When I was younger I wanted to look like Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap. I unsuccessfully cut my hair with a pair of craft scissors and tirelessly begged my parents for all of her clothing. When both of those plans fell through I resorted to emulating their style through my wardrobe. Every trip to the mall for the next year involved serious contemplation over whether or not Lindsay would approve.
I admit, that sounds completely crazy and slightly obsessive. However, I know I am not alone. At one point in our lives we all grow attached to a certain character in a television show or film—obsessing over their every outfit and dreaming that one day we will look as chic and put-together as them. Films have the power to inspire the way we talk, act, and most importantly: dress. For those days when you aren’t feeling fashionable or inspired: watch one of these films. Maybe you’ve seen a couple or none but, hands down, they are the most influential fashion films to this day.
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961): You saw this one coming. Audrey Hepburn epitomizes elegance as she glides through New York in her classic LBD and pearls. From swanky cocktail parties to playing the ukulele on a windowsill and eating pastries outside Tiffany’s—this film set a standard for timeless style.
2. Annie Hall (1977): No one can pull off menswear better than Diane Keaton. This classic Woody Allen film was a total game changer for women’s wear. It encouraged women to reject gender role stereotypes and embrace more masculine and androgynous fashions.
3. The Great Gatsby (1974 and 2013): This film, both the original and recent remake, does a superb job at showcasing the beauty and romantic side of flapper fashion. From intricately bedazzled gowns to feather adorned caps and dangly jewelry, it will make every party you attend look far less glamorous.
4. Funny Face (1957): Again, another flawless Audrey Hepburn film. The breathtaking, Vogue-quality photo shoots and adorable dance scenes in it will make you swoon.
5. The Seven Year Itch (1955): You know that photo of Marilyn Monroe in the billowing white dress? Well, this is the film where that came from. It follows the affair between a married man and Marilyn’s character, “the girl.” From the classic white dress to the other stunning cocktail dresses it has a way of making infidelity look quite glamorous.
6. Clueless (1995): Ugh, as if! This film is the 90’s version of Mean Girls, except the fashion is far more interesting. It truly introduced us to a whole new side of high school fashion. From Calvin Klein dresses to avant garde hats and micro-mini dresses this film does a superb job of showcasing the risk-takers of fashion.
7. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001): Director Wes Anderson is the reigning champion of quirky fashion in his films. This film’s key fashion icon is the moody yet stunning Gwyneth Paltrow. Her character is never seen without her luxurious fur coat, a nude colored slip dress, and her trusty cigarettes. It will make you want to be that cool, alternative girl.
8. Bill Cunningham New York (2010): This film documents the life of the acclaimed street style photographer, Bill Cunningham. New York is known for housing some of the most fashionable people in the world. It opens your eyes to his eye for style and will inspire you to take some chances with your own style.
9. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011): Former fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar and fashion icon, Diana Vreeland, will inspire you so much creatively through this documentary. It showcases the evolution of fashion, her influence, and her creative and innovative outlook on the fashion industry. This documentary is similar to The September Issue but far more captivating.
10. The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Loosely based on the current editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway star in the classic small town girl who moves to a big city film. Anne’s transformation from plain Jane to fashion mogul in this film is truly relatable and will make you want to raid her wardrobe. Can you please spell Gabbana?