As a fashion enthusiast and a self-proclaimed movie buff, I’ve always been captivated by the magical intersection of cinema and style. Each film mentioned here has left an indelible mark on my sartorial psyche, and I can’t help but be smitten by the enchanting looks that grace their silver screens.
There are numerous perspectives from which one can analyze the fashion seen in films, ranging from instantly recognizable, culturally significant instances like The Dude’s memorable Pendleton sweater in “The Big Lebowski,” or Uma Thurman’s sleek black outfit and choker in “Pulp Fiction.” Alternatively, there are movies that boast styles and aesthetics so rich and enduring they remain captivating for generations to come.
As a connoisseur of vintage attire, I often find myself pondering the fashion trends portrayed in films. Here’s a selection of cinematic gems that have significantly impacted my personal style, and perhaps may ignite your own creative flair as well!
Pretty Woman (Especially That Red Gown)
One aspect of Julia Roberts’ memorable character in “Pretty Woman” is her street-smart appearance. However, what truly captivates me about this film is the way Vivian’s fashion evolves throughout the story. The pinnacle of this transformation, in my opinion, is the timeless red dress that stands out as a classic.
Clueless (The Matching Plaid Sets!)
Amy Heckerling’s cinematic masterpiece not only has lines that are frequently quoted, but it also boasts some incredibly distinctive styles that remain etched in memory. For instance, Dionne’s hats, Cher’s numerous schoolgirl outfits in tweed and plaid, and the coordinated ensembles all embody iconic fashion that continues to resonate (for the most part) even after many years have passed.
The Devil Wears Prada (All The Looks)
Following Andy’s employment at Runway Magazine, she immerses herself in a vibrant realm teeming with some of the most captivating fashion I’ve encountered on screen. As Andy adapts her own style, the wardrobes of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci’s characters remain notable highlights.
Purple Rain (The Frilly Shirt)
As a dedicated admirer, it’s not just Prince’s performance in the iconic movie “Purple Rain” that left an indelible mark, but his entire fashion and career. From the enigmatic “When Doves Cry” to the electrifying “Let’s Go Crazy,” he redefined music and style in the 80s. Now, if only that flamboyant shirt style of his could make a triumphant return, as I find today’s fashion landscape a tad too laid-back.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s (The Perfect Outfit For Hanging Out On A Chilly New York Night)
When considering the film “Breakfast At Tiffany’s,” many people recall the initial scene from the 1961 movie featuring Audrey Hepburn in her black dress, sunglasses, and pearls. However, my personal favorite outfit from this movie is Holly Golightly’s charming and relaxed ensemble during the “Moon River” scene. In my opinion, any individual who can effortlessly make a hair wrap as iconic as that embodies fashion prowess in my mind.
Barbie (Can We Bring Back Rollerblades, Please?)
Barbie’s fashion moment in history is so iconic it actually coined its own term: Barbicore fashion. It’s not just Margot Robbie with the cute looks, however, as Ken’s own choices also sometimes had me rethinking the way I dress. What a movie moment.
The Royal Tenenbaums (Thank Margot)
Wes Anderson possesses a unique style that permeates throughout the wardrobe choices for all his films. A notable demonstration of this can be seen in the movie “The Royal Tenenbaums“, where lead actress Gwyneth Paltrow adorns fur coats, hair accessories, and dramatic dark eyeliner. Even the tweed preferred by her character’s family is stylishly distinctive.
Sean Connery’s Bond Era (Impeccable Tailoring)
I think a case could be made that any and every Bond era has its epic moments when it comes to fashion (entire essays have been written about Daniel Craig’s suit cuts, for example), but there’s something wonderful about the 1960s Sean Connery Bond era. It’s something that makes me want to go out and get every piece of clothing I own tailored just to be exactly right.
Moulin Rouge (Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend)
Fashion trends in Hollywood movies fluctuate, but what I admire most about Moulin Rouge’s costume design isn’t just its references to the “Can-Can” timeframe, but rather its employment of jewelry, glamour, and shimmer. Nicole Kidman’s outfits are undeniably exceptional, and this is particularly evident in her performance of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”
Downton Abbey (The Jazz Era evening attire)
Opting for Downton Abbey’s fashion as a focal point seems almost inevitable, and yet I find myself a tad taken aback by its placement lower on this list. One aspect that truly sets this series apart is its span across several decades, but it’s the movies set in the 1920s (specifically, the first film in 1927 and A New Era in 1928) that captivate me most. The intricacy involved in designing these costumes was substantial due to the grandeur of the films, but the effort put into detail is richly rewarded.
Memoirs Of A Geisha (The Silk Kimonos)
2005 saw renowned costume designer Colleen Atwood creating authentic silk kimonos for a film based on the same-named novel. Each outfit was individually crafted to reflect the characters’ personas within the movie, significantly contributing to the movie’s overall aesthetic appeal. Unsurprisingly, amidst mixed critical reception, the movie clinched an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. This triumph underscores the enduring charm of silk (and more affordable satin).
The Birds (More Great ’60s Vibes Here)
Tippi Hedren’s fur coats might seem a bit outdated now, yet the fashion styling in “The Birds” is nothing short of excellent. The baby doll dresses, mini skirts, and hairstyles all exude the essence of their era, but I believe I could confidently wear many of these styles in public today.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (Tailored Men’s Fashion Is Superb)
In the 2014 film, Kingsman: The Secret Service, the organization disguises itself as a tailor shop. This explains why the fashion in the Kingsman series is outstanding. Ariane Phillips’ interpretation of classic Savile Row style, with its subtle colors and contemporary flair, is apparent throughout the movies, offering a glimpse into what a stylish gentleman (or lady) from Savile Row might wear.
Poetic Justice (Janet Jackson’s Movie Set Trends)
Each time I recall the 1993 film “Poetic Justice,” I’m reminded of the distinctive hat worn by Janet Jackson’s character in the movie. John Singleton’s production, featuring Jackson and Tupac Shakur, truly embodies Los Angeles and its era. It’s a classic ’90s piece, yet the fashion style has made repeated comebacks.
Almost Famous (It’s All About Penny Lane)
In contrast to certain individuals from Stillwater who feared becoming unnoticed, it was primarily Penny Lane and her entourage of “band-aid” companions who caught everyone’s attention when it came to fashion trends. The 70s style was characterized by cool sunglasses, meshy materials, and other distinctive elements, but the film also played a role in reviving the popularity of shearling-collared coats. I could definitely use one for my wardrobe.
Crazy Rich Asians (More Like Crazy Luxe)
In this article, we’ve delved deeply into exquisite tailoring, but what truly captivates in “Crazy Rich Asians” is the opulent fabrics and lavish costumes, ranging from fleeting wedding attire to vintage-inspired ensembles. As the characters transition to Singapore, a wider spectrum of colors emerges intentionally. It’s not surprising that Mary E. Vogt was honored with a Costume Designers Guild award for her exceptional work on these designs.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (In Hot Pink)
Way back before Barbicore became a commonly known term due to Margot Robbie and other stars, Marilyn Monroe showcased a iconic pink dress in the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The movie is filled with memorable fashion moments, but this one, in particular, was later parodied by Gossip Girl and replicated by Robbie during her portrayal of Harley Quinn.
Romeo + Juliet (It’s The Costume Party That Really Takes Things Over The Edge)
Baz Luhrmann has consistently created iconic wardrobes for his actors, and this is evident in his 1996 movie “Romeo + Juliet”. Notably, Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio are the ones donning these unique ensembles in this film. From vibrant shirt designs to the voluminous wings that Juliet wears at a costume gathering, the fashion in this movie offers plenty of eye-catching details to appreciate.
Foxy Brown (That Leather Jacket Isn’t Even Getting Into The Awesome Satins and Florals)
Foxy Brown’s fashion style from the 1974 blaxploitation movie remains trendy, or at least it was back then. The satins, leathers, and polyesters she wore as our main character would fit seamlessly into any modern street fashion magazine and serve as a fantastic representation of an era that I continue to embrace in my personal style, which I consider vintage yet timeless.
All About Eve (For Anytime It’s Gonna Be A Bumpy Night)
Bette Davis’ iconic “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night” gown was unexpectedly included in the film due to Claudette Colbert leaving the production at the last minute. In her place, Davis asked renowned costume designer Edith Head to join her when she agreed to take on the role. This spontaneous collaboration resulted in Head winning an Oscar for her designs, and the costumes becoming legendary. It’s a wonder how many would desire a dress with such a slender waist… if only they had the waistline first!
Knives Out (It’s All About The Cable Knit)
In the film “Knives,” Ana de Armas may not be the most stylish character, but there’s an abundance of traditional wealth-inspired fashion, particularly tweeds and dark colors, artfully tailored. The standout piece is Chris Evans’ character’s cable knit sweater, a timeless design that has left an indelible impression on me and will likely remain iconic for many decades.
Atomic Blonde (Fighting In Heels)
It seems to me that Atomic Blonde might be one of the least recognized fashion-focused films on this list. Surprisingly, director David Leitch dresses Charlize Theron’s character Lorraine Broughton in trendy turtlenecks, classic coats, and boots that I find myself yearning to incorporate into my own wardrobe. What’s impressive is that she delivers powerful action sequences without damaging her clothing in the process.
10 Things I Hate About You (I Like My Skechers)
Among numerous teen movies, the one that still captivates me with its fashionable outfits is 10 Things I Hate About You. This movie, set in an era of voluminous skirts, crop tops, and scene kids, and featuring the rise of mini backpacks, has a quote, “There’s a difference between like and love. Because, ‘I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack,’ which perfectly describes my own wardrobe choices.
Marie Antoinette (Petticoats And Ruffles Galore!)
Sofia Coppola’s films are always a visual treat for fashion enthusiasts, but her style in “Marie Antoinette” felt particularly sweet and ornate, much like confectionery. The movie starring Kirsten Dunst was filled with frills and pastel colors, offering a glimpse into the extravagant life of the unfortunate aristocrat. I find myself longing for more formal attire in my own life.
Sabrina (The Givenchy Dress)
In the span of her acting career, Audrey Hepburn donned many stunning dresses, but none perhaps as captivating as the Givenchy gown she wore in Sabrina. The tale goes that the designer, fresh on the scene, had intended to style Katherine Hepburn, but it was Audrey who stepped into the role instead. This serendipitous encounter sparked a partnership, and their collaboration left an indelible mark on fashion. I can only dream of owning even one of these iconic outfits.
Challengers (The Tenniscore)
Absolutely, Zendaya was serving up interviews during the Challengers press tour, yet there were many stunning looks of hers in the film too. I have a soft spot for her vintage tennis attire, but the captivating image of her on the sidelines during the final scene of the movie has left an indelible impression on me as well.
The Great Gatsby (Daisy Buchanan, Fashion Heroine)
Baz Luhrmann excels at creating striking styles, and one aspect I adore about his film, ‘The Great Gatsby’, is that the fashion for both men and women is truly memorable. Tom Buchanan’s outfits, with their stripes, pastels, and ethereal shapes, are the ones that have left me spellbound even years after watching the movie. I might not be able to relive the past, but I can certainly replicate the fashion trends from different eras!
Dazed And Confused (Vintage Tees Galore)
Back in 1993, assembling “Dazed and Confused” was all about embracing the vintage vibe. Even today, I’ve got a classic Matthew McConaughey’s David Wooderson-style Ted Nugent tee hanging in my wardrobe – it’s more than just ‘alright, alright, alright’ for me!
Practical Magic (Great Inspo, Maybe Not-So-Great Movie)
underlyingly, there’s a great deal to appreciate in Practical Magic, even with its outlandish narrative. What captivates me is the hint of magic it subtly conveys, the nostalgic ’90s atmosphere, and above all, the fabulous fashion and hairstyles sported by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. To add, the aunts’ wardrobes are quite entertaining as well.
Peggy Sue Got Married (Those Volumous ’50s Skirts)
A 1980s film that pays homage to the era, “Peggy Sue Got Married,” was widely appreciated, critically acclaimed, and even earned an Academy Award nomination for its costume design. The story’s time-travel element allowed for a fascinating contrast between stylish 80s fashions and the chic looks of the sixties. Thanks to time travel, we got to witness these cool eras side by side.
Phantom Thread (All The Gorgeous, Impractical Ballgowns)
As a gamer, everyday attire isn’t my go-to high fashion, but the costumes in Phantom Thread are like chasing perfection. The silhouettes of those exquisite outfits linger in my mind as much as the intricate plotline of P.T. Anderson’s film. Frankly, I’ve been thinking about both a lot! Now, all I need is an occasion to strut around in such stunning style.
House Of Gucci (Nothing Like A Luxury Fashion Biopic)
There’s nothing like a luxury fashion movie to show off looks that only a few can afford. House of Gucci is one movie that just has look after look after look, many of them propelled by Lady Gaga, but also Adam Driver and Reeve Carney. I don’t have the wallet for them all, but I’d love ’em.
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2024-09-06 18:38