Five Movies To Base Your Next Outfit On
Written by Christina Lumia
As someone who is very interested in both fashion and film, every time I watch a new movie, I find myself ogling over the outfits the characters are wearing. Outfits in film aren’t just used for aesthetic purposes- they are a true reflection of what the character’s emotions are and can also be used for plot purposes.
1) Thirteen (2003) - Drama
A staple of the early 2000’s, Catherine Hardwicke’s Thirteen not only showed the gritty side of girlhood, but is also a perfect example of how a person’s outfits can reflect their personality. At the beginning of the movie while Tracy is innocent, her style reflects this as she wears lots of pastels and modest clothing. As the movie progresses and she falls deeper into self-destruction, her clothing emulates this as it becomes much darker and smaller. If you want to recreate her style, dark, distressed clothing with lots of strings and low-rise jeans are your way to go.
2) Lolita (1997) - Romance/Drama
Although this film is best known for the controversy surrounding it, one thing it got right was, for sure, the fashion. Dolores “Lolita's” outfits are stunning, and perfectly capture the “nymphette” style. Speaking from experience, this film deeply impacted my outlook on fashion, the first time I watched it (way too young), I immediately became obsessed with the outfits in this film, and desperately tried to recreate her look. I wasn’t the only one, because there are thousands of girls online influenced by her aesthetic. If you love it just as much as we do, you can never go wrong with matching sets, pigtails, and a signature red lip.
3) The Virgin Suicides (1999) - Drama/Romance
Sofia Coppola’s 1999 film is an intimate look into suburbia, as well as how the male gaze is so detrimental to young women. What’s so perfect about this movie is that every character feels so real, like they could be your next-door neighbor. By putting these characters in such “normal” outfits for teens at the time, it makes you think about how these girls could be anyone. Your sister, friend, classmate, or even you. To replicate these “girl next door” outfits, try wearing pastels, baby tees, and anything floral.
4) The Craft (1996) Horror/ Fantasy
Andrew Flemming’s 1996 film is a classic for many reasons, one of those being the fashion. I really believe there isn’t any movie that is a better time capsule into 90’s grunge than this one. The clash between light and dark is juxtaposed perfectly by mixing soft pastels and florals with leather and heavy jewelry. To recreate these witches' outfits, try wearing a plaid mini skirt, white top, heavy jewelry, and a big heavy jean or leather jacket.
5) Lady Bird (2017) Drama/Comedy
Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film, Ladybird is one of my favorite movies for many reasons. It’s a perfect “nothing happens” movie to just throw on, it has an extremely talented cast, and I love the outfits. Set in 2002, the outfits capture Ladybird perfectly: a confused teenager trying to find her place in the world. Her outfits aren’t supposed to be a huge part of the film but make so much sense for a teenager on a small budget trying to figure herself and her style out. To replicate her style, try wearing striped sweaters, flare jeans, and plaid mini dresses.
Christina Lumia