Films Every Fashion Lover Needs to See
Explore the movies that turn fashion into a storytelling masterpiece
Fashion and film have always been intertwined, working hand in hand to tell a character’s story and shape their identity. The right wardrobe does not just complement the plot, it helps define it.
Beyond storytelling, films also serve as major fashion inspiration. Some start trends, others influence designers, and a few completely change the way we see style. Whether it is Clueless making plaid skirts and knee-high socks a staple or The Devil Wears Prada giving us a masterclass in high fashion.
If you love fashion, these films are a must-watch. From Old Hollywood glamour to Y2K nostalgia, here is a list of films that will make you want to raid every character’s wardrobe.
What a Way to Go! (1964)
If you want peak Old Hollywood glamour, What a Way to Go! is a hidden gem. The legendary Edith Head worked on the film and was even nominated for an Oscar. The lavish designs of the wardrobe featured over 70 looks for Shirley MacLaine alone.
Each of her looks are over the top in the best way, glittering gowns, feathered accessories, and dramatic silhouettes of the 1960s. Plus, with a star-studded cast including Dick Van Dyke, Paul Newman, and Gene Kelly, the film is as entertaining as it is stylish.
Scarface (1983)
If power dressing had a movie, it would be Scarface. Michelle Pfeiffer’s Elvira Hancock is the epitome of 1980s glamour, silk slip dresses, plunging necklines, and an effortlessly cool attitude.
Her wardrobe, full of slinky gowns and sharp tailoring, has become a blueprint for high-fashion minimalism with a dangerous edge. It is no surprise that Elvira’s style continues to be referenced in fashion editorials and on runways today.
Jawbreaker (1999)
Y2K high school fashion does not get more fun than Jawbreaker. Think Heathers but even campier, from latex midi skirts to platform heels, the film captures the bold style of the late 1990s.
And, of course, no chick flick is complete without a makeover scene. The film's use of fashion is both satirical and celebratory, poking fun at the superficiality of high school cliques while also embracing the aesthetic.
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Wong Kar-wai is renowned for his distinctive aesthetic, with a focus on mise-en-scène to convey as much information as dialogue. In the film the setting and the costumes by William Chang transport viewers to 1960s era in Hong Kong.
Maggie Cheung's character, Mrs. Chan, wears over twenty different colorful cheongsams, each one reflecting her emotions and social status, in contrast to Tony Leung's Mr. Chow, who with his impeccably tailored suits to convey his reserved and gentlemanly demeanor. The fashion is not merely aesthetic but serves as a narrative tool.
The Dressmaker (2015)
This film is the perfect mix of revenge, comedy, and high fashion. Set in rural Australia, the film features Kate Winslet as a talented seamstress who returns to her small hometown, using her sewing skills to create spectacular, glamorous dresses for the local women.
The stunning costumes, designed by Marion Boyce, blend vintage glamour with a modern twist, perfectly capturing the quirky and dramatic nature of the film. The fashion is bold, empowering, and an essential part of the film’s charm.
Barbie (2023)
Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, became a cultural phenomenon that sparked a worldwide trend and significantly impacted the fashion industry. After all who could forget Valentino's Pink PP collection for 2022/2023?
Costume designer Jacqueline Durran brought Barbie’s world to life incorporating everything from classic 1950s silhouettes to futuristic styles. The film’s fashion is fun, edgy, and instantly iconic.
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