“Hi Helen!” sing out a dozen Helen Ropers gathered at a bar called Sidetracks in Ypsilanti, Mich. They are mostly Gen X women, resplendent in colorful caftans, red curly wigs and clunky 1970s-style jewelry. These Helens are among hundreds of costumed fans who have cheerfully invaded bars and social centers across the country in recent weeks. From West Seattle, Wash., to North Little Rock, Ar., from Front Royal, Va., to Topeka, Kan., these outings, better known as Mrs. Roper Romps, are organized nationally on social media. They honor a beloved minor character from the TV sitcom Three’s Company that aired for eight seasons on ABC. As indelibly embodied by actress Audra Lindley from 1977 to 1984, Helen Roper was a loopy landlady, forever interfering with her tenants, bickering with her husband and pursuing crafts such as macramé and flower arranging.
Mrs. Roper Romps began in 2013, initially as a parade in New Orleans at the LGBTQ celebration known as Southern Decadence. “New Orleans is where it occurred first and then San Diego,” confirms Jen Lewis, one of the “founding Helens” of the Ypsilanti romp. “We just got together and made it happen here.” The Ypsilanti Helens say they’re paying homage to a rare, unconventional older female character on television, who pre-dated The Golden Girls, but delivered similar verve and humor. “She was comfortable. She was her own woman,” says Renea Wright, appreciatively. She’s wearing a pink and blue caftan that evokes the dawn of a tropical day, and big yellow earrings. She first saw short videos of Mrs. Roper Romps on TikTok. “In the TikTok videos, I didn’t see any African American Helens,” she explains. “So I said to my cousins, we’re just going to go out there and represent. I don’t know if we’ll be the only three melanin people there, but we’re going to have fun.”
One very tall Helen draped in a rainbow-colored caftan is Jason Ringholz. He says he’s attended multiple Mrs. Roper Romps with his wife Kerri Pepperman, who also helped organize this local event. She says Helen Roper had the right idea, when it came to idiosyncratic, loose-fitting fashion. “This is like pandemic attire,” Pepperman says, smoothing her floor-length garment. “And now we have a license to be comfortable in our caftans in public. I think there might be a little post-pandemic retro thing going on right here.” The Ypsilanti Helens are particularly proud that their city boasts a bar called The Regal Beagle — named after the one in Three’s Company where the main characters hang out. It’s an obvious stop on this Mrs. Roper Romp. (Unlike the bar on television, the real-life Regal Beagle bills itself as “queer and anti-fascist,” and also hosts Mrs. Roper drag contests.) “We’re a bunch of Helen goblins running around,” announces Angel Vanas, a Helen who has eschewed a wig in favor of pink-colored, punk-rock hair. She embraces the character of Helen Roper, she says, as a role model for aging powerfully in uncertain times. “If we want to run around in caftans with the gaudiest jewelry we can find, with fantastically curly hair, guess what? We can do that. There’s no rules now.”
Somewhere, Mrs. Roper is smiling.
The Roper Revival—Why Everyone’s Talking About Mrs. Roper Again
If you’ve recently spotted someone in a brightly colored caftan, giant earrings, and a beaming smile sashaying through your local farmer’s market or bar crawl—don’t panic. You might’ve just crossed paths with a Mrs. Roper impersonator. And no, it’s not Halloween.
From coast to coast, the iconic character from Three’s Company is making a fabulous comeback—one caftan at a time. This isn’t just a fashion trend; it’s a movement. Let’s dive into how Mrs. Roper, once TV’s quirkiest landlady, has become an unexpected cultural icon all over again.
Who Is Mrs. Roper Anyway?
Norman Fell and Audra Lindley played the unforgettable duo Stanley and Helen Roper on Three’s Company and later The Ropers. While Stanley was the ultimate buzzkill, Helen Roper lit up the screen with her floral caftans, flirtatious sass, and unmistakable laugh.
She was funny, flamboyant, and fabulously free. Helen Roper was decades ahead of her time—and people are finally giving her the love she deserves.
Why the Caftan Is the Star of the Show
Caftans were Mrs. Roper’s signature—and now they’re a symbol. Floaty, flowy, and fabulously loud, they’re the fashion world’s ultimate “I do what I want” statement. In 2024 and beyond, they’re a rallying cry for confidence, comfort, and unapologetic style.
Wearing a caftan in public doesn’t just turn heads—it starts conversations.
What’s a Roper Romp?
A “Roper Romp” is exactly what it sounds like: groups of fans dressing up as Mrs. Roper and hitting the town together. These romps are part flash mob, part fashion parade, and 100% hilarious.
Think bar crawls, parades, brunches, and even weddings—all with attendees dressed to the caftan-covered nines.
Where Did This Trend Start?
It began quietly, with a few themed bar nights in New Orleans and Austin. Then, someone posted a video of a Roper Romp on TikTok—and boom. The internet did its thing.
Soon, entire Facebook groups and Instagram pages popped up, dedicated to organizing and celebrating all things Mrs. Roper.
TikTok, Instagram, and the Rise of #MrsRoper
The hashtag #MrsRoper has racked up millions of views. Gen Z and Millennials who never watched Three’s Company are now obsessed with the vibe. Her look screams self-expression, and her attitude? Even more iconic.
Why Is This Resonating Now?
It’s simple: Mrs. Roper represents a carefree, unfiltered version of femininity that resonates deeply in today’s stressful, hyper-curated world. She wasn’t chasing trends—she was the trend.
People are tired of conforming. Dressing like Mrs. Roper is a reminder to let your hair down, stop apologizing, and live a little louder.
A Symbol of Joy in Tough Times
Post-pandemic, post-algorithm burnout, people are looking for something real and ridiculous. Mrs. Roper brings joy, laughter, and pure campy energy. She’s not a role model in the traditional sense—but maybe that’s exactly why she’s perfect for this moment.
How to Throw Your Own Roper Romp
Planning a Roper Romp isn’t complicated. All you need are:
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A group of friends who love to have fun
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Bright, groovy caftans (bonus points for boas and beads)
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A solid playlist of ‘70s disco and funk
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A few quirky locations to hit—bars, diners, local festivals, even malls
Make it a spectacle. The more outrageous, the better.
Where to Find the Perfect Caftan
You don’t need a designer label to channel Mrs. Roper. Thrift stores, vintage shops, Etsy, and even Amazon have options that scream “HELLO, STANLEY!” in all the right ways.
Look for bold prints, wide sleeves, and as much flair as humanly possible.
Modern Takes on the Roper Aesthetic
While traditional caftans are the go-to, some fans have taken creative liberty. Think caftan jumpsuits, metallic turbans, and bedazzled everything. One woman even showed up to a romp wearing a caftan made from shower curtains—and she owned it.
Drag Queens and the Cult of Mrs. Roper
Drag culture has embraced the Roper revival with open arms (and glitter). Mrs. Roper’s over-the-top femininity and theatrical style make her a natural icon in queer spaces.
It’s not uncommon to see her recreated on drag stages with rhinestones, wigs, and tongue-in-cheek monologues.
Roper Romps Are More Than Just Dress-Up
Yes, they’re a blast. But they’re also building community. These events bring together people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It’s not about looking perfect—it’s about feeling fabulous.
In a world that’s constantly pushing seriousness and status, Mrs. Roper reminds us to lighten up.
The Psychology Behind the Roper Craze
Believe it or not, psychologists say there’s something powerful in “play dress-up” for adults. It unlocks joy, releases inhibitions, and strengthens social bonds. Mrs. Roper just happens to be the perfect vehicle for that release.
Celebrities Are Catching On Too
Don’t be surprised if you see celebs jump on the Roper bandwagon. From RuPaul to Drew Barrymore, stars are embracing maximalism and vintage camp.
It’s only a matter of time before a major fashion house drops a Roper-inspired collection.
The Roper Effect on Modern Fashion
Designers are already flirting with Roper energy—big prints, bell sleeves, bold colors. Whether they realize it or not, they’re channeling the woman who strutted around a TV set in 1979 without a care in the world.
Conclusion: The Caftan Is a Movement, Not a Costume
The return of Mrs. Roper isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a lifestyle shift. In a society obsessed with filters, brands, and fitting in, this loopy landlady in a polyester caftan is a rebellious breath of fresh air.
She’s become a beacon for anyone who’s ever wanted to live more authentically, laugh more loudly, or wear something completely ridiculous—just because it feels good.
So the next time you see a sea of caftans romping through your town, don’t be surprised. Just grab your bangles and join the party.
