Ok, we get it. Movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Mean Girls and Clueless are full of iconic fashion inspiration. We've all seen enough Regina George-inspired posts in the last couple months to last us until...well, the next big Mean Girls anniversary, anyway. And while, personally speaking, I'd tend to lean more toward the Audrey side of things rather than the before-things-got-really-weird version of Lindsay, each film has it's own brand of style that has served as creative inspiration for many of us. But the fashion films that we hear about time and time again are only scraping the surface of the real power of style in movies.
Whether your style is trendy and modern or classic and vintage-inspired, there's a movie out there to inspire you. So sit back, put on your coziest pajamas (or just take off your pants, because, let's face it, that's as comfortable an option as any), pop some popcorn, pour yourself a glass of wine (or two...or three...), and choose your fashion movie of choice to gain some inspiration from. And don't forget to Instagram that whole situation too because, you know, fashion people like that type of thing.
1. An Education
This is GREAT movie. Fabulous fashion moments aside, this film is so important and brilliant for so many reasons. First of all, Carey Mulligan stars in the 2009 movie and she is just too adorable not to completely love. Second of all, Peter Sarsgaard also stars in it. And while, yes, his character is questionable at times, he is still really attractive. So I am not complaining.
And finally, yes, the CLOTHES. Set in the early 1960s in Britain, the movie follows Jenny's (played by Mulligan) transition from quiet, plain school girl to full-fledged (and super fashionable) woman. The plot is great, the overall message of the movie is important and the costumes are glorious. Enough said.
2. Amélie
Yes, hipsters love this movie. It's French, and cute, and just a tinsy tiny bit strange. But like all great, weird things — it works. The scenery in this movie paired with the lovable plot and characters really takes you into a different, whimsical world. And even though fashion isn't a huge component of the film, the combination of all of those wonderful factors is really inspiring. Plus, Audrey Tatou (who plays Amélie) just has a really cute haircut the entire time.
3. It Happened One Night
Ok, this movie happens to be a personal all-time favorite of mine, so I may be slightly biased here. However, the 1934 film really does provide a really interesting perspective on (men's and women's) fashion of the past. It's considered one of the first real romantic comedies, and even though it's in black and white, the wardrobes of both of the main actors are still so rich and visually interesting. Also, Clark Gable was the original hottie. Move over, Clooney.
Stream It Happened One Night here.
4. Atonement
While, yes, this movie left most (if not all) of us emotionally disturbed and depressed for a solid 2 to 5 days after seeing it, all I have to say is "that. green. dress," and most of you will probably know what I'm talking about (also that library scene, but that's for a different post...). It's a more recent film, and certainly doesn't leave you with a happy-go-lucky feeling afterward, but the clothes are brilliant, and that's all that really counts.
5. Pretty Woman
A prostitute goes shopping on rodeo drive, and an iconic fashion moment for the movies is born. Who would have thought? This might seem like an unlikely choice for fashion inspiration given that the movie was released in 1990 and in general the late '80s / early '90s were just a dark moment for fashion, but seeing an era of fashion that wasn't so long ago, yet is still very, very different than modern trends is an interesting perspective on how style evolves.
6. Grease
"Tell me about it, stud." I grew up watching Grease (and having no idea of many of the wildly inappropriate themes throughout), and my favorite part was always Sandy's big, fashion-forward reveal at the end. I mean, who can really forget those pants?
7. Pretty in Pink
I'll be honest and say that many of Molly Ringwald's wardrobe moments in Pretty in Pink now make me cringe or laugh wildly (or a combination of both), but that's part of the fun of looking back on the height of fashion at the time. And it really makes you wonder. I mean, what will we possibly think of the wedge sneaker in a couple years? *shudders*
8. Marie Antoinette
It stars Kristen Dunst and is directed by Sofia Coppola. Need we say more? Didn't think so.
9. The Great Gatsby (1974 and 2013)
The two versions of this book-turned-movie are very, very different. Since they were made almost 40 years apart, the films provide a really interesting view of how '20s fashion was interpreted in different decades. While the 2013 version received a lot of hype (as do most things involving Leo), I really don't think the fashion of the Jazz Age was emphasized as much as it should have been. There is SO much going on visually that it's almost easy to forget about the clothes, but it'd be a shame to miss out on all that beauty, so go take a second look.
