7 Essential movies for fashion enthusiasts
Written by Jordan Murray
Movies are as impactful to the fashion world as they are to pop culture. They often shape trends whose legacies last for decades (i.e. Marilyn Monroe, Mary Tyler Moore, etc.).
Costume design has always been instrumental to the persona of film characters. It is so impactful that there is an Academy Award category for it. Costumes make characters special. Their iconic outfits live on today.
If you love fashion, here are seven movies that have stellar wardrobes that will make you want to shop till you drop:
1. “The Devil Wears Prada”
One of the most iconic fashion movies is “The Devil Wears Prada,” starring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep. After landing a job at fictional fashion magazine Runway, Andy (Hathaway) endures a tough work schedule under the editor-in-chief and boss, Miranda Priestly (Streep).
As she navigates her way through this job, we see her style evolution as she begins to dress up to impress her boss, sporting looks from Fendi and Chanel, all styles by costume designer Patricia Field. We see her style elevate from basic department store to incredible designer.
This is the perfect movie for fashion lovers, especially if you are a high-end fashion connoisseur.
2. “Ocean’s 8”
“Ocean’s 8” is the fourth installment of the “Ocean’s” film series. It has an incredible line-up of female actresses including Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina.
Debbie Ocean (Bullock) has just been released from jail and is already planning her next heist: a $150 million necklace from the Met Gala.
Because the setting for the heist is the Met Gala, the film has some incredibly styled outfits for all of the members of the heist. The fashion is a key part of their disguises, and costume designer Sarah Edwards most definitely had them dressed to fit the parts.
3. “Sex and the City” 1 & 2
When you think of fashion icons from cinema/TV, one of the first people that comes to mind might be Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). The tulle skirt and purple top Carrie wears in the opening credits sequence of the show will forever live rent free in our minds. The incredible style from the show transfers over to both of the films.
Carrie and her friends Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte are always decked out in the most decadent designer looks. Whether they’re in Mexico or Abu Dhabi, Patricia Field never failed to have the characters dressed in the most extravagant looks. The show’s reboot will hopefully not lack the fashion flare of the original show and movies.
4. “Confessions of a Shopaholic”
“Confessions of a Shopaholic,” starring Isla Fisher, is the perfect movie for those who love to indulge in everything fashion related, even if it may hurt your wallet.
The movie focuses on Rebecca Bloomwood (Fisher) as she navigates her love life, career, personal goals and debt from her spending addiction.
While her addiction creates several issues in her personal life, her expansive closet means she is most definitely a fashionista with great style. She isn’t afraid to mix colors and patterns, and she is always dressed to impress. Her bold outfits, styled by Patricia Field, add charm to her character and give this movie a permanent spot on the list of films with great wardrobes.
5. “Clueless”
Cher (Alicia Silverstone) and Dionne’s (Stacey Dash) matching yellow and black plaid sets will forever be one of the most iconic movie outfits ever. The style from “Clueless” has had a hold on fashion for decades.
After the movie was released, many who watched tried to recreate Cher and Dionne looks from the film. The duo are a very popular Halloween costume till this day.
“Clueless” inspired more preppy and feminine vibes to ʼ90s fashion, which contrasted the grunge looks that had been popular during the time. This created a whole new ʼ90s look that we still talk about. The movie’s lasting popularity hopefully means that Cher and Dionne style will live on for decades to come.
6. “Queen & Slim”
The zebra dress and red velvet tracksuit will always be associated with the movie “Queen & Slim.” This iconic duo was styled by costume designer Shiona Turini. The outfits served as a way to help the characters and their journey stand out. The colors and patterns are so different, but they still go together and they are bold together — an important message in the story.
We never learn the characters’ names in the films, but their outfits speak for themselves. Their outfits represent parts of who they are and how they fit together.
7. “Black Panther”
Costume designer Ruth E. Carter won the 2019 Academy Award for Best Costume Design for her work in “Black Panther.” Whether it was T’Challa, Nakia or the Dora Milaje, Carter had the characters dressed incredibly, and every outfit added to the wonder that existed within the fictional nation of Wakanda.
Afrofuturism was used as a big inspiration for the outfits. This concept created a world where tribes had been left alone by colonialism and had been more free to flourish. This allowed a feeling of pride among Black USAmericans in African culture.
Header photo by (Godisable Jacob / Pexels)
