Movie Fashion Inspiration: The Virgin Suicides

She was the still point of the turning world.

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For this week’s edition of 10 More Movies for Fashion Inspiration, we will be looking at the fashion from the 1999 film, The Virgin Suicides. The movie, directed by Sofia Coppola, tells the story of the five Lisbon sisters who are growing up in the suburbs during the 1970s. A group of boys try to piece together the Lisbon sisters’ story and attempt to learn about the mystique surrounding them.

The Virgin Suicides is very ethereal and the fashion fits with the otherworldly vibe. The costume design is breezy and effortless with lots of simple dresses and sandals. The film also features a muted color palette and lots of delicate floral prints.

The Lisbon sisters walk the fine line between childhood and adulthood and their outfits reflect that.

If you want to channel the simple and ethereal style of the Lisbon sisters, check out these four outfits inspired by The Virgin Suicides:

Playground Love

Products: Dress –  BCBGeneration, Sunglasses – Urban Outfitters, Rings – Barse, Shoes – DSW

The weather will soon be getting warmer and this outfit is perfect for a beautiful spring day. The lightweight dress has chevron stripes — a very popular pattern in the ’70s, so it definitely has that Virgin Suicides vibe. Large-framed sunglasses and heeled sandals continue the warm weather look, while boho-cool rings add a burst of color.

Sweet and Comfortable

Products: Top – H&M, Shorts – Forever 21, Shoes – Zappos, Bag – Forever 21, Necklace – Forever 21

This outfit would be great for going out to lunch, running errands, or for any other casual daytime event. We’re in love with these high-waisted shorts, which would look even better paired with a breezy floral top.

The woven sandals continue the low-key vibe, while a crochet purse channels the ’70s in a trendy way. The Lisbon girls never over-accessorize, so just add a dainty locket necklace to finish this outfit.

Lacy Luxe

Products: Dress – BB Dakota, Shoes – Vince Camuto, Bag – ALDO, Bracelet – Forever 21

This lace-trimmed frock resembles the white dress youngest sister Cecilia wears in the film. And although it looks as comfortable as a nightgown, it would be perfect for a party. Add a whimsical touch with an intricate statement bracelet and keep up the neutral color palette with strappy heels and a coordinating clutch.

1970s Casual

Products: Top – Last Call, Jeans – Topshop, Shoes – DSW, Earrings – Lucky Brand, Bracelets – Free People

If you want to add ’70s flair to your wardrobe, look no further than this outfit. The embroidered top is breezy and comfortable, especially when pared with dark wash, wide-leg jeans.

These tan wedges balance out the jeans by elongating the legs, while adding a bohemian touch to the look. Add some fun accessories, like these resin bangles and turquoise earrings, to complete the ensemble.

Feeling inspired?

What do you think of this ethereal type of fashion? Do you believe less is more? Have you ever seen The Virgin Suicides? Do you think the outfits capture the look and feel of the film? Leave a comment and let us know!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2010; it was completely updated and revamped in 2019 with new photos, outfit sets, and information.

9 thoughts on “Movie Fashion Inspiration: The Virgin Suicides”

  1. if you liked Harry Potter try reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare!!!!! that whole series is amazingg! and she’s still writing more! ohh and I Am Number Four by Pitticus Lore is pretty intense too! the movie was good but THE BOOK WAS TEN TIMES BETTER!

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  2. As a Bio major, I think “tedious” was probably a poor word choice here. Biology is anything but! The spectrum of Biology is so broad that any two standard Bio classes can have about two completely different things, so Biology is not monotonous at all. Unless you clean glassware in a lab. Personally, I find Biology exciting. Difficult? Yes. Detail-Intensive? Of course. Tedious? Not at all.

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  3. Oh my gosh, tears everywhere. I was sobbing into my popcorn. People were staring. I can’t believe Harry, Ron and Hermione grew up and left me behind, they suck.

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  4. Awesome post. I love Harry Potter and it will be missed in my household. Definatley going to be crying during the whole movie/bawling my eyes out on the way home. I already purchased a box of tissues……

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  5. At the risk of sounding like a geek, pick up a new fandom!

    I was always a more casual Potter reader/watcher than a lot of my friends, though I appreciate what it has done culturally and I love a good fantasy series. I’m a little ashamed to admit that I’ve only read through Goblet of Fire, and then only seen the films through GoF except for the last two parter of Deathly Hallows.

    Try a few new fantasy books, or a paranormal or sci-fi TV series! If you have only done the Lord of the Rings in the movies, dive into the books. There’s plenty out there to help with the childhood-fantasy series withdrawal symptoms. 🙂

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  6. I feel like I’m the only person on Earth who didn’t like the Hunger Games books. I read the first two and I was just bored the whole time.

    Back to Harry Potter….I actually have a few ideas of other things to be obsessed with, haha. It might have been a little easier for me since I didn’t read the books until high school.

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