The Top Films That Every Fashionista Should Watch

When you're a fashionista looking to watch a movie on a slow, monotonous day without any fashion news to catch up on, the production's design, from vintage clothes to costume looks, is an essential element in the selection of the film. Be it documentary or fiction, these movies transport us to the sacred runways of our favorite designers and even their ateliers. So if you love fashion, keep reading to find the top films every fashion enthusiast should watch. Which one is your favorite?

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes  (1953)

With Marylin Monroe and Jane Russell as the main stars, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes follows showgirls Lorelei Lee, played by Monroe, and Dorothy Shaw, played by Russell, traveling to Paris while being followed by a private detective hired by the distrusting father of Lorelei's fiancé, a wealthy, enamored man. From Lorelei's hot pink dress as she performs "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" to Dorothy's iconic black beaded dress paired with gray fur,  Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a must-watch for every fashion lover. 

Funny Face (1957)

A timeless and elegant romantic musical feast, Funny Face displays how a spontaneous fashion shoot at a bookstore brings a fresh fashion model discovery, Jo Stockton, played by Audrey Hepburn. While most of the film's outfits came from the legendary Edith Head, Funny Face's highlight is a series of custom-made dresses from renowned couturier Hubert de Givenchy. From the Givenchy red gown to black cigarette pants, flats, and a black polo neck, the movie became a fashion anthem, combining high fashion and cinema in the most elegant way. 

Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)

Also starring Hepburn, the romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany's, adapted from Truman Capote's 1958 novel of the same name, presents Holly Golightly, a young socialite falling in love in New York City - and dressing refined while doing so. In collaboration with Givenchy, the designs perfectly capture the character's timeless style with clean, sleek lines that exude sophistication. Some of the most famous outfits include a black satin dress with a low-cut back, worn with long black satin gloves, large tortoiseshell Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses, a Tiffany necklace made of strands of pearls, and a diamond hair ornament. Another popular look is a bright pink silk cocktail dress with a pink bow tied around the waist. 

Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman is a movie that has been inspiring the fashion world for 30 years. The story revolves around Vivian Ward, an escort in Hollywood played by Julia Roberts, and Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman played by Richard Gere, who hires her for several business and social events. During the movie, their relationship develops, and so do Ward's fashion choices. From a one-piece mini-dress with the buckle on the belly to the off-the-shoulder, structured, red ball gown with white gloves for a big date to the opera with Richard Gere's Edward Lewis designed by Marilyn Vance, Pretty Woman leaves everyone in awe. And we can't forget the white, puff-sleeve dress, white gloves, and black hat for the off-the-shoulder shopping spree, it would be a “Big mistake! Huge!" to do such a thing.

Batman Forever (1995)

While some may argue that Batman Forever has nothing to do with fashion, fashionistas disagree. The movie has the superhero against former District Attorney Harvey Dent, now known as Two-Face, and Edward Nygma, The Riddler, but in terms of fashion, the focus is on other characters. From Sugar and Spice,  played by Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar, respectively, to Nicole Kidman's as an enamored psychologist in a tight black dress, the film is a must for every fashion lover.

Clueless (1995)

One can't mention cinema-fashion crossover without noting Amy Heckerling's Clueless. The film follows Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, a wealthy and social student at a Beverly Hills high school. With her friends, she enjoys life and plays matchmaker for two teachers, all while being fashionable. From Cher's vivid yellow plaid set from Dolce & Gabbana and Dionne's similar black-and-white plaid skirt suit with a camp hat to the mini red Alaïa dress, few movies hold so much power as Clueless.

Legally Blonde (2001)

When thinking about Legally Blonde, pink is the first thing that comes to mind. In the movie, Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, is a fashionable sorority queen who is dumped by her boyfriend because she is too blonde. Following him to Harvard Law School, Elle finds that there is more to her than just her looks - although they are all cute. From her casual campus attire of baby pink pants, a pink rhinestone bikini, and a voluminous hot pink fur jacket to the bunny costume, Elle is also the only person in a courtroom wearing a two-tone pink formal wrap dress, proving that sometimes all you need to win a trial is a knowledge of the logistics of perm maintenance and a high sense of style. 

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

The movie follows a young bohemian man, played by Ewan McGregor, who becomes fascinated with Satine, performed by Nicole Kidman, a singer at the local Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, Paris. The costumes Kidman wears on stage are based on what people wore during the 1890s, incorporating elements that would make the clothes feel modern. From Satine’s iconic red dress for the “Elephant Love Medley” track to a light pink corset with an extravagant feather train, each costume aims to display her emotions throughout the film.

The White Chicks (2004)

From Burberry sets to a Louis Vuitton Bag in brown monogram canvas with a floral pattern, fashionistas find an unexpected fashion sensation in The White Chicks by Keenen Ivory Wayans. The movie follows two discredited FBI agents, Marcus and Kevin, performed by Marlon and Shawn Wayans, as they go undercover to protect hotel successors, the Wilson sisters, from a kidnapping scheme. With scenes like "It's not just a bag... it's a Prada" and Heather Vandergeld's white and baby pink Dior crop top, the comedy remains a style phenomenon.

13 going on 30 (2004)

Iconic for its plot, cast, and style, Gary Winick's 13 Going on 30, starring Jennifer Garner, is still associated with fashion all these years later. The film tells the story of 13-year-old Jenna Rink, who wants to be 30 "flirty and thriving," and she gets it. Working at a prestigious New York magazine, the character adjusts to adult life while looking glamorous. From the technicolor Versace dress with a crystal butterfly necklace dancing to "Thriller" to the soft floral strapless corset with matching necklace, Garner's looks remain to enchant us.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The film The Devil Wears Prada is known as the most recognizable illustration of the fashion business in modern culture. It follows the story of Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, a recent college graduate who becomes an assistant to Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep. Miranda is the formidable editor-in-chief of Runway, a high-fashion magazine inspired by Vogue. Besides its plot around the fashion industry, the movie features a range of stylish outfits, including Andy's head-to-toe Chanel costume with TDF thigh-high boots and Miranda's formal column dress with a heart-shaped neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Marie Antoinette is a historical drama film by Sofia Coppola, starring Kirsten Dunst. It portrays the extravagant nature of Versailles during the 18th century, showcasing the world of the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. From many robes a l'Anglaise to the voluminous jeweled wedding dress, all of the costume designs by Italian costume designer Milena Canonero mirror the excess of luxury from the period. 

Sex and the City 1 (2008)

In the Sex and the City series, Carrie Bradshaw was already a star with her Fendi baguettes and various Manolos Blahnik. Her three best friends, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha, too. So, in the first movie following the show, the group would not stop shining in the fashion spots. From Samantha's monochromatic red look with a Valentino skirt, Theirry Mugler jacket, and Fendi tote to Carrie's Vivienne Westwood wedding off-the-shoulder corseted waist and a wide skirt gown with a dramatic bird hairpiece, we can't help but wonder how after all those years the gang hasn't lost any of their style. 

Ocean’s 8 (2018)

In Ocean's 8, Debbie Ocean, played by Sandra Bullock, teams up with an all-star cast including Cate Blanchard, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Awkwafina and Sarah Paulson to steal a Cartier necklace worth over $150 million during the Met Gala. From Anne Hathaway's pink Valentino dress to Rihanna Zac Posen's red fitted gown, the film has fabulous costumes by various renowned designers.

Cruella (2021)

One of the most fashionable movies ever made, Cruella follows the trajectory of a young Cruella de Vil, Estella, who dreams of being a fashion designer. From a full-length white cape that transforms into a sculpted, veiled red gown to a massive organza skirt of reds, blacks, and purples made up of over 5,000 hand-stitched flowers, Craig Gillespie's production combines punk rock with an innovative approach to fashion that is certain to captivate any fashionista. 

Priscilla (2023)

Based on the book Elvis and Me, written by Priscilla, Sofia Coppola's recent bright biopic tells the story of the relationship between one of the world's most famous couples: Elvis and Priscilla Presley.  Like any other Coppola movie, Priscilla is visually appealing. It features elaborate and almost too-authentic references, such as one bright pink collared dress inspired by the Neiman Marcus look worn after the birth of Lisa Marie in 1968 and a custom Chanel replica of the iconic silk chiffon wedding gown from 1967 with a pearled neckline and embellished sleeves. 

Barbie (2023)

From the trailers that featured some fabulous outfits to Margot Robbie's impressive press tour wardrobe, Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie took the fashion world by storm, elevating Barbiecore. Some popular looks are Barbie's gingham pink and white dress and an all-pink cowgirl look in the real world. In the film, Barbies and Kens enjoy their time in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. But when they go out into the real world, they discover the pleasures and dangers of living among humans.