From style-defining fashion moments to character-cementing color palettes, movie fashion has the power to cement itself in the memory of all who watch on. In this article, we will celebrate the iconic fashion moments that have graced the silver screen across the decades. From Audrey Hepburn’s timeless Breakfast at Tiffany’s look to Johnny Depp’s outlandish Jack Sparrow getups, get ready to revisit some of the most memorable wardrobes in movie history.
1. A Look Back at Classic Movie Fashions
- Gone with the Wind (1939)
No look back at classic movie fashions is complete without a nod to arguably the most iconic costume of all time: the billowing green dress Scarlett O’Hara makes from the draperies in Gone with the Wind. The dress is a testament to determination and ingenuity, and was recently recreated as a part of Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry’s “Costuming the Oscars” exhibit. Scarlett’s dress has become so iconic, it even inspired a line of clothing by the British designer Vivienne Westwood called the Scarlett Collection.
- The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Wizard of Oz is another classic movie to have had an immense impact on fashion. Dorothy’s blue gingham dress has been a favorite of children all over the world for decades. Those ruby red slippers have made an iconic fashion statement as well, still popular enough to be re-made for the 2019 film starring Judy Garland. For a truly nostalgic look, it’s hard to beat the designs of The Wizard of Oz.
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Audrey Hepburn’s chic style in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is often studied as much for fashion inspiration as it is revered for its cinematic greatness. A Givenchy little black dress paired with black gloves and iconic cat-eye sunglasses created a classic look unlike anything seen before. Hepburn’s effortlessly elegant style combined with her lack of pretension created a look that epitomizes today’s modern fashion.
- Grease (1978)
Considered one of the best musicals ever made, Grease’s flamboyant designs are a reminder of the 1970s. Notable fashion moments from the movie include the bright pink satin jackets, ankle-length trousers, and vibrant accessories, there are plenty of unique fashion statements that made the movie memorable. The movie’s heavy influence on retro-style fashion has been embraced by today’s modern fashion designers, with collections sampling many of Grease’s iconic looks.
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
The Royal Tenenbaums’ fashion has always been an inspiration to people looking for something quirky and in a league all its own. From Margot Tenenbaum’s classic fur coat and fur hat combo to Margot’s baby blue tennis outfit, all of the characters in the movie convey a unique style that continues to inspire fashion trends today. A perfect example of this is when Olivier Theyskens showed a full collection inspired by the movie at Paris Fashion Week in 2017.
2. Putting a Spotlight on Iconic Film Wardrobes
Fashion in films has been drawing inspiration from red carpets for decades, with early stars kickstarting trends with their sartorial flair. From Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to Vivien Leigh and Grace Kelly, these iconic personalities have influenced a generation of wannabes. But what exactly was it that made their wardrobes so iconic?
At the top of the list is inevitably the little black dress. Any wardrobe in which a little black dress appears is iconic in its own right. Audrey Hepburn, made famous by films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face, was a fan of the little black dress and was known for her penchant for neutral tones. The little black dress is revered for its versatile nature, making it the perfect for seamlessly blending into a variety of occasions.
Marilyn Monroe, renowned for her curvaceous figure and signature look, had a penchant for fitted silhouettes. She flaunted off her curves in garments like form-fitting pencil skirts and halter neck one-pieces, making fashion history. Her style, charged with a certain appeal, is still widely considered today.
Vivien Leigh was one of the most praised actress of the 20th century. She was a bold fashion-forward individual, going for daring, asymmetric silhouettes and flamboyant patterns. Her wardrobe in the film adaptation of Gone with the Wind is timeless, as is her on-screen chemistry with Clark Gable. Vivien Leigh brought character and personality to the big screen with her clothing.
Rear Window, among other films, starred Grace Kelly as a bold fashion icon of its time. Grace Kelly was known for her porcelain complexion, classic hairstyles, and passion for sophisticated outfits. Her admirers are still inspired by her vintage style, appreciating her signature style for its timelessness and appeal.
All these iconic actresses made a statement with their wardrobes, each showcasing their own unique style. Their charm and attitude have been remembered and are still referenced to today, showing that they have withstood the test of time.
3. Capturing Timeless Style Through Costume Design
Costume design plays a major role in capturing memorable, timeless styles on the screen. With the right combination of fabrics, designs, and colors, the viewer is transported to a certain place, lifestyle, or even a set of emotions. Here are some ways costume designers create enduring styles:
- Recall the Vintage – From flared bell-bottoms to shoulder-padded blazers, costume designers often dry down eras gone by into striking and authentic fashionable garments. These don’t have to be exact replicas, but more of a hint of the era that will still look modern and relevant.
- Change with the Times – There’s a tendency for costume designers to look to modern trends and fashion pieces for inspiration when creating a contemporary look. Allowing for a bit of a mix of different elements can help give the costume more of a timeless quality.
- Classic is Key – Timeless designs are often built from classic styles and adjusted to make them fit the era they will be dressing. This may include wardrobe staple items such as white shirts and jeans, but they can also include more intricate items such as a vest or three-piece suit.
- Color Calculations – Colors play a large role in setting a certain atmosphere and the use of muted tones and shades can give a piece a timeless vibe. Color combinations such as navy and black, or tan and white embody a minimal yet elegant feel which can’t be copied.
- Fabric Evolution – Costume designers also pay attention to the types of fabrics they use and how it can affect the final look. If you’re aiming to achieve a timeless style, pay attention to fabrics such as silk, muslin, linen, or cotton.
Ultimately, it comes down to a mix of the above factors as well as a good eye for fashion. With practice and experience you’ll be able to capture a timeless look that suits the image you’re trying to create. Remember that the clothes should make whatever scene you’re creating look alive and vibrant, but still timelessly chic.
For costume design, the devil is in the details, and a few small tweaks can make a big impact on the overall look of the piece. Those details together can create something that’s more than a retro look, they can create something that transcends time.
4. Creating Lasting Fashion Inspiration Through the Silver Screen
Fashion has always been heavily influenced by the latest films and TV shows. From style icons like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to fashion-forward stars like Zendaya in Euphoria, movies are ripe for style ideas. So how can we use today’s silver-screen heroes to inspire our own fashion choices?
Look to the Big Screen for Covetable Trends
- Find out what styles the fashion-savvy stars are wearing – from costumes to day-to-day wardrobe.
- Pay attention to the details – think of incorporating statement jewelry, lightweight layers, and colorful prints into your wardrobe.
- Invest in quality – buy well-made items since these pieces will last the longest.
Today’s films offer a wide range of fashion inspiration. Whether you’re looking for daring and edgy styles or something more timeless and classic, there’s something for everyone. Look to characters like Elle Fanning or Tessa Thompson for playful, modern pieces, and turn to the likes of Sienna Miller and Zoe Kravitz for a timeless look.
Go Beyond the Wardrobe – Learn About the Story
- Go beyond the surface-level look into the character by digging deeper into their backstory.
- Understand how the pieces reflect their trajectory and mention moments in their life.
- Draw inspiration from their style choices for specific life moments.
When looking for fashion inspiration through the silver screen, it’s important to go beyond the wardrobe. Understand the story’s influences and influences on the character’s arc. Consider why certain pieces were chosen and draw inspiration from them for similar life moments. From a city stroll to an important job interview, anything can be taken straight from the big screen.
Create Your Personal Style Through Movie Inspiration
- Mix and match classic pieces for a timeless look.
- Choose signature pieces that match your own personal style.
- Opt for statement pieces to make an impact.
When it comes to movies for fashion inspiration, use the style cues as a starting point. Select pieces that best reflect your personal style and fashion sense, allowing you to create a signature look of your own. Whether you go for polished minimalism or vivid “look-at-me” pieces, it’s important to express yourself without copying any particular character.
Looking back, many iconic movie wardrobes have proven to be fashion staples over the course of history. It’s amazing to think how so many characters, from the quintessential 1950s housewife to the rebel teen punk, have been preserved forever in our memories through fashion. May their performances and fashions live on as a reminder of the power of film!
