Movie Inspiration: Fashion Inspired by Pretty in Pink
Think back to the days of your youth — what was your favorite way to spend weekends? Mine was on the couch with a bowl of Capt’n Crunch, watching Saved by the Bell re-runs and classic ’80s movies on TNT. The Goonies, Back to the Future, and the Lost Boys are a few of my favorites, but John Hughes films particularly stand out in my memory — namely today’s film for inspiration, Pretty in Pink.
This Brat Pack favorite helped define the teenage romance genre and put Jon Cryer – of Two and a Half Men fame – on the map. The film explores topics such as economic class, being true to oneself, popularity, and taking risks. Andi, Blaine, and Duckie’s love triangle is one of the most famous in film history, spurring thousands of fans and message boards devoted to “Team Blaine” or “Team Duckie.” This cult favorite is more than just a great story, though — it has some truly inspiring fashion worth exploring.
Want to steal a little bit of style from Pretty in Pink? Read on!
Try a Little Tenderness
Pretty in Pink tells the story of Andi, a teen from the poor side of town who has to balance school, her job, and taking care of her alcoholic father. Just as her best friend Duckie works up the courage to confess his feelings for her, a wealthy and popular classmate named Blaine takes interest in Andi.
The characters’ distinctive styles are one of the most notable parts of the film. True to ’80s fashions, blazers are a staple of each character’s outfit. While Blaine channeled a traditional preppy look, Duckie’s eccentric style featured ’50s rockabilly elements, and Andi’s style was more girly and frou frou. Andi and Duckie’s outfits also featured heavy use of accessories. Almost every one of their looks included hats, jewelry, scarves, glasses, and even vests.
Andi
Andi, portrayed by teen queen Molly Ringwald, didn’t have a lot of money to invest in her wardrobe — but that didn’t stop her from having a bold sense of style! Andi is a fan of floral print, polka dots, brooches, and hats. She was an originator of the “grandma chic” teen girl aesthetic (sorry, Tavi!) and always tweaked pieces to the unique look she was going for.
To snag her look, find a quirky patterned dress in Andi’s signature color pink — of course! Add a long tuxedo jacket, a string of pearls, a hat, and ankle booties to complete the look.
Jacket, Dress, Booties, Necklace, Hat
Blaine
Blaine, played by ’80s dreamboat Andrew McCarthy, is a wealthy and popular yet sensitive and brave student that falls for Andi. Blaine had a penchant for pastel colors and collared shirts. His uniform pretty much consists of a pair of khaki trousers, a light-colored dress shirt, and an oversized blazer.
To steal his look, combine classic preppy pieces with a touch of ’80s flair.
Pants, Loafers, Blazer, Belt, Shirt
Duckie
Jon Cryer was the breakout star of Pretty in Pink in his role as Duckie. (Personally, I’m a Duckster girl myself, but to each gal their own!) His eccentric style is inspired by ’50s crooners like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Frank Sinatra. The elements of Duck’s style include plaid and polka dot prints, vests, bolo ties, bright colors, hats, jackets, suspenders, scarves, and glasses.
Steal Duckie’s look by pairing a bold colored blazer with a bright blouse – I like this one because the tie in the front reminds me of the scarves and bolo ties Duck often rocked. Finish with suspenders and cuffed trousers, flashy shoes, and his signature hat and glasses.
Blazer, Blouse, Pants, Hat, Glasses, Shoes
What Do You Think?
Have you seen Pretty in Pink? Are you Team Blaine or Team Duckie? What other old movies do you love? What movies inspire your style? Leave a comment and let us know!
Posted on on November 3, 2011 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: 1980s, Molly Ringwald, Movies, Retro
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Cortney
My favorite movie of all time. I love these! Each character is very well represented, especially Duckie!
Angel
I love the Duckie look, completely fantastic color choices. And I love the Andi pink dress. Seriously cute.
And I have always been a Duckie fan as well:)
Essy
loooooooove this post.
sheila
Hey I have an interesting Idea!
I watched clueless some time ago..and thought that it would be cool to have a software like that….So I got aq few sites when I googled it..but none was interesting enough..You fashion bloggers have a flare for googling n getting right things…
Could you please do me a favour and do a post about it..
And I read your post about polyvore.com…but the site doesnt allow to upload your own clothes.. :(
Michela
One of the best movies ever!! So glad you had this idea <3
(by the way, lovelovelove Andi's look)
Ashley
I’ve never seen this movie, but now that I know it has Jon Cryer in it, I’ll definitely be adding it to the NetFlix queue:)
I’m in L-O-V-E with the shirt from the last outfit! If only I could find a skirt that would go well with it…
Maddie
Love the Andi look! Something I would deficient wear. I would LOVE if you did a Footloose post next! (The original of course)It’s got to be one of my top five favorite movies.
Mina
One of my favourite movies from the eighties! I love Andie’s outfit, I think that’s totally her. However, I think the Duckie outfit steals the entire show! Great job!
Kat
Love the Andi outfit here! I would love to see looks inspired by The Lost Boys!
Jenny in Jacquard
This movie has been on my must-watch list for a long time! So while I don’t know the characters, I definitely love the mustard colored blazer in the last look. It’s perfect for fall! I definitely need to go see the movie now. :)
Chelsea
team duckie for life!! i love a flashback to the brat pack movies! the andi look is SO cute.
Amanda
Agreed, Lost Boys next!
shaina
loooove andi’s look! with the hat, and that dress…damn. spot on.
Kimberly
My roommate and I recently watched this movie, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the outfits you came up with to represent each character. I mean honestly when I was watching the movie, most of the time I was thinking, “what the heck are they wearing?!” I really like the stuff put together here though, it really catches each character, but in a not so crazy way. Great work!
meli
This is my favorite movie ever, pretty much just because Ducky is awesome.
Faith
THIS POST IS TOTALLY AWESOME! AND SPOT ON!
Love all the fits BTW.
Brittany Moore
Can’t believe you did this movie!! It’s such a classic for young women in fashion. I had a total Molly RIngwald moment for much of high school. CLASSIC.
March
Great movie! None of this styles are similar to mine, but what I love about this film is that Andi sews her own clothes!
Alex
Wow, those all really hit the nail on the head.
Love the Duckie look myself =)
Angela
Hehehehe. My favorite piece from the movie was James Spader’s white blazer! Hot, hot, hot! I guess his style is too similar to Blaine’s though. :p
Jasmine Sinclair
I can be all three it just depends on the day.
Kate
You NAILED it. All of these are perfect.
Well done.
Kati
I love the Duckie inspired outfit.
Sarah
I can’t seem to find that adorable red blouse with that link…
Lana
This post made me so happy! I love John Hughes…. maybe a post on the Breakfast Club next??
Anna
What about Steff and Benny?
Lola
DO FOOTLOOSE NEXT!! Both the original and the remake, the clothes are so cute!