Lights, camera, fashion! From film’s most fashionable shoes to costumes so chic they defined an era, the silver screen is no stranger tostyle. Get swept up in the magic of the movies with our list of the most fashionable flicks of all time.
Marilyn Monroe in ‘The Seven Year Itch’
When we think of Marilyn Monroe, we think of her perfect platinum curls, ruby red lips and wind-blown white dress, of course. This signature look was born in The Seven Year Itch, when Marilyn’s character is standing above a subway vent and a gust of wind blows her dress up, capturing Marilyn at her most glamorous.
The Ballet Tutus in ‘Black Swan’
Tutus reached haute-couture status in the dark psycho-thrillerBlack Swan. Natalie Portman looked perfect as a prima ballerina in the costume lineup of Rodarte-designed full-feathered tutus, swan-like eyemakeup, crystal tiaras and abundance of crinoline and tulle.
The Costumes in ‘The Great Gatsby’
There’s a reason that both the 1974 version and 2013 version ofThe Great Gatsby won an Oscar for Best Costume Design – F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel and the roaring ‘20s provide the perfect backdrop for wardrobe creativity. From the fabulous flapper style of extravagant beaded gowns to Jay Gatsby’s infamous white suit, this time period was full of fashion inspiration.
Diane Keaton in ‘Annie Hall’
Did you know that Diane Keaton styled herself in Annie Hall? Despite objections from the costume designer, Woody Allen gave his real-life lover and muse free reign to wear whatever she wanted. We’re sure glad he did! Annie Hall’s signature androgynous look started a huge trend towards menswear-inspired style. From her wide-leg trousers and oversize ties to her bowler’s hats and oxford shirts, Annie Hall’s eccentric wardrobe remains one of fashion’s greatest inspirations.
Elizabeth Taylor in ‘Cleopatra’
Elizabeth Taylor was the epitome of glamour in the 1963 film Cleopatra. Her extravagant wardrobe consisted of 65 costumes, and popularized Egyptian-inspired pieces like snake rings, arm cuffs and maxi dresses. Cleopatra’s intense eye makeup created a huge beauty trend, and still exists today in the form of sultry winged liner.
Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘Sex and the City: The Movie’
Carrie’s quirky couture wardrobe has long been on our style radar, and her chic costume changes in the first Sex and the City movie didn’t disappoint. When the jazzy theme song starts playing and Carrie steps out onto the streets of New York City in a white one-shoulder dress with an oversized 3D flower embellishment, every SATC fan’s heart was aflutter. From the now famous blue Manolo Blahniks that sat in Carrie’s closet to her studded belt, the costume changes were downright trendsetting.
Reese Witherspoon in ‘Legally Blonde’
It was Elle Woods’s bubbly personality and bubblegum pink clothes that made her stand out in the mass of academic attire at Harvard Law School. Despite being judged for her stylish clothes, she passed with high honours, proving that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. When she wins a case in court looking like a life-sized Barbie doll, it was a giant leap for fashion and girly girls everywhere.
Keira Knightley in ‘Atonement’
A vision on and off screen, Keira Knightley looked stunning draped in an emerald green silk dress in Atonement. Everything about the gown was sheer perfection from the almost glowing colour to the flawless fit–it was even voted the best costume of all time by Sky Movies.
Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
Just try not to get shivers while watching the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s when the iconic Audrey Hepburn steps out of a yellow cab wearing a floor-length Givenchy dress, gracefully strolls over to the Tiffany & Co. store and stares longingly into the window. With her perfectly coiffed hair, oversized sunglasses and croissant in hand, the scene is the epitome of chic.
Faye Dunaway in ‘Bonnie and Clyde’
The gorgeous Faye Dunaway makes stealing look stylish in this classic American film. As one half of the scandalous pair of bank robbers, Bonnie’s ghetto-glam looks embody her newfound bad girl persona to a tee. Her best accessory of all? A handgun glamorously held at the waist.
Kate Hudson in ‘Almost Famous’
Cool girl Kate Hudson plays legendary groupie Penny Lane to perfection in the movie Almost Famous. With her frizzy blonde curls, tinted glasses, crochet crop tops and fur jackets, Penny Lane defines hippie chic.
Sharon Stone in ‘Casino’
With a $1-million costume budget, it’s no wonder Casino’s wardrobe housed some of the most extravagant garments to grace the big screen. Namely, Sharon Stone’s on-screen character Ginger, the devious (but always glamorous) wife of a high-rolling gambler, fashioned flashy Las Vegas gowns throughout the film. The pictured gold number weighed a whopping 45 pounds.
Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’
From pleather-wearing prostitute to classy escort, Julia Roberts’s transformation in Pretty Woman goes down as the most epic makeover in movie history. Many of her rags-to-riches ensembles, including the brown polka-dot dress she wore to the polo match, have become incredibly iconic.
The Costumes in ‘Clueless’
Shameless shopaholics Cher and Dionne in the beloved ‘90s film Clueless knew a thing or two about style. From their perfect plaid ensembles to their knee-length socks and Alaïa mini dresses (“You don’t understand, this is an Alaïa!”), these rich Beverly Hills teenagers put haute couture on the big-box movie map.
Nicole Kidman in ‘Moulin Rouge’
Typical of Baz Luhrmann’s films (he’s also the director of 2013’s The Great Gatsby), this stylish musical is filled with gorgeous, glittering costumes. Our favourite style scene? When Nicole Kidman suspends down from the ceiling on a swing, wearing a glimmering sequined bodysuit and black top hat while seductively singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
Jennifer Beals in ‘Flashdance’
The only thing more tantalizing than Jennifer Beals’s sexy aerobic dance moves in 1983’sFlashdance? Her skimpy dancer’s wardrobe of black bodycon one-pieces, asymmetrical legwarmers worn with stilettoes and entirely impractical off-the-shoulder sweaters. This seductive ensemble is still very much in style.
The Retro Bathing Suit in ‘The Notebook’
The epic ocean scene in The Notebook was one of the most romantic movie moments of all time (and one of the most stylish, too). The heart-throbbing scene that coined the famous line “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” was made even more unbearably adorable by main character Allie’s cuter-than-cute red plaid bathing suit.
Madonna in ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’
Madge’s eccentric personal style landed her the leading role inDesperately Seeking Susan, and boy did it pay off. The movie brought her wacky thrift-store style to the masses and it caught on like wildfire, making the movie one of the defining films of the ‘80s iconic offbeat aesthetic.
Audrey Hepburn in ‘Sabrina’
It’s only appropriate that Audrey Hepburn is on our list of most fashionable movie moments twice. Her Givenchy-designed outfits in Sabrina, a romantic comedy about a girl who comes back from France with a new lease on life and a new wardrobe, are some of the most glamorous gowns in movie-making history.
Olivia Newton-John in ‘Grease’
From the Pink Ladies’ poodle skirts to the T-Birds’ leather bombers, there’s no shortage of fabulous ’50s fashion inspiration in the hit musicalGrease.Leading lady Sandy’s transformation from sweater-wearing good girl to cat-suit-clad sex kitten wins for the movie’s most fashionable moment.
Spice Girls in ‘Spice World’
This list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to everyone’s favourite ‘90s girl band, The Spice Girls. In their big box-office hit Spice World, their Brit-cool clothes stole the show in an amalgamation of crimped hair, patent platforms, A-line mini dresses and belly-button bearing crop tops. It was totally tacky in the best possible way
Anne Hathaway in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’
Inspired by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, arguably one of the most influential figures in the fashion world, The Devil Wears Prada was filled with some of the most stylish moments to grace the silver screen, with Anne Hathaway’s character’s makeover ringing in at number one. When the dowdy college grad trades in her baggy slacks for perfectly put-together skirt suits and runway-worthy bangs, she exudes confidence and style.
Molly Ringwald in ‘Pretty in Pink’
Pretty in Pink was a classic ‘80s movie, but we can’t say the same for Molly Ringwald’s prom dress in the final scene. The unique hand-sewn creation, made by Molly’s character in a last-minute decision to attend prom, stood out among a sea of classic ‘80s cupcake frocks.
Gwyneth Paltrow in ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’
This quirky film has been praised by industry insiders as one of the most influential movies in terms of its fashion. The eccentric, offbeat outfits worn most notably by Gwyneth Paltrow as prodigy playwright Margot Tenenbaum remains one of director Wes Anderson’s most iconic character looks ever. Her daily uniform? A comical attempt at vintage with rich-girl duds including a Lacoste tennis dress, Gucci fur coat and Hermes Birkin Bag.
Tippi Hedren in ‘The Birds’
Alfred Hitchcock’s leading ladies always had a certain je ne sais quoi, which certainly holds true for Tippi Hedren’s character in The Birds. In the psycho-thriller, a city becomes infested with feral birds that attack people (it sounds bizarre, but it’s actually quite eerie). So of course, Tippi had to look the chicest of chic in the now infamous crow-chasing scene. Looking perfect from head to toe in a pretty green petticoat and belted sheath, she does panic with panache.
The Ruby Red Slippers in ‘The Wizard of Oz’
Our wish to the almighty Wizard of Oz? A pair of ruby red slippers, s’il vous plait. The beautiful bedazzled heels that graced Judy Garland’s feet in The Wizard of Oz are some of the most inspiring and fabulous footwear ever on film.
The Heart of the Ocean in ‘Titanic’
Epic movie, epic wardrobe. The famous Heart of the Ocean alone, a brilliant 15-carat blue diamond necklace, rendersTitanic worthy of this title, but Kate Winslet’s lineup of ladylike ensembles is fierce competition. When she steps down the famous Titanic stairway in an endlessly elegant embellished gown, decked out in diamonds and complete with elbow-length white gloves, she is the epitome of old-world romance.
