Iconic Movie Wardrobes- 11 Movies to Watch for a Major Fashion Delight

It’s alright if you’re lounging at home in your sweats- if you’re in the mood for a little escapism, these iconic movies will take you to a world dripping with glamour, costume drama and fashion inspiration for days. Whether you want to revisit the Audrey Hepburn cult classics, gush over Cher’s Clueless plaids, or remember those stunning Hitchcockian drapes on Grace Kelly- there are plenty of fashion films to add to your queue. Whether you’re in the mood for some traditional grandeur in Deepika’s Bajirao Mastani or The Great Gatsby’s frilly Flapper fantasy- these movies will take you to a world where wearing pajamas to the airport is forbidden.
 

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961

 

Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly is synonymous with minimalist and elegant styles that pushed boundaries on what it meant to be feminine outside of very traditional looks. One of Hepburn’s most identifiable roles, memorable scenes and legendary outfits is most definitely the classic little black dress designed by Hubert De Givenchy in the opening scene. His costumes featured an essence of simplicity, minimalism and underlying drama within couture. Holly’s fashion is very important to the storyline of the film as it revolves around her pursuing an identity that brings about happiness and fulfilment. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the most adored and appreciated films in regard to visuals and costumes to this day. Because of Givenchy’s impact on fashion and his understanding of Audrey’s image along with the artistic direction of costume designer Edith Head- the clothing of the movie tells just as much as the storyline.

 

2. The Devil Wears Prada, 2006

 

Not sure about florals for spring, but costume designer Patricia Field’s assembling of the film’s gorgeous wardrobe was groundbreaking indeed. From the very moment Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) delivered her iconic monologue on cerulean- to Andy’s (Anne Hathaway’s) style transformation from basic oversized sweaters to a head to toe Chanel ensemble- The Devil Wears Prada remains one of the most iconic representation of fashion journalism in today’s world. Be it Miranda’s flamboyant array of fur coats and her moody sunglasses, or Emily’s lowkey admiration for avant garde- the costumes didn’t fail to define each character. Is there any style metamorphosis as good as Andy’s in the history of fashion films? Don’t think so. 

 

3. To Catch a Thief, 1955

 

Filmed on location amidst the Côte d’Azur’s Mediterranean beauty, this Hitchcock mystery consists of the dreamiest summer wardrobes brainstormed by costume designer Edith Head.  Grace Kelly was Hitchcock’s ultimate blonde- and apart from her unfathomable on-screen chemistry with Cary Grant- the top notch production design, Riveria-ready ensembles and it’s picturesque locale makes To Catch a Thief a rare Hitchcock murder-free delight. Cary Grant’s elegant take on casual 1950s fashion and the mesmerising floor length ice blue chiffon dress as seen on Grace Kelly here, remains memorable to this date. This unusual blue gives us an instance of Frances’ (Grace Kelly’s) cold persona even though Robie (played by Cary Grant) is quick enough to cut through this glacier during their first meeting.  

 

4. Funny face, 1957

 

There’s no denying that Hepburn and Givenchy were a match made in Hollywood- and Funny Face is proof enough. In this bookseller turns model story, Jo (Audrey Hepburn) poses amidst breathtaking Paris locations. From fishing on Seine in a cropped suit and straw hat to waving a red chiffon scarf while running down the steps of Louvre- Funny Face is nothing short of a 103 minute long fashion show. The magnificent Givenchy Bridal gown- a ballet-skirt of voluminous white tulle with a fitted drop-waisted bodice and a two-tier veil with a tiny bow- is briskly relevant even today. Even Ariana Grande’s unabashedly feminine 2021 wedding ensemble was inspired from the beloved Funny Face bridal gown.

 

5. Clueless, 1995

 

You cannot talk about 90s teen fashion without mentioning Cher Horowitz, played by Alicia Silverstone in the 1995 high-school rom-com, Clueless. We've all craved for Cher’s virtual closet at some point in our lives. Plaids, more plaids, over-the-knee socks, layering, fancy hats and Mary Janes formed a major part of Cher and Dionne’s quintessential schoolgirl wardrobe. You know clothing is an integral part of this movie, when you see characters passing snide comments on each other’s dressing quite frequently. “This is an Alaïa”- Cher politely counters in a scene where an armed robber orders her to lay on the ground face- down. Even though nothing tops the classic Dolce and Gabbana yellow plaid suit (it became one of the world’s best-selling Halloween costumes), Clueless consists of a number of underrated style moments- especially Cher’s art of layering sweater vests, beautifully curated by Mona May. 

 

6. The Royal Tenenbaums, 2002

 

Wes Anderson is known for taking storytelling into visual art, and this 2002 family drama checks all the boxes of visual aesthetic- costumes, moody colour palettes, set design and composition. The costuming by Karen Patch speaks volumes about every character’s identity- they basically wear their personalities. Played by Gwyneth Platrow, Margot’s vintage caramel fur coat,  Hermès Birkin bag and bass loafers comes in contrast to her kohl-rimmed eyes, unhealthy smoking habits and a childlike hairclip in her flat ironed bob- highlighting her complicatedly messy personality. Margot’s Lacoste tennis dresses with unconventionally shorter hemlines hints a subtle connection to her brother Richie, a tennis player with a flopped career. Be it Richie’s (Luke Wilson’s) signature striped headband from the Borg era or his inner feelings hidden behind Vuarnet's tinted sunglasses and a statement beard- it is in the small details that makes this movie a truly genius one.

 

7. Atonement, 2007

 

Keira Knightley’s infamous slinky emerald green bias-cut floor length gown in Joe Wright’s Atonement defines a pinnacle of unattainable elegance. The complex silhouette, brilliantly constructed, is backless and includes a rear train- some identifiable 1930s elements when the movie was set. Knightley plays Cecilia in the 2007 period drama, a daughter to a wealthy family who falls in love with the governess’ son Robbie, played by James McAvoy. Jacqueline Duran was the mastermind behind Cecilia’s iconic evening gown in the pivotal library scene, in addition to all the other costumes in the movie. Cecilia’s style is modest, poignant and feminine with a hint of rebel. Atonement is by no means perfect in it’s composition of historical interpretation, but Joe Wright tackles the process with a sensible and strategic approach – especially where the costumes are concerned.

 

8. The Great Gatsby, 2013

 

Perhaps one of the most iconic fashion films, The Great Gatsby is full of picture-perfect moments thanks to the brilliant costuming by Catherine Martin in collaboration with Prada. Baz Luhrman’s big screen adaption of the Fitzgerald classic novel features a wardrobe soaked in over indulgence, opulent parties, jazz and pearls. From chandelier frocks to tailored suits, The Great Gatsby’s meticulous costuming does not completely replicate 20s fashion, but modernises the flapper era with figure enhancing silhouettes. With all the outward extravaganza and glittery lifestyle of New York’s elites, the film brings about the underlying theme of class inequalities and the false promise of the “American dream”.

 

9. Notorious, 1946

 

The enriching collaboration series between Alfred Hitchcock and Edith Head began with the suspenseful spy romance, Notorious. Hitchcock had an exquisite taste in fashion, and so does Notorious. Ingrid Bergman plays Alicia Huberman who falls in love with an American agent (Cary Grant) on her visit to Rio in order to infiltrate a Nazi ring. Loose silhouettes, padded shoulders, skirt suits, long-sleeved blouses and A-line skirts formed a major part of Bergman’s wardrobe, defining 1940s fashion. Cary Grant does his classic tuxedos and suits- and he does it well. From Alicia’s zebra print top paired with a white floor length skirt, to glamorous evening gowns, fur coats and victory roll front curls- her wardrobe follows her character evolution from a wild party girl to the wife of a wealthy Nazi spy.

 

10. Bajirao Mastani, 2015

 

Grandiose, opulence and everything OTT is what defines Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama Bajirao Mastani. It was Bhansali’s second time working with Anju Modi, who’s known for her knowledge in textiles and embroidery. The song Deewani Mastani features a third lead apart from Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh- which is Deepika’s breathtaking dhani-coloured kalidaar anarkali over a multi-panelled ghagra completed by a pair of ijhaars and antique Persian jewellery. There are noticeable differences between Mastani (played by Deepika Padukone) and Kashibai’s (Priyanka Chopra's) costumes, determined by their demeanour, lifestyles and religious influences. Taking costume drama to a whole new level, yet making it look so natural- is what makes Bajirao Mastani an obvious pick when it comes to costumes in Indian cinema.

 

11. Phantom thread, 2017

 

Phantom Thread, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson was the last movie starring Daniel Day Lewis. Set in the 1950s, this is a story of London’s couture designer Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day Lewis) and his unusual relationship with muse, Alma (Vicky Krieps). From Alma’s initial country clothes, to shaping Woodcock’s character through his creations- costume designer Mark Bridges took home the Academy Award for the Best Costume Design in 2018. This movie doesn’t feature a particular hero costume or lavish, maximalist clothing pieces- but it focuses on period designs, using the art of costuming to establish a sense of taste, character and perspective.