12 Iconic Movies Every Fashion Girl Will Go Crazy For
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Fashion Week only comes twice a year, but you don't have to wait that long to find style inspiration. Just curl up at home in your best pajamas, and turn on one these flicks filled with costume gold.
How to Marry a Millionaire, 1953
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In How to Marry a Millionaire, three fashion models (played by Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, and Betty Grable) pool their money for a New York City penthouse in an attempt to land wealthy husbands. Unsurprisingly, the scheme doesn't go as planned, but they rock some seriously amazing outfits along the way. This lighthearted comedy is always entertaining, but worth the watch just for Marilyn Monroe's magenta evening gown and the fashion show scene alone.
More: Movies That Car Fans Go Crazy For
To Catch a Thief, 1955
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Grace Kelly appears flawless on- and off-screen, but the wardrobe in To Catch a Thief will always be our favorite. In this film, Kelly plays heiress Frances, alongside Cary Grant as the reformed cat burglar, John Robie. When a string of robberies begins to pop up around town, Robie must discover the thief's identity in order to prove his own innocence. Legendary costume designer Edith Head dressed Kelly in several "wow"-inducing outfits, from an iconic blue chiffon evening gown to a chic yellow swimsuit, and a pink dress complete with white driving gloves. Set against the backdrop of the French Riviera, it's the epitome of 1950s glamour.
Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961
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Few movies can compete with the level of style seen in Breakfast at Tiffany's. In it, Audrey Hepburn plays the flighty, yet irresistibly charming, Holly Golightly – a New York socialite seeking financial stability and a life far from her less than idyllic upbringing. She may live in a nearly bare apartment with a no-name cat, but Golightly has a killer wardrobe made up of alligator shoes and glam party dresses. The costumes were designed by Givenchy, Hepburn's real-life BFF, and have inspired decades of little black dresses since. (And too many Halloween costumes to count.)
Fun fact: The role of Holly was originally intended for Marilyn Monroe.
Love Story,1970
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In this film version of the best-selling novel Love Story, Ali Macgraw and Ryan O'Neal play an unlikely couple who meet during college. Jenny Cavalleri (Macgraw) is a bookish music major at Radcliffe who comes from modest means, and Oliver Barrett the preppy Harvard jock who is heir to a family fortune. They marry against Oliver's father's wishes, and work their way up from scratch after becoming financially cut off. The film is rich with classic collegiate style that would feel just as modern today, including a plethora of pea coats, plaid skirts, herringbone blazers, and Macgraw's signature pin-straight hair.
Annie Hall, 1977
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Annie Hall is the OG of androgynous style. In this four-time Oscar winning movie, Woody Allen plays neurotic New Yorker and comedian Alvy Singer, who is in a relationship with aspiring night club singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The plot is packed with plenty of wit and comedic moments as Singer recounts the events leading to their eventual demise. The real star, though, is Hall's iconic wardrobe. She masters the menswear look with a mix of ties, hats, and khaki pants; a look that remains a part of Diane Keaton's aesthetic.
Pretty in Pink, 1986
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Molly Ringwald is basically the poster child of '80s teen movies. In this coming-of-age story, she plays Andie, the intelligent yet unpopular high school student from the wrong side of the tracks. She falls for the wealthy, cool kid Blane, but their relationship is tested due to peer pressure from his friends. The big reveal moment happens when Andie shows up to prom in a pink dress she makes herself.
Pretty Woman, 1990
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In this scandalous version of a Cinderella story, Richard Gere plays a high-powered New York businessman who's visiting Los Angeles to close a deal. One night he has a chance encounter with a pretty escort named Vivian (Julia Roberts), who he hires for the week as his date to social events. They end up falling in love — not exactly a surprise — but you'll enjoy watching her fashion choices evolve just as much as the relationship.
Clueless, 1995
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Every girl who grew up in the '90s can recite lines from Clueless without skipping a beat — we'll use any excuse to rattle off "As if!" or "It's an Ala?a." The story follows Cher, the popular teen queen of Beverly Hills, and her two best friends as they deal with issues like high school relationships and trying to pass their driver's license test. It's also full of epic '90s fashions, like plaid skirt suits, knee-high socks, and babydoll dresses. The best part of the whole movie? Cher's revolving closet. We're still wondering where to get one of those.
The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999
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The Talented Mr. Ripley might be a creepy thriller film, but the wardrobe is on point. This is actually our top pick! It's based in the mid-1950s off the coast of Italy, where Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) goes to try and persuade his boss's son Dickie to come back to America. He instead befriends him and his girlfriend Marge, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, and tries to join in on their leisurely lifestyle. Paltrow's high-waisted swimsuits, leopard coat, and chic midi skirts will make you want to jet off to Amalfi right after. There's even a few appearances by the ever-stylish Cate Blanchett.
The Royal Tenenbaums, 2001
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In this Wes Anderson dramedy, three prodigy siblings who had experienced success in their youth have fallen into failure as adults. Things only get messier once their parents decide to separate. Their father then reveals a medical condition, which becomes the starting point for reuniting the family. The movie was lauded by critics, but the true standout is Gwyneth Paltrow's character Margot, whose signature look — overdrawn eyeliner, blunt bob, and a fur coat — became iconic in the fashion world.
The Devil Wears Prada, 2006
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In The Devil Wears Prada, you'll get an insider's view into the world of publishing at the fictional high-fashion magazine Runway. Fresh faced Andrea Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) has yet to be initiated into the cutthroat world of fashion, but learns fast after landing the job of editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly's assistant. The endless amount of designer clothing makes the film a fun watch, along with Andrea's makeover that involves lots of Chanel.
Fun Fact: The wardrobe is the most expensive in movie history, with a total value of around $1 million.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E., 2015
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If you're a fan of '60s fashion, you'll go crazy for Alicia Vikander's costumes in this remake of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Her character Gaby plays a Cold War-era mechanic-turned-spy who goes undercover along with a KGB agent. Oh, and they're on a joint mission with the USA. Relationships clearly get complicated and lots of action ensues, but the mod mini dresses and accessories are a force all their own.
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