Top 10 Movies for Fashion Inspiration
We all have those nights when we feel like just curling up and watching a movie by ourselves or with our girlfriends. So why not kill two birds with one stone and get some fashion inspiration while you’re at it?
These 10 movies are some of my favorites for their fun and unique takes on style. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the eye candy!
The List
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961):
This beloved film starring Audrey Hepburn is packed with classic, glamorous fashion. After all, the original “Little Black Dress” can be credited to this film! A total classic that you’ll want to watch again and again.
For more on this movie’s style, see my article on Breakfast at Tiffany’s Fashion.
Bonnie & Clyde (1967):
Faye Dunaway as Bonnie is an excellent example of a woman looking fabulous at all times, even while breaking the law during the Great Depression.
For more on this movie’s style, see my article on Bonnie & Clyde Fashion.
Annie Hall (1977):
Dianne Keaton’s preppy menswear in this Woody Allen flick was a big trend at the time of the film release, and still remains a classic look today.
For more on this movie’s style, see my article on Annie Hall Fashion.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999):
This movie is overall extremely visually pleasing. Between the beautiful Mediterranean backdrop and amazing costumes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Jude Law (who are quite beautiful themselves!), you won’t be able to get enough.
For more on this movie’s style, see my article on Fashion from The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Almost Famous (2000):
Kate Hudson plays a whimsical, glamorous, free-spirited groupie in this movie, and her outfits definitely match the part. This is the movie that solidified Kate Hudson as a style icon and had girls everywhere pining for Penny Lane’s amazing fur-trimmed coat.
For more on this movie’s style, see my article on Almost Famous Fashion.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001):
As with almost any film directed by Wes Anderson, The Royal Tenenbaums has a distinct and unique aesthetic. Gweneth Paltrow’s character sparked tons of Halloween costume ideas after this film came out. However, it is not so much her outfits as the look of the entire film, including the sets, that make this movie so visually entertaining.
For more, see Fashion Inspired by The Royal Tenenbaums.
The Notebook (2004):
The Notebook is filled with the best of 1940s fashion. It is feminine and glamorous, not to mention a great movie to watch with your girlfriends for sheer entertainment value.
If you love this movie’s style, check out our post on The Notebook Fashion.
Marie Antoinette (2006):
Very few films are as decadent as Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. This movie is full of fashion at its biggest and pastel-hued best: bows, ruffles, wigs, fans, masks… even the food in this movie is dazzling! It’s near impossible not to be inspired by the visuals in this film.
For more, see our post on Fashion Inspiration from Marie Antoinette.
Sex and the City: The Movie (2008):
I could not leave this recent classic off the list! Just like the show, the Sex and the City movie is a constant stream of fashion inspiration, designer brands, and NYC style. Even better, with the four main characters, there is an outfit to suit every taste.
Need more SATC style? See our article on Sex and the City Movie Fashion.
(500) Days of Summer (2009):
When this movie came out this summer, Zooey Deschanel’s character stole not only her costar’s attention, but also the attention of fashion lovers everywhere. Her quirky, slightly 40s, slightly indie, feminine style is a refreshing take on modern movie wardrobes.
For more, see our post on Fashion from 500 Days of Summer.
What Inspires You?
Have you seen or been inspired by any of the movies above? Are there any other movies that you think should be on the list? Leave a comment with your thoughts and let us know!
Posted on on September 7, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Audrey Hepburn, Fashion Inspiration, Faye Dunaway, Inspiration, Kate Hudson, Movies, Sex and the City, Zooey Deschanel
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Hannah
nice post and i def. agree with all of these movies!
Luinae
I haven’t seen any of these movies- I feel sadly inadequate.
My mum says I look like Audrey Hepburn, because we both have dark hair and fair skin. Maybe I’ll have to watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s to see if she’s right.
I also really want to see Marie Antoinette- I love history and fashion, so it’s a perfect mix!
Jessica
Oh I love this post! Fashion in movies always catches my eye. (I just wish I could click on the picture and see a bigger version of it to see what they are really wearing.)
Haley
The only one of these I’ve seen so far is Marie Antoinette, but I definitely agree with the fashion inspiration. It’s one of those movies where every scene has a new and beautiful costume.
This isn’t a movie, but one of the things I’ve watched that I found most inspiring in terms of fashion was Pushing Daisies. All of the characters–even a lot of the men–had eye-catching, colorful, retro costumes that just leaped off the screen. Ever since then I’ve had a craving for the perfect vintage floral dress. I haven’t found one for me yet, but I’m going to keep looking!
Paula
I love Zooey Deschanel! I have to see 500 days of summer.
This list is awesome =D
Kristina - University of Arizona
I definitely agree with your picks! Cute post!
Analisa
2 great posts during rush week?! Blair, you are amazing!
tanya
This is such a great article! I had the same thoughts when watching 500 Days of Summer (fantastic movie) about Zooey Deschanel and I covet just about everything she wears (high waisted shorts, high waisted wide leg pants tailored to a T, sailor blazers–everything!). I like how you didn’t just focus on the classic fashion movies from the past but modern ones that-often-evoke the past too! Wonderful.
jlynn
Where’s Clueless!
Ally
Breakfast at Tiffany’s and SATC for sure! I went to the theaters to see the latter way too many times to count ;)
I do have to mention that I loooove looking at the outfits they used in Moulin Rouge! Even though the costumes are obviously not kosher to real life, I loved the intricate detailing and overall WOW factor a lot of them gave off. And of course, if anything at all, the fantasy-like Moulin Rouge building and ornate elephant on the interior decorating side of things. Simply fabulous.
Dubai Stylista
Ooh, such a great list! There are elements in pretty much every movie I see that somewhat inspire me, so I really dont know where to begin. If you decide to do a follow up post on best TV series’ for fashion inpiration, SATC, Gossip Girl and the OC definitely have to be up on that list!
pritha
i really want to add another movie which goes with fashion…devil wears prada….simply love anne hathway
Luna
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the best movie ever made. I’ve also watched the Notebook, Marie Antoinette, and am going to watch SATC after reading this post.
I also get a LOT of fasion inspiration from Blair Waldorf (from Gossip Girl, of course). Her clothing is just so surreal that you can’t help but wish you had the same sense of great style as her.
Angel
Nice list. Definately agree with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Notebook, Marie Antoniette, and Sex and the City!
I would also include “The Devil Wears Prada” because outfits in that movie are gorgeous and wear-able.
Cara
Two you forgot…”Clueless” for preppy, and the new Nancy Drew movie for 60′s chic. I would also add some more rare classics like “The Thin Man” or “Bringing Up Baby” for some classic 30′s glam. And Marie Antoinette is officially my dream world!
Liz
Great post, but I wonder if you can follow this up with a breakdown of each movie’s particular style with a modern interpretation? (ie. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Suggest a great LBD or trench coat that’s out there right now.)
Kellene
I love every single one of these movies, and they all are so uniquely different from one another… Great job at covering all the style bases!
Vanessa
Good list. But, I would also like to add The Devil Wears Prada!
Lisa Nguyen
devil wears prada. haha
Rohaina
Agree with all of them!
Oh, you should add The Devil Wears Prada.
Colleen - NYU
What an amazing post! You have so many of my favorite movies on here.
katie
i was excited to see marie antoinette on this list. its one of my favorite movies simply because everything about it from the sets to the costumes is insanely pretty
Paula
Love this post! I’ll definitely be watching all the movies on here- both the ones I have seen and the ones I haven’t.
to
I agree with all of the movies you’ve chosen!
I personally would add; clueless, the devil wears prada, dazed and confused and factory girl (movie about edie sedgewick. love her)
I like that you put sex and the city. amazing
Valeria
I loved this post!! Completely! :D
Although, I missed The Devil Wears Prada, Clueless and Chicago, I loved the 20s style. It’s so beautiful and femenine! :)
Char
I agree with all of these :D ; how about a follow-up with ten movies that are more off the beaten path, in terms of fashionable movies?
Nele
Great post!
I watched all of them except Annie Hall and (500) Days of Summer, but since I really like Zooey Deschanel, I’ll definitely be watching the latter.
And I agree, Clueless belongs to the list as well!
Jojo
I love this post!
I totally agree with this list (from the movies I’ve seen at least … )
I get inspired from Gossip Girl, random people walking downtown Toronto (some are just SO stylish), and of course I have my list of celebs …
Maya
great list! zooey deschanel is definitely my fashion muse.
Laura
Great list! Breakfast at Tiffany’s is my absolute favorite movie of all time!! Audrey Hepburn is basically my idol. I think her pink dress is one of the cutest outfits ever! Also, I agree that Devil Wears Prada belongs on this list for sure. I watch that movie over and over whenever I want to drool over awesome clothes that I will one day be able to afford!!
erica
love this! esp that you added the new 500 days of summer.
but how about factory girl? sienna miller as edie sedgwick is killerrr.
Kim - Cal State
You pretty much hit the nail on the head, I love all of these movies. Especially Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Royal Tennenbaums, and Marie Antoinette. I also really loved Factory Girl, the whole mod thing really fascinates me.
Bre
yea def. have to agree these are great movies with great fashion , great post!
Rachel
Agree with the list but would add Pretty Woman and The Devil Wears Prada. Also I like The Mona Lisa smile because the 50′s housewife dresses are just amazing!
But love the list especially Marie Antoinette- it’s one of my favourite films!
Tara from My Little Fashion Finds
Nice post! I love the Sex and the City movie as well as the show. Totally agree with that pick. I think Clueless (best movie ever!), The Devil Wears Prada, 27 Dresses, and Confessions of a Shopaholic should also be on the list.
Gigi
I love this post, i agree with all. I think other movies would be Grease & Grease 2
Iris
It is very helpful, and I agree with all of your exceptions – (Major Kudos for Annie Hall and Royal Tenenbaums!)
This is such an awesome article! Maybe you could extend on this and do a fun series, and take screencaps from a particular movie, and then create a polyvore outfit from an example? Annie Hall would be so great, since she wears many different outfits throughout the movie besides menswear, like her boho dress in the first scene she’s in. It’d be like the Gossip Girl blog series, except with movies!
tracy
Great variety of styles, Blair! It’s difficult to narrow down to a
top 10. Good job. Check out Hitchcock’s ‘Rear Window’ with
Grace Kelly. Fabulous!
Natalie
PS I Love You
Time Travelers Wife
Sarah
AWESOME. ANNIE HALL, ALMOST FAMOUS AND MARIE ANTOINETTE ARE MY TOP 3 FAVORITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME
THIS BLOG ROCKS.
Ashley
Hello! Devil Wears Prada, Confessions of A Shopaholic!
Marwa =)
Great list Blair! But I would like to add 2 more movies to the list..
1- Devils wear prada: It had got the best outfits! very classy, very stylish, I just adore every outfit Anne Hathaway wears.
2- PS. I love you : Hilary Swank’s outfits were pretty cute too. And I just love the collection of shoes she has been wearing in the movie, not to mention the ones she designed in the end of the movie also.
I Think every movie got a specific style! It would be very nice to explain the outfits that we were all inspired in each movie, But I can imagine that it would take alot of time and it can be really tiring. You guys already are doing your best, I really like your articles and your ways for fashion!
Thank you so much =)
cher
Clueless! Clueless! Clueless!
Oh, you MUST watch Factory Girl (base on Edie Sedgewick) otherwise you’re missing out. I based my winter/autumn fashion style on hers.
xandi
here is the list i checked few days back.. quite inspiration! ;) i luv ur site as always B!
http://www.tcm.com/dailies.jsp?cid=254416
Natalie
Great pics! I love this site! But what about The Devil Wears Prada, or Atonement? Those are great for fashion inspiration as well.
JT
I totally agree with Atonement…seriously Keira Knightley’s green dress is gorgeous. I also like her swimsuit.
Grace
The Devil Wears Prada: What ins’t inspiring about this movie?
PS I Love You: The shoe art! Pause at the end where they show pics of her store!
The Clique Movie: I couldnt help myself. but the young fashion is inspiring.
Confessions of a Shopaholic: Shes bright and colorful. I think Isla’s outfits are adorable!
and i agree with sex and the city (Wedding dress scene!) and marie antoinette!!
Jane
I think the Devil Wears Prada && Confessions of a Shopaholic should be in here somewhere and maybe confessions of a teenage drama queen
maira
I totally agree with you….but i hane to admit that i love the outfits in clueless.Alicia Silverstone is the “it” girl and gives college style lessons….a long time before gossip girl!!!
Ilona
Some good ones there, especially Breakfast at Tiffany’s… but missing the best ever classic for fashion: Love Story with Ali MacGraw. She has inspired me so much! Especially since she was college girl in the beginning of the film. Highly recommended!
Sheila
I looove your list, but I would throw in The other Boleyn girl (beautiful historical fashion, Scarlett and Natalie are dressed absolutely amazing). Also agreeing with Atonement and Factory girl (I adore Sienna Miller and her outfits in this movie are adorable ;D).
And as for the newest, I have to mention Gossip girl, though it’s really not a movie :$ :) A lot of great clothing from every single on of the characters. It’s kinda preppy and very fine style, something everyone could imagine wearing :)
Oh oh oh, and Coco avant Chanel, I love it!
I could go on forever :D
JV
HOW is the Devil Wears Prada NOT on here?
Loops
excellent ideas girls <3
Ell
OMG! I LOVE YOU
I was trying to find some movie about fashion, and here in first place is breakfest at tiffanys, and all the time i wanted to watch it, but in the same time all the time im forgeting to donwload it, AND BECAUSE OF THIS I REMEBERED!!
Three Lilly
Hey again,
I find your post interesting, so if you don’t mind I’ll repost this in my blog.
Thanks ^^
sarah
devil wear prada and clueless, love those movies xxx
Kat.
This is a fabulous list!
Yes, Yes to Breakfast at Tiffany’s – I went as Holly Golightly a la black shift outfit one Halloween!
Oh, yes to Marie Anoinette – the platinum dress with the white & vibrant red trimmings is my absolute fav & inspired my dining room.
I loved the emerald green dress from Atonement!
How about Funny Face? I don’t think any one has mentioned that [Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire]…
Amadeus. Loved the costumes & wigs [like Marie Antoinette!]
And I agree that P.S. I Love You rocked some great outfits too!
Wonderful!
Thanks!
xoxo – Kat.
rica
the devils wear prada
confession of shopoholic
steve
It’s seams like it’s a top 10 list only for women. But what about guys?
For me a must on a list is or “La dolce vita” or “eight and a half” by Fellini with classic Marcello elegant look.
Sarah
i was suprised at how many of these i havent seen so i must watch them :) could you do a one about “an education” its set in the 60′s and i just love all the pearl earrings and lepoard prints :D
thankyou x
Helen
I think the Edge Of Love is a good film for fashion inspiration too :-) I’ve never seen the classics such as Breakfast At Tiffany’s and Bonny and Clyde, but you’ve persuaded me to go and watch them! Thanks xxxx
NYC Personal Stylist
I locate your position attractive, consequently if you don’t intelligence I’ll repost this in my blog.
knivestyler
oh i really love watching movies like this..i already watch all of this..i guess u should also consider clueless,. gossip girl for a tv series.,monte carlo as recent..nancy drew for little girls:)
Taryn
I know this movie came out after this article was written, but The Runaways is a great movie for fashion inspiration as well.
ANA RUBIO
Casino, Sharon Stone’s wardrobe is amazing!
Lisa Price
LOVE all of these movies – I am a mix from a few of them, the ultimate inspiration. Xo.
Maja
Definitely the movie which INSPIRED ME THE MOST IS: ”Clique”! This is great teen film! It’s full with bitchy and fashion stuff!:)
Aashna
This post has been more or less shamelessly plagiarized here: http://makeupandbeauty.com/top-hollywood-movies-fashion-inspiration/
sunny
Great list…I have seen all of these cept Annie hall…still need to see it but I love the list
Jesse Nez Castillo
I Would Also Add Coco Shannel