23 Fashion Movies Every Fashionista Needs to Watch

From classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s to modern ones like Crazy Rich Asians, these are the fashion movies you should add to your watch-list, stat.

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Best Hollywood Fashion Movies to Watch ATM for those who Love Fashion

Hey gorgeous! This time around we thought of sharing a slew of fashion movies that will make a pleasant distraction during your quarantine days. You may pick any one of these films to watch if you are craving for some real fashion inspiration.

When we talk about movies, it’s important that we remain open towards cultural representations then-and-now. Fashion movies often represent the finer things of life: stunning clothes, drama, and the fireworks. That is why we’re in awe of the cinematic moment of Marilyn Monroe’s white dress or references about the couture looks from Asia’s affluent families in Crazy Rich Asians. Although referred to as girlish flicks, but one may not help but notice the strong female leads in most of these movies. While fashion plays into the plot of movies like Clueless and Legally Blonde, there are many other movies that aren’t necessarily with the fashion theme but they feature costumes that are worthy of a special mention.

Below, we have picked the best fashion films of all times that you simply have to watch. Take a look and be inspired.

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1. Gone with the Wind (1939)

Even though Gone with the Wind has a good four hours run, it is well-worth your time. Plus any seasoned movie buff will recommend this one. The movie stars Vivien Leigh as the female protagonist, Scarlett O’ Hara. While the conserved burgundy ball gown created by designer Walter Plunket calls for special mention, the memorable scene was where Scarlett created an elegant green gown out of old curtains. Classic!

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2. The Seven Year Itch (1955)

On 15th September, 1954, an actress stood on a subway grate in NYC donning a white dress while holding off an upward breeze. This scene from the movie went on to become of the most recognizable scenes in the history of films. And of course the lady in question was none other than Marilyn Monroe.

Do you wish to know a fun fact? Marilyn was cautious not to reveal too much when the dress blew out. She wore two pairs of white inners, so nobody could get an actual glimpse.

Her dreamy white dress was sold off for $4.6 million at a 2011 auction. Check out more here: The Most Iconic White Dresses in Hollywood Movies

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3. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Here’s another one of the iconic fashion movies to add to your must-watch list. Audrey Hepburn made cinematic history with a single outfit – yes we are talking about the black satin gown, velvet gloves, and the diamond necklace. The dress was especially designed for her by Hubert de Givenchy.

Marilyn Monroe was first approached for the role of Holly Golightly, but eventually it went to Hepburn and the rest, we know is history. This movie also has some other iconic outfits and the story of the charming socialite is a bonus.

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4. What a Way to Go (1964)

The movie What a Way to Go is an American black comedy released in 1964. It is about a four-time widow, each of whose husband dies, leaving her with enormous wealth. The lead actress Shirley MacLaine appears in a number of Edith Head costumes that tread in between a fine line of burlesque and authenticity. You can expect to see pink fur, fancy orange feathers, and body-con drenched in diamante.

Shirley McLaine in fancy pink fur

5. Annie Hall (1977)

This movie explores the romantic bond between Allen and Annie, a struggling nightclub singer (played by Diane Keaton). For her title character, the actress insisted on selecting her own outfits. It was also reported that many of her outfits were Diane’s herself. Her spin on androgyny from high-waist trousers, to pantsuits, to loose-fitted button up shirts, vest and tie, and relaxed slacks inspires women up to this date.

Diane Keaton spin on androgyny wear

6. Working Girl (1988)

Power dressing came into play after the movie Working released in 1988 with Melanie Griffith in the lead role. Griffith’s character in the film is a trendy, exaggerated version of a working woman. Her outfits designed by Ann Roth varied from simple to refined power-suits. It clearly showcased the styles of the era, from overstated to professional.

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7. Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman is the reverse of what Richard Gere plays in his film, American Gigolo. In the movie, he plays a rich man called Edward Lewis, who hires an escort Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts). The movie follows the transition of Roberts from street to high fashion in one of the most famous makeover montages. From the thigh high boots, to the diamond necklace, the off-shoulder red gown, and her shopping spree to The Rodeo Drive. What’s not to remember?

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8. Kids (1995)

This is a gritty movie revolving around the lives of a group of skater kids in East village. The underlying plot on the abuse of drugs and sex holds its own story. It was unconventional compared to any movie of that era. Apart from the noteworthy performances by the characters, the 70s-inspired outfits were another highlight consisting of old-school sneakers and shrunken ringer T-shirts.

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9. Clueless (1995)

Clueless is every girl’s dream flick mostly because of its fashion credibility. The movie remains a classic till date, owing to its tartan plaid skirt suits, and fanciful head accessories. It belonged to Cher Horowitz’s (Alicia Silverstone) fashion sensibilities, overall. Plus she uses a sci-fi software (for that era) to decide her daily outfits. How fancy!

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10. Moulin Rouge (2001)

Who can forget this 2001 drama masterpiece? The movie reflected the bohemian setting of Paris circa of 1902 showcasing intricate, adorned corsets, and silk negligee. And let’s take a moment to remember Nicole Kidman’s crimson gown worn in the famous scene of ‘Elephant Love Medley.’

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11. Legally Blonde (2001)

Reese Witherspoon plays a cool and confident law student Elle Woods who is on point with every early 2000’s trends. From low slung belts, to wrap dresses, halter dresses, to pageboy caps, she nailed every pink moment. This is one of the fashion movies that truly shows that you don’t have to be either fashionable or intelligent. You can be both if you choose to!

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12. Marie Antoinette (2006)

Winning Best Costume Design at the 79th Annual Academy Awards, this historical drama-comedy deserves a spot at our list of fashionable Hollywood movies. Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst in the lead plays an Austrian princess. The story follows her transition to a French queen. Designers Manolo Blahnik and Pompei kept the movie’s wardrobe like a dream. From the gloves, to the gowns, the shoes, and the headdresses; every detail was displayed beautifully.

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13. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

And our roundup of fashion movies wouldn’t be complete without including The Devil Wears Prada. This cult classic is on our list as it’s as much of a movie on fashion. It is also loosely based on Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. The added style points add up to Miranda Priestly’s luxurious coats and structured bags as well as Andy’s Chanel ensemble.

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14. Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)

I am sure you probably must have watched the classic TV show version of Sex and the City a handful of times. Patricia Field, the costume designer held our attention right then with her unapologetic fashion creations worn by the leading characters – Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. And she bought it once more to the big screen for the movie released in 2008. Carrie continued being seen in over-sized floral depictions, Charlotte’s refined mum styles, Miranda’s glam work wear style statement and Samantha being, well, Samantha-forever sexy. If you are a fashion professional, this is one of the fashion movies that you can most relate to.

Also read more here: 15 Best Girly TV Series You Need to be Watching Now!

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15.  Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

 “I love new clothes. If everyone could just wear new clothes every day, I reckon depression wouldn’t exist anymore.” It’s one of those quotes we love to remember from the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Isla Fisher plays Rebecca Bloomwood who loves shopping for finer things, but is drowning in credit card debt. She wants to work for a top fashion magazine in New York, but ends up as a columnist for a financial firm. Although her columns start gaining popularity, her debt soon catches up to her. Between all these high-low transitions, we cannot help but notice the variety of clothes displayed. From her Louis Vuitton green bustier, Christian Louboutin heels, Vivienne Westwood suit, and of course the much-desired green scarf.

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16. Coco Before Chanel (2009)

Nominated for four BAFTA Awards, the biopic revolves around the early life of French designer Gabrielle Chanel. The story reveals the start of her career as a young seamstress, to her relationship with businessman Arthur Capel. All in all, the movie attempts to reveal part of the designer’s life of that not many are aware of. An interesting part of the movie is that her menswear inspired silhouettes (which revolutionized women for decades) were inspired by her boyfriend’s wardrobe choices.

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17. The Great Gatsby (2013)

This is one of my favorite period film not for the story line alone but also for the fine execution of the lavish ’20s costumes. Those who have read the book will agree with me to say how the deliverance of every character’s ensembles is just so freaking on-point. Plus you don’t wanna miss its color symbolism. From the classic LBD look, to the beaded dress, to the flapper feather headband worn by Carey Mulligan, I loved every aspect of the movie. And well, of course, another eye candy of the movie is undeniably Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby.

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18. Grace of Monaco (2014)

One of the most elegant figures on-screen is Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. While the movie did not win big at the box office, her character stood up as a beautiful visual treat for the audience.

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19. Jackie (2016)

This is a tragic movie based upon the life of first lady Jackie Kennedy after her late husband JFK’s assassination. Her power dressing sense made her one of the greatest fashion trailblazers there was. From her tweed skirt suits to her pillbox hats, and neat blowouts, her impeccable style is in full display at the movie. If you are looking for fashion movies on Netflix, then I highly recommend this one.

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 20. Personal Shopper (2016)

Released as a supernatural psychological thriller, Personal Shopper has Kristen Stewart in the lead. She plays the part of an American girl working as a personal shopper for a supermodel. One of the memorable fashion highlight in the movie is Stewart wearing a silver-sequined Chanel number initially picked for her boss which she ends up slipping into.

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21.Ocean’s Eight (2018)

This is one of the latest fashion movies I have watched and loved. The movie revolves around Kate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, to name a few and how they become part of a jewelry heist during the Annual Met Gala. The all-female cast of Ocean’s Eleven also starred celebs doing cameos like Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Serena Williams, and Dakota Fanning. There is never a flat fashion moment in sight.

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22. I Feel Pretty (2018)

The premise of the film is about an insecure young woman Renee (played by Amy Schumer) working under Lily LeClaire a posh fashion company. She sees herself as being frumpy next to the casting models that her company hires. But an incident decidedly changes the way she thinks about herself and she begins to behave with a self-assured confidence, charming everyone along the way. The imperfectly perfect display of floral prints, gingham check, and every bright possible color worn by Amy’s character in the movie was authentic.

The movie cast also includes Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, and Naomi Campbell convincing in their roles as fashion luminaries. If you are looking for comedy fashion movies to watch this weekend, then try this one.

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23. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The story revolves around Asia’s affluent families and their luxurious lifestyles. Going by that, as a viewer I expected to see fashion in high calibre and it sure didn’t disappoint. The wardrobe in CRA has a smorgasbord of the most glam and iconic custom-made couture looks; from Michael Cinco, Elie Saab, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Dior and local Asian designers Carven Ong. Another special mention also goes to the exquisite accessories showcased in the movie which came from jewelry houses like Chopard and Bulgari.

Mary Vogt, the movie’s costume designer collaborated with Jon M. Chu, the Director to create some of the most remarkable looks for its star-studded cast. From bride Araminta Lee’s Swarovski-encrusted wedding gown, to Asia’s most fashionable woman, Astria Leong’s (played by Gemma Chan) sartorial, vintage looks, to Rachel’s blue Marchesa dress and to Peik Lin’s unconventional choices.

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So which fashion movies amongst these were your favorites? Share with us your thoughts and your favorite fashion flick of all-time by tweeting us at @shilpa1ahuja. We would love to hear from you!

Read next:

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