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12 Films That Changed the Way We Think About Fashion

Cinema has long been a powerful force in shaping and…

Robin - September 17, 2025 0

Cinema has long been a powerful force in shaping and redefining fashion. From iconic costumes to groundbreaking styles, certain films have transcended the screen to influence runways and wardrobes worldwide. This article explores a curated list of movies that not only mirrored the fashion of their eras but also set new trends, altered perceptions, and inspired designers. Their impact continues to shape contemporary fashion culture, proving that film and fashion are inextricably linked. For more on film and fashion history, visit Vogue’s guide to fashion films.

12 Films That Changed the Way We Think About Fashion — Photo Credit: Google Image

Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s elevated the little black dress to an enduring symbol of elegance and sophistication. Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, the simple yet chic black dress paired with pearls revolutionized women’s fashion by making minimalist style aspirational. The film not only launched Hepburn as a timeless fashion icon but also ensured the little black dress became a wardrobe staple for generations. According to Vogue, its influence continues to resonate in fashion today, underscoring the film’s lasting style legacy.

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The Devil Wears Prada offered an unprecedented glimpse into the inner workings of the fashion industry, blending high-end couture with sharp power dressing. Meryl Streep’s commanding performance as Miranda Priestly became synonymous with fashion leadership and the pressures of the industry. The film heightened public awareness of the realities behind glossy magazine covers, shaping attitudes toward ambition and style. As noted by The Guardian, the movie’s impact extended beyond entertainment, influencing how fashion is perceived both professionally and culturally.

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Clueless became an instant style phenomenon with its vibrant, playful approach to 1990s fashion. The film’s iconic plaid skirts, knee-high socks, and matching sets—worn by Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz—sparked mainstream trends and redefined teen fashion. Serving as a “style bible” for a generation, Clueless continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Its wardrobe, curated by costume designer Mona May, set the tone for preppy chic and bold accessorizing. According to Elle, the film’s influence is still seen on runways and in street style today.

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Tom Ford’s directorial debut, A Single Man, is celebrated for its meticulous attention to 1960s menswear, featuring slim tailoring, crisp white shirts, and muted color palettes. The film’s visual precision elevated retro sophistication, making a compelling case for classic elegance in modern menswear. Ford’s influence as both director and designer is evident in every frame, reviving interest in refined, understated style for men. As highlighted by GQ, the movie’s aesthetic sensibility has had a lasting impact, inspiring designers and fashion-conscious men around the world.

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Diane Keaton’s portrayal of the title character in Annie Hall introduced an androgynous style that defied traditional gender norms. Her mix of vests, men’s ties, oversized blazers, and slouchy trousers sparked a menswear-inspired fashion trend for women, making tomboy chic a mainstream look. The film’s influence endures in today’s gender-fluid fashion landscape, continually inspiring designers to blur the boundaries between masculine and feminine attire. As noted by Harper’s Bazaar, Keaton’s groundbreaking wardrobe remains a touchstone for modern, unconventional style.

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Ruth E. Carter’s visionary costume design for Black Panther masterfully fused traditional African attire with futuristic, Afrofuturist aesthetics. Each outfit celebrated the diversity and depth of African cultures, using bold colors, intricate beadwork, and innovative silhouettes. The film ignited a global conversation about Black identity, fashion, and heritage, inspiring designers and fans to embrace and reinterpret African influences. As highlighted by BBC, Black Panther marked a turning point, elevating Black fashion on the world stage and encouraging cultural pride in style.

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The Great Gatsby dazzled audiences with its lavish depiction of 1920s style, brought to life by costume designer Catherine Martin and Miuccia Prada. The film’s beaded flapper dresses, feathered headpieces, and Art Deco-inspired gowns reignited global fascination with Roaring Twenties glamour. Its extravagant costumes influenced modern party wear, bridal trends, and even high fashion collections, making vintage opulence newly desirable. As noted by Vanity Fair, the movie’s aesthetic has left an indelible mark on contemporary fashion, inspiring designers and event stylists alike.

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Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner introduced a striking cyberpunk aesthetic that fused noir-inspired trench coats, exaggerated shoulders, and futuristic metallic fabrics. The film’s dystopian vision set a new standard for cool, influencing both high fashion and streetwear for decades. Designers continue to draw inspiration from its moody color palettes and bold silhouettes, while its stylistic elements frequently reappear in runway shows and editorial spreads. According to Dazed, Blade Runner has become a touchstone for those seeking to blend retro and futuristic influences in modern fashion.

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Pretty Woman famously chronicles Julia Roberts’ character’s transformation through fashion, moving from streetwear to sophisticated, elegant ensembles. The film’s most iconic moment—the stunning red gown worn at the opera—has become a symbol of cinematic glamour and the transformative power of style. This visual evolution not only heightened the storytelling but also cemented the role of fashion in character development. As explored by InStyle, the red dress’ legacy endures, inspiring designers and appearing in countless fashion retrospectives and modern collections.

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Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette captivated audiences with its sumptuous, pastel-hued costumes, reimagining 18th-century royal fashion with a modern, playful twist. Designer Milena Canonero’s lavish gowns, adorned with bows, ruffles, and confectionary colors, breathed new life into historical dress and influenced numerous runway collections. The film’s unique aesthetic has permeated pop culture, inspiring editorial spreads, designer collaborations, and even contemporary party themes. As noted by The New York Times, Coppola’s visual style transformed perceptions of period fashion, making it accessible and appealing to a new generation.

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Zoolander hilariously lampooned the fashion industry with its outrageous runway looks, exaggerated personalities, and unforgettable catchphrases like “Blue Steel.” The film’s satirical take shed light on the eccentricities of the modeling world, reminding audiences and insiders alike not to take fashion too seriously. Its playful spirit and visual gags have become part of fashion folklore, influencing everything from themed parties to actual runway shows. As noted by Vogue, Zoolander continues to impact the industry by celebrating fashion’s fun, sometimes absurd, side.

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The Sex and the City film built upon the TV series’ reputation for fearless, personalized fashion, spotlighting luxury brands, statement accessories, and risk-taking style. Carrie Bradshaw and her friends showcased an array of bold outfits, sparking trends and redefining what it meant to dress for oneself. The film’s influence extended beyond the screen, fueling shopping culture and inspiring high-profile designer collaborations. As highlighted by The Cut, its celebration of sartorial individuality left a lasting mark on both high fashion and everyday wardrobes.

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These films have not only entertained audiences but also profoundly shaped the fashion landscape, influencing designers, dictating trends, and sparking global conversations about style and identity. Their distinctive looks and bold statements continue to resonate, demonstrating how cinema remains a powerful force in the evolution of fashion. As explored in sources like Vogue, the partnership between film and fashion is enduring—each inspiring the other and driving creative innovation for generations to come.

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12 Films That Changed the Way We Think About Fashion

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

2. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

3. Clueless (1995)

4. A Single Man (2009)

5. Annie Hall (1977)

6. Black Panther (2018)

7. The Great Gatsby (2013)

8. Blade Runner (1982)

9. Pretty Woman (1990)

10. Marie Antoinette (2006)

11. Zoolander (2001)

12. Sex and the City (2008)

Conclusion

Robin