained constant: intelligence, beauty, and unwavering faithfulness to Perry Mason. In a departure from the source material, Warner Brothers’ 1936 film adaptation of The Case of the Velvet Claws even saw Della briefly married to Perry. The Perry Mason films of the 1930s often presented a more assertive Della, and radio adaptations in the 1940s sometimes placed her in more overtly adventurous roles, including evading the police. However, television in the late 1950s, being a more conservative medium, tempered some of Della’s more overt flirtatiousness with Raymond Burr’s Perry. Yet, Barbara Hale’s remarkable on-screen chemistry with Burr and her nuanced performance ensured that the simmering romantic tension between Della and Perry remained palpable for audiences. This unspoken romance resonated with Perry Mason fans for decades, finally culminating in an on-screen kiss in the 1993 movie, The Case of the Telltale Talk Show Host, officially acknowledging the deep connection that had always been hinted at.
In Erle Stanley Gardner’s novels, Della Street was consistently described as beautiful, and her appearances reflected this, ranging from platinum blonde hair to brunette curls, always adorned in sophisticated office-appropriate attire. Barbara Hale’s portrayal, however, established the definitive visual image of Della Street for a generation. Her wardrobe in the 1957-66 TV series epitomized the fashion of the era: figure-flattering, feminine, and always demure, with hemlines respectfully below the knee. Executive producer Gail Patrick Jackson consciously steered Della away from fleeting 1960s trends, emphasizing a timeless elegance that became synonymous with Hale’s interpretation. Della’s wardrobe, while not extensive, was cleverly curated. She frequently mixed and matched blouses and sweaters with different pencil skirts, creating varied looks with a limited collection. Her signature style included waist-cinching shirt dresses (famously one monogrammed with her initials), classic pencil skirts, cardigans, and blouses often featuring neck-tie bows. Notably, in the first season, Della was often seen wearing mules, which she later exchanged for more formal heels, adding to her polished professional image. Accessories were subtle yet significant: 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 bond. She was also occasionally seen wearing a pendant necklace displaying her initials, predating the personalized jewelry trend popularized later.
Barbara Hale as Della Street in Perry Mason
When Barbara Hale and Raymond Burr reprised their roles in the Perry Mason TV movies of the 1980s and 90s, Della Street remained true to her established character: efficient, warm, and impeccably dressed. Her fashion evolved with the times, embracing contemporary yet still conservative styles. This era saw Della sporting over-the-knee skirts paired with stylish boots, turtleneck sweaters, blazer jackets, and often two strands of pearls, reflecting the sophisticated professional woman of the 80s and 90s. While her hairstyles saw minor adjustments, avoiding the beehive of the early 60s, Della retained her practical, cropped curls, a hairstyle that reinforced her image as Perry Mason’s dependable and tireless associate.
Della Street’s enduring appeal lies in her multifaceted character. She is the epitome of competence and loyalty, a vital part of Perry Mason’s success, and a style icon whose elegance transcends decades. Today, Della Street’s timeless look can be easily recreated. Vintage-inspired fashion is readily available, making it simple to capture her sophisticated charm. A circle skirt and scarf, a tailored vintage-style suit, or classic heels are all it takes to evoke Della’s refined style. For those seeking to fully embody her spirit, adding details like full curls, coordinating lingerie, and a petticoat can complete the transformation. Della Street remains a source of inspiration, a testament to enduring style and the timeless appeal of a strong, intelligent, and elegant woman, admired even today by those in secretarial and assistant roles for her professionalism and grace.
