20 Movies and Shows That Changed the Way We Dress

Lights, camera, fashion! Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and thought, “I want to dress like that!” You’re not alone. For decades, the silver screen and our favorite series have been secret fashion designers, subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) influencing what we wear.

Imagine walking down the street in the 1950s and seeing dozens of women sporting Audrey Hepburn’s iconic look from “Roman Holiday.” Or picture teens in the ’90s raiding thrift stores to recreate the grunge style they saw in “My So-Called Life.” That’s the power of on-screen fashion!

In this article, we’re going to take a fun, fashionable journey through time. We’ll explore 20 movies and shows that didn’t just entertain us – they changed the way we dress. From classic Hollywood glamour to modern-day streetwear, we’ll see how these on-screen styles jumped right into our closets.

So, grab your popcorn (and maybe your favorite movie-inspired outfit), and let’s dive into the fabulous world where film meets fashion!

1. Gone with the Wind (1939)

Let’s kick things off with a real classic! “Gone with the Wind” wasn’t just a box office hit; it was a fashion revolution. Vivien Leigh’s character, Scarlett O’Hara, brought antebellum style back into vogue.

• The movie popularized hoop skirts and corsets, leading to a brief revival of these historical styles.
• Scarlett’s famous green curtain dress inspired a trend of upcycling and DIY fashion during wartime rationing.
• The film’s costumes influenced wedding dress designs for years to come.

Fun fact: The movie’s costume designer, Walter Plunkett, spent $12,000 on buttons alone – that’s over $220,000 in today’s money!

2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

If there’s one movie that screams “fashion icon,” it’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly gave us the little black dress (LBD) that changed everything.

• The LBD designed by Hubert de Givenchy became a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe.
• Oversized sunglasses, long cigarette holders, and multi-strand pearl necklaces became instant fashion staples.
• The film popularized the idea of “high-low” fashion, mixing designer pieces with affordable accessories.

Did you know? The original Givenchy dress worn in the film sold at auction for £467,200 in 2006!

3. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Who knew bank robbers could be so stylish? “Bonnie and Clyde” brought 1930s fashion roaring back into the ’60s.

• Faye Dunaway’s berets, midi skirts, and fitted sweaters became all the rage.
• Men started sporting double-breasted suits and fedoras, inspired by Warren Beatty’s look.
• The film kickstarted a trend of vintage clothing and thrift store shopping.

Interesting tidbit: Costume designer Theadora Van Runkle had never worked on a film before “Bonnie and Clyde”!

4. Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Disco fever hit hard with this John Travolta classic. “Saturday Night Fever” made everyone want to boogie – and dress – like Tony Manero.

• The iconic white three-piece suit became a symbol of disco culture.
• Platform shoes and wide-collared shirts became must-haves for men.
• The film popularized form-fitting, shiny fabrics for both men and women.

Groovy fact: Travolta’s white suit sold at auction for $145,000 in 2019!

5. Flashdance (1983)

“Flashdance” took dancewear from the studio to the street, creating a whole new casual style.

• Off-the-shoulder sweatshirts became a fashion sensation.
• Leg warmers were suddenly seen everywhere, not just in dance classes.
• The film popularized the layered look, with multiple tops and accessories.

Cool tidbit: The famous torn sweatshirt was actually an accident – Jennifer Beals’ sweatshirt shrank in the wash!

6. Miami Vice (1984-1990)

This TV show didn’t just solve crimes; it solved fashion dilemmas for men everywhere.

• Pastel T-shirts under linen suits became the epitome of cool.
• The show popularized the “no socks” look with loafers.
• Ray-Ban sunglasses saw a huge surge in popularity thanks to the show.

Interesting fact: Don Johnson’s stubble was so influential that Braun launched the “Miami Device” electric razor to recreate the look!

7. Pretty Woman (1990)

Julia Roberts’ transformation from streetwalker to sophisticated lady in “Pretty Woman” had a huge impact on ’90s fashion.

• The polka dot dress worn at the polo match became an instant classic.
• Over-the-knee boots saw a resurgence in popularity.
• The film popularized the “mini dress with oversized jacket” look.

Fun fact: The famous red opera dress was almost blue, but director Garry Marshall preferred the “fire engine red” look!

8. Clueless (1995)

As if we could make this list without “Clueless”! This teen comedy set new standards for high school fashion.

• Plaid skirt suits became a must-have for fashion-forward teens.
• The film popularized knee-high socks and Mary Jane shoes.
• Alicia Silverstone’s character made matching sets and layering cool again.

Interesting tidbit: Over 50 different types of plaid were used in the movie’s costumes!

9. The Matrix (1999)

“The Matrix” didn’t just blow our minds with its story; it revolutionized cyberpunk fashion.

• Long, flowing trench coats became incredibly popular.
• The film sparked a trend for small, reflective sunglasses.
• All-black outfits with a hint of leather became a go-to edgy look.

Cool fact: The costume designers bought loads of cheap PVC and rubber for the outfits, raiding fetish shops for inspiration!

10. Sex and the City (1998-2004)

This HBO series wasn’t just about relationships; it was a six-season long fashion show.

• Carrie Bradshaw made Manolo Blahnik a household name.
• The show popularized nameplate necklaces and visible bra straps as fashion statements.
• It encouraged women to experiment with eclectic, mix-and-match styles.

Did you know? Sarah Jessica Parker got to keep all of Carrie’s outfits – that’s over 70 designer outfits!

11. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

This film gave us a glimpse into the cutthroat world of fashion magazines while serving some serious style inspiration.

• The movie popularized the “corporate chic” look with pencil skirts and stilettos.
• It increased public interest in designer brands and the fashion industry.
• Anne Hathaway’s makeover scene inspired many to experiment with their personal style.

Interesting fact: Meryl Streep’s character was dressed entirely in Prada for the film, while Anne Hathaway wore 40 different designer brands!

12. Mad Men (2007-2015)

“Mad Men” didn’t just tell the story of 1960s ad executives; it brought mid-century fashion back in style.

• The show sparked a revival of slim-cut suits and skinny ties for men.
• It popularized vintage-inspired dresses and high-waisted pencil skirts for women.
• The series increased interest in vintage clothing and mid-century modern design.

Fun tidbit: The show’s influence was so strong that Brooks Brothers released a “Mad Men” inspired clothing line!

13. Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

This teen drama set on the Upper East Side of Manhattan had a huge impact on young adult fashion.

• The show popularized preppy style, including headbands and colorful tights.
• It showcased how to incorporate high-end designer pieces into everyday looks.
• Blair Waldorf’s style inspired a generation of fashion-loving teens.

Interesting fact: The show’s costume designer, Eric Daman, previously worked on “Sex and the City”!

14. Black Swan (2010)

While not primarily a fashion film, “Black Swan” had a significant impact on ballet-inspired fashion trends.

• The movie sparked a trend for tutu-inspired skirts and dresses.
• It popularized dark, dramatic makeup looks.
• The film increased interest in ballet flats and wrap sweaters.

Cool tidbit: Natalie Portman’s tutu in the film was adorned with 8,000 Swarovski crystals!

15. The Great Gatsby (2013)

Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” brought the Roaring Twenties back into fashion.

• The film sparked a revival of Art Deco-inspired jewelry and accessories.
• It popularized fringed dresses and beaded gowns for formal wear.
• Men’s fashion saw a resurgence of bow ties and suspenders.

Interesting fact: Costume designer Catherine Martin collaborated with Miuccia Prada on many of the film’s 1920s-inspired looks!

16. Scandal (2012-2018)

Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, became a style icon for professional women everywhere.

• The show popularized “power dressing” with structured jackets and wide-leg trousers.
• It brought neutral colors and monochromatic outfits into the spotlight.
• The character’s style inspired a clothing line at The Limited.

Fun fact: Kerry Washington had a say in her character’s wardrobe, often pushing for more colorful choices!

17. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

This British crime drama set in the 1920s had a surprising influence on modern men’s fashion.

• The show popularized the undercut hairstyle for men.
• It brought flat caps (also known as newsboy caps) back into style.
• The series increased interest in three-piece suits and pocket watches.

Interesting tidbit: The show’s popularity led to a 83% increase in flat cap sales at one UK department store!

18. Stranger Things (2016-present)

This Netflix hit didn’t just transport us back to the ’80s – it brought ’80s fashion back too!

• The show sparked a revival of high-waisted jeans and mom jeans.
• It popularized graphic tees and colorful windbreakers.
• The series increased interest in retro sneakers and accessories.

Cool fact: Many of the show’s costumes were sourced from actual vintage clothing from the 1980s!

19. The Crown (2016-present)

This royal drama has had a surprisingly strong influence on modern fashion trends.

• The show increased interest in structured handbags, inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s style.
• It popularized elegant, tailored coats and dresses.
• The series sparked a trend for brooches and pearl jewelry.

Interesting fact: Over 50 versions of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation dress were made for the show!

20. Bridgerton (2020-present)

This Regency-era drama has sparked a fashion revolution, bringing historical styles into the 21st century.

• The show popularized the “Regencycore” trend, featuring empire waistlines and puff sleeves.
• It increased interest in corsets and pearl-embellished accessories.
• The series inspired a color trend of pastel and jewel tones.

Fun tidbit: Each episode of “Bridgerton” features about 7,500 costume pieces!

Takeaways

Wow, what a stylish journey we’ve been on! From the glamorous gowns of “Gone with the Wind” to the Regencycore trends inspired by “Bridgerton,” we’ve seen how movies and TV shows have shaped fashion over the decades.

It’s clear that what we see on screen doesn’t just stay on screen. These films and series have the power to influence what we wear, how we style our hair, and even how we accessorize. They’ve inspired us to try new looks, revive old trends, and sometimes even raid our grandparents’ closets for vintage treasures!

But here’s the really cool thing: fashion isn’t just about following trends. These movies and shows have encouraged us to express ourselves, to play with our style, and to have fun with fashion. Whether you’re channeling Cher from “Clueless” or going for a “Mad Men” vibe, remember that the best outfit is always the one that makes you feel like a star.

So, the next time you’re watching your favorite show or settling in for a movie night, pay attention to the outfits. You might just find your next fashion inspiration! After all, in the world of style, life often imitates art. Lights, camera, fashion – that’s a wrap!