Fashion and film have always shared a close relationship, with iconic movie styles frequently making their way into everyday wardrobes. Here are 16 movies that have significantly influenced fashion trends over the years.
Clueless
The 1995 hit “Clueless” inspired multiple fashion trends that have stood the test of time. The film’s most iconic look is the bold plaid ensemble worn by Cher Horowitz, paired with knee-high socks and chunky heels.
Celebrities such as Olivia Palermo, Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, and Cara Delevingne have recreated this look, demonstrating its lasting impact. Additionally, “Clueless” brought satin dresses and fitted crop tops into the mainstream, making them staple pieces in many wardrobes.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” introduced the world to the epitome of elegance with her sleeveless black dress, paired with silver jewelry.
This classic outfit has become synonymous with sophistication and has inspired numerous fashion moments on red carpets. Stars like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lawrence have paid homage to this timeless look, demonstrating its enduring influence on fashion.
Risky Business
“Risky Business” not only catapulted Tom Cruise to stardom but also significantly boosted the popularity of Ray-Ban sunglasses. Cruise’s character, Joel Goodson, wore black Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers, leading to a 50% increase in sales for the brand. This iconic accessory became a must-have, symbolizing effortless cool and style.
The Seven Year Itch
Marilyn Monroe’s unforgettable scene in “The Seven Year Itch,” where she stands over a subway grate with her white halter dress billowing up, has become one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history. This scene popularized the halter dress, making it a staple at formal events such as weddings and christenings. The dress remains a symbol of classic beauty and elegance.
Blow-Up
The 1966 film “Blow-Up” introduced the world to dresses with slits, a trend that continues to dominate fashion runways today. The film’s influence is evident in the wardrobes of many celebrities, including Zoe Kravitz, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez, who have all embraced this daring and stylish look.
Saturday Night Fever
John Travolta’s portrayal of Tony Manero in “Saturday Night Fever” made the three-piece polyester suit the ultimate disco outfit of the 1970s. Travolta’s stellar dance moves and iconic white suit became synonymous with the disco era, making the look a must-have for anyone hitting the dance floor.
My Fair Lady
Audrey Hepburn’s fashion choices in “My Fair Lady” have left a lasting impact on the fashion world. One of her most iconic looks from the film inspired Kendall Jenner’s 2021 Met Gala dress, demonstrating the timeless appeal of Hepburn’s style. The film’s elaborate costumes continue to influence modern fashion, with designers often drawing inspiration from its elegant and sophisticated looks.
High Society
Grace Kelly’s role in “High Society” epitomized 1950s glamour with her elegant ball gowns. Generations of fashion enthusiasts have drawn inspiration from Kelly’s timeless style, and her influence continues to shape modern red carpet fashion. Her sophisticated and graceful looks continue to be a benchmark for elegance.
The Great Gatsby
The 2013 adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” brought the roaring twenties back into the spotlight, with Leonardo DiCaprio’s pastel ensembles normalizing the use of traditionally feminine shades for men. Stars such as Zayn Malik, Jason Momoa, Chris Hemsworth, and Ryan Gosling have embraced this trend by showcasing pastel colors on red carpets, thereby challenging traditional gender norms in fashion.
The Philadelphia Story
Katharine Hepburn’s role in “The Philadelphia Story” was groundbreaking for women’s fashion. In 1940, Hepburn wore high-waisted pants, a style that was predominantly considered masculine at the time. Her character’s chic and confident look helped popularize pants for women, breaking gender stereotypes and paving the way for future fashion trends.
The Devil Wears Prada
“The Devil Wears Prada” remains a cult favorite among fashion lovers. The film’s portrayal of the fashion industry and its iconic looks have left a lasting impression. One standout look is the tweed jacket and Chanel boots worn by Anne Hathaway’s character, which continue to influence fashion trends. The movie’s depiction of high fashion and its power dynamics have cemented its place as a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts.
13 Going on 30
Jennifer Garner’s baby doll dress in “13 Going on 30” is one of the most memorable outfits in romantic comedy history. The film’s iconic rainbow dress has recently regained popularity, thanks to TikTok users who have brought it back into the spotlight. This dress, characterized by its playful and whimsical design, has become a nostalgic favorite, demonstrating the lasting impact of film on fashion.
Flashdance
Jennifer Beals’ off-shoulder sweater from “Flashdance” became a defining trend of the 1980s. Women widely emulated this look, characterized by its relaxed and casual style, in an attempt to capture the iconic fashion of the film. The off-shoulder sweater remains a popular fashion choice, highlighting the enduring influence of “Flashdance” on casual wear.
Mean Girls
“Mean Girls” (2004) brought several fashion trends back into the spotlight, including choker necklaces, mini skirts paired with heels, and the color pink. The film’s depiction of high school fashion resonated with audiences and led to a resurgence of these styles. The “Mean Girls” aesthetic continues to be a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts, particularly during themed events and parties.
Annie Hall
Diane Keaton’s character in “Annie Hall” (1977) revolutionized women’s fashion by incorporating traditionally masculine elements into her wardrobe. Keaton’s use of baggy pants, oversized blazers, ties, and fedoras challenged gender norms and inspired the fashion industry for decades. Stores today feature ensembles featuring vests and baggy pants, demonstrating the enduring influence of “Annie Hall” on fashion.
Twilight
The teen vampire movie “Twilight” reintroduced gothic style to a new generation. The film’s dark and mysterious aesthetic inspired young millennials to embrace a gothic look, complete with black eyeliner and an aversion to the sun. This trend has had a lasting influence on fashion, with many young people adopting elements of the gothic style in their everyday wardrobes.
These movies have left a lasting impact on the fashion world, proving that the silver screen can be a powerful influencer of style and trends. From elegant ball gowns to daring slits and gothic aesthetics, the influence of these films on fashion is undeniable, showcasing the enduring power of cinema in shaping the way we dress.
