For decades, movies have shaped fashion. They have inspired iconic looks and trends that fans and designers bring to life on the streets and runways alike.
Movies have been shaping fashion for decades, with trendsetters constantly taking cues from the big screen. From Elle Woods in Legally Blonde popularizing Barbiecore to the cast of Trainspotting reviving new age grunge, film has influenced style since the early days of video. Iconic movie quotes often capture these fashion moments, from Wednesday Addams’ commitment to black to Karen Smith’s Mean Girls rule about pink on Wednesdays, and Miranda Priestly’s pointed reminder that florals for spring are hardly groundbreaking. Whether entire costumes spark generational trends or inspire fashion enthusiasts to experiment, movies continue to deliver unforgettable style moments. They remain a powerful source of inspiration. They have shaped what people wear and how they express themselves through clothing.
So, let’s move ahead and see the popular 15 styles inspired by films.
- Bold plaid sets
The 1985 hit Clueless sparked countless fashion trends, from slinky slip dresses to relaxed athleisure and timeless baby tees. Its most iconic contribution, though, is the bold matching plaid set, perfectly styled with knee-high socks and chunky heels. It is a look that remains instantly recognizable and endlessly influential in pop culture fashion.
- Pixie haircut
The groundbreaking horror film Rosemary’s Baby turned Mia Farrow into a star and made the pixie cut a style statement. Her daring short haircut perfectly framed her face. At the same time, it offered a bold and elegant option at a time when most leading ladies avoided such dramatic cuts. Farrow’s look challenged norms, proving that a simple change could be both striking and timeless. It inspired countless fashion-forward individuals to embrace short hair as a statement of confidence and style.
- The “Little Black Dress”
Few Hollywood moments are as iconic as Audrey Hepburn in a little black, shoulderless dress with gloves and a tiara. In Breakfast at Tiffany’s, she made the little black dress timeless. It showed that elegance does not need excess. Her portrayal of Holly Golightly turned simplicity into a style statement, proving that classic sophistication never goes out of fashion and continues to inspire generations of fashion lovers today.
- Off-shoulder sweaters
Few movie moments are as memorable as Jennifer Beals in Flashdance, removing her bra under an off-the-shoulder sweater. Her effortless style that was featured on the poster, sparked an 80s fashion craze. It inspired women everywhere to embrace the chic, relaxed off-the-shoulder look with confidence and attitude.
- Suits and blazers for all
In the 1977 romantic comedy Annie Hall, Diane Keaton redefined style with a gender-bending wardrobe of loose trousers, oversized blazers, neckties, and fedoras. Her effortlessly cool and slightly masculine look captured the imagination of fashion lovers for decades. It influenced countless designers and inspired a lasting trend toward playful and androgynous dressing that continues to shape modern fashion narratives today.
- Halter dress
The 1955 film The Seven Year Itch gave the world an unforgettable cinematic moment as Marilyn Monroe stood over a subway grate, her dress famously billowing in the air. That iconic scene catapulted halter dresses to the height of fashion and cemented Monroe’s look as a timeless symbol of old Hollywood glamour that continues to inspire style today.
- High-waited denim
The 1986 film She’s Gotta Have It sparked a style shift that shaped an early hipster aesthetic. Set in Fort Greene, its characters wore high-waisted denim, boxy button-downs, and bold accessories. This created a look that quietly redefined Brooklyn fashion and inspired a generation of effortless and statement-driven style.
- Floral prints and costume jewelry
The 1986 John Hughes classic Pretty in Pink shaped a bold new fashion moment, bringing bolo ties, vintage cardigans, oversized suit jackets, and standout accessories into the spotlight. Molly Ringwald’s floral prints and statement jewelry became instant signatures. Like many of Hughes’ films, it helped define not only a generation of teens, but the look of 80s fashion itself.
- Pastel gowns
The 2006 film Marie Antoinette sparked a wave of fashion inspiration both on and off the red carpet, especially in Cannes. Its most lasting influence was the rise of pastel gowns in soft purples, greens, and blues. Audiences reimagined the film’s 18th-century costumes, translating their romantic elegance into modern and wearable looks that felt playful and unmistakably chic.
- Glamour gowns
Grace Kelly radiated effortless beauty in every role, and her style in the 1956 film High Society remains unforgettable. From romantic party gowns to a breathtaking blue organza dress, she defined 1950s glamour. Her polished elegance set a standard that continues to inspire fashion lovers and designers drawn to timeless and refined style.
- Women’s trousers
Katharine Hepburn rewrote fashion rules in the 1940 film The Philadelphia Story by confidently wearing high-waisted trousers. What was once seen as menswear became a bold and feminine statement in her hands. Her fearless style challenges tradition, freeing women from outdated expectations and proving that power and elegance could exist in the same look.
- High slits in dresses
The 1966 film Blow-Up delivered one of fashion’s boldest moments, featuring barely there mini dresses with daring thigh-high slits that pushed every boundary. A brief appearance by model Veruschka in a shimmering and high slit dress became unforgettable. It redefined sensual style and proved that a single scene could shift fashion’s direction almost overnight.
- Kitten heels and mini skirts
The 2004 hit Mean Girls delivered a full-style moment, from burn books and pink overload to chokers and tiny skirts paired with kitten heels. The film reshaped preppy chic for a new generation, blending attitude with polish. Its fashion influence felt instant and lasting at the same time, turning high school hallways into runways and cementing looks that still resonate today.
- Pastel-colored suits
The Great Gatsby became a fashion fantasy, especially through its soft pastel suits. One pale pink look, worn during a tense moment, stood out instantly and never faded. It quietly permitted men to embrace elegance and softness, proving that leading man style can balance confidence with a refined and more expressive edge.
- Baby doll dresses
The romantic comedy 13 Going on 30 blended playful charm with serious fashion influence. Jennifer Garner’s baby doll dress became one of the most iconic looks in rom-com history, and its impact never faded. Years later, a new generation rediscovered the rainbow mini dress, bringing it back into the spotlight and proving that truly memorable movie fashion always finds its way back.
So, which one of these looks inspired you the most?
