28 Best Movies for Fashion Inspiration (That Aren’t the Usual Picks)
Consider this your curated list of under-appreciated fashion films, ready to inspire your next outfit
When we think of fashion in film, the usual suspects come to mind—The Devil Wears Prada, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Clueless, Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Cruella, House of Gucci, and the ever-Instagrammable Emily in Paris. These are the household names we’ve all binge-watched, hooked on the on-screen styling and glamour.
But there is also a quiet but powerful plethora of films—underrated and often overshadowed—that offer some seriously stylish moments.
A Simple Favour
This stylish thriller sparked a fashion frenzy on social media, with Blake Lively‘s power suits and statement looks in every scene long before Mob Wife Aesthetic was a thing.
Poetic Justice
Janet Jackson’s iconic crop tops and braids in Poetic Justice defined ‘90s R&B fashion, and continue to influence trends today.
Mahagony
This 1970s hit movie portrays a fashion student played by Diana Ross, who not only starred in the film but also designed the costumes—making every look unforgettable.
Funny Face
This 1950s gem stars Audrey Hepburn, and is filled with exquisite designs by costume designer icon Edith Head, along with exquisite gowns by Givenchy. Audrey Hepburn’s beatnik-to-bombshell evolution in Paris, wrapped in Givenchy—black turtlenecks to wedding gowns, every look iconic
Rear Window
Grace Kelly‘s wardrobe in Rear Window is a masterclass in 1950s elegance, in custom Edith Head…. chic suits, day dresses, and that mint green ensemble. Timeless, tailored, and ladylike.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is brimming with groovy 1960s fashion with a modern edge, think fringing, boots, and denim heaven. Margot Robbie gives major ‘60s cool-girl energy with miniskirts, turtlenecks, and white go-go boots.
Maria
Maria is a lesson in diva dressing, done with grit and grace. Angelina Jolie transforms into Maria Callas in a restrained, opera-house-worthy wardrobe, with very structured silhouettes and old-school elegance.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
A Mediterranean dream meets coastal chic. Jude Law in crisp shirts and Gwyneth in effortless sundresses. A great movie to refer for summer holiday style inspirations.
A Single Man
Moody mid-century modern style, precise and poetic is on speed in A Single Man. The movie is directed by Tom Ford, so naturally every frame feels like fashion ad, filled with mid-century minimalism and sharp suits.
A Single Man
Effortlessly chic femininity with layers of softness and subtle strength. Anne Hathaway channels effortless summer luxury in breezy linens, sculptural dresses. This movie channels resort-core elegance with a romantic twist.
Gia
90s supermodel grunge meets raw, undone sensuality. Angelina Jolie as a messy, real-life supermodel. She serves up plenty of gritty ‘80s to 90s fashion, bare skin, and a seriously raw attitude.
The Royal Tenenbaums
Margot Tenenbaum’s Lacoste dress, fur coat, and kohl-lined eyes scream Mob Wife meets 1970s glam.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Expect ultra-sleek ‘60s silhouettes with Bond-girl refinement in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Alicia Vikander’s ‘60s wardrobe is perfection, filled with graphic prints, sculptural silhouettes, and fashion-forward espionage.
She Done Him Wrong
Glamour, feathers, and vintage cabaret sparkle with serious drama in She Done Him Wrong. Mae West oozes vintage sex appeal with bias-cut gowns, sparkle, and old-school Hollywood glamour with a wink.
North by Northwest
Tailored trench coats and sharp suits make for much mystery in North by Northwest. Eva Marie Saint keeps it icy and elegant in ladylike co-ords and sleek dresses.
Flawless
Flawless brims with 1960s lady-like elegance—think Jacqueline Kennedy-style. Flawless is an unexpected gem, where gritty New York meets glamorous razzle dazzle.
The Intern
Classic minimalism and ageless style come together in The Intern. Anne Hathaway’s wardrobe hinges on timeless neutrals, clean cuts, and minimalist power tailoring.
Second Act
Bronx meets boardroom with savvy styling and chic corporate outfits in Second Act. Jennifer Lopez turns everyday hustle into fashion moments to savour, with bodycon workwear and statement coats.
Ocean’s 8
Designer heists and high-stakes style—every look is a moment in Ocean’s 8, as each woman is styled to their con identity. Rihanna’s techie grunge, Blanchett’s glam rock, and Sandra Bullock’s boss chic are captivating in equal measure.
Heathers
Heathers delivers preppy rebellion with boxy blazers and power plaid— expect mini skirts, and cruel-girl cool. This is high-school fashion with a killer attitude.
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet delivers romantic escapism through clothes that speak wanderlust. Travel-core fashion done right—indulge in its sun-washed colour palette and effortless elegance.
Jawbreaker
Candy-coloured mean girl core with killer accessories comes to the fore in Jawbreaker. Look out for the candy-coloured latex, chokers, and ‘90s queen bee energy. Think Clueless meets Mean Girls, but darker.
Priscilla
Priscilla’s costume repertoire focuses on soft boudoir glam and vintage Americana with youthful melancholy. Cailee Spaeny’s transformation into Priscilla Presley hinged upon a stream of ‘60s classics, with an authentic vintage edge.
Challengers
Zendaya’s press tour outfits for promoting Challengers last year received plenty of attention, let alone the ensembles she wore on-screen. Redefining preppy athleisure, old money tennis whites, and quiet-luxury athleisure, each look was easy-breezy expensive.
Pain Hustlers
Emily Blunt’s chic power executive outfits in Pain Hustlers are clean, cool, and crisp. This is how structured power-dressing is done right.
Uncut Gems
Gritty New York glitz with low-key streetwear inspiration plays out in Uncut Gems. Enjoy Julia Fox in full glam at its finest—plenty of metallics, bodycon silhouettes, and flashes of sequins.
Queen & Slim
A revolutionary love story told through striking, statement-making fashion, Queen & Slim is a feast for the eyes. Melina Matsoukas delivers bold, powerful looks—statement prints, plenty of gold, and a dash road-trip rebellion.
To Die For
Ice-blonde ambition meets small-town anchor woman chic in To Die For. Nicole Kidman sports saccharine suits, pastel eyeshadow and the perfect blow-out at all times.
Lead image credits: Pinterest / @ michi⋆｡˚