Lights, Camera, Style
Fashion isn’t just about what’s hanging in your wardrobe—it’s about the cultural moments that made those clothes cool in the first place. From Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance to Carrie Bradshaw’s closet full of Manolos, TV and film have always had the power to spark new trends and keep old ones alive. Decades later, we’re still borrowing from these characters, proving that sometimes the best stylists are on screen.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)
Audrey Hepburn in that iconic little black dress, pearls, elegant updo, and oversized sunglasses practically created a global fashion template. The “Holly Golightly” look cemented the little black dress as a forever classic. Women everywhere wanted her chic minimalism, whether sipping coffee or heading to a cocktail party. Even modern capsule wardrobes owe something to this timeless movie moment.
Paramount Pictures, Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Friends (1994–2004)
Jennifer Aniston’s “The Rachel” haircut wasn’t just a hairstyle, it was a cultural obsession. The layers and bounce were so in demand that salons had waiting lists. Beyond hair, the cast’s casual 90s outfits—slip dresses, mom jeans, and fitted tees—still inspire today’s fashion. Rachel Green remains the ultimate “girl next door” style muse.
Warner Bros. Television, Friends (1994–2004)
Miami Vice (1984–1987)
Pastels, linen suits, and rolled-up sleeves—Don Johnson’s Sonny Crockett redefined 80s cool. The sockless loafers and breezy summer vibe made menswear suddenly playful. It was fashion-forward but approachable, setting the tone for modern resort wear. Decades later, brands still look to Miami Vice for inspiration when designing retro-inspired summer collections.
Universal Television, Miami Vice (1984–1987)
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking”. This movie wasn’t just about fashion, it was fashion. From Andy’s glow-up in Chanel boots to Miranda’s icy couture looks, it showcased the transformative power of clothes. Costume designer Patricia Field turned each outfit into a statement, proving that fashion is as much about confidence as fabric. It’s basically required viewing for aspiring fashionistas.
20th Century Fox, The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Bonnie And Clyde (1967)
Faye Dunaway’s berets, bias-cut skirts, and sultry sweaters became instant icons. Designer Theadora Van Runkle blended 1930s gangster chic with 1960s style, creating a romantic yet rebellious look. The film sparked a real-life revival of retro fashion, with berets and neckerchiefs flying off shelves. It was vintage made fresh, and women loved every bit of it.
Warner Bros., Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Annie Hall (1977)
Diane Keaton’s slouchy vests, oversized trousers, and men’s ties were groundbreaking. She brought relaxed tailoring and androgyny into mainstream fashion, long before it was considered cool. The “borrowed from the boys” look became an empowering trend that’s still alive in street style today. Keaton’s personal wardrobe even influenced the character, making the film a true collaboration between star and style.
United Artists, Annie Hall (1977)
Clueless (1995)
Cher Horowitz’s closet was so iconic it practically predicted online shopping. Her yellow plaid suit, fluffy pens, and knee socks defined 90s preppy chic. Costume designer Mona May turned Beverly Hills high schoolers into global trendsetters. Nearly 30 years later, plaid skirts and matching sets are still a TikTok fashion obsession. As Cher would say, totally classic.
Paramount Pictures, Clueless (1995)
Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
“Spotted: Blair Waldorf in headbands and Serena van der Woodsen in boho glam”. Gossip Girl made New York’s Upper East Side the epicenter of style. Blair’s structured coats and preppy plaid clashed beautifully with Serena’s laid-back luxe. Costume designer Eric Daman’s looks inspired everything from street style to high fashion campaigns. The show was basically Instagram-worthy fashion before Instagram existed.
The CW, Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods made hot pink a power color. From her bedazzled sorority gear to her courtroom-ready suits, she proved femininity and professionalism can coexist. Elle’s playful fashion sense sent shockwaves through a world that often dismissed “girly” style. Today, Barbiecore and unapologetic pink owe a lot to Elle Woods’ fearless wardrobe choices. Bend and snap indeed!
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Legally Blonde (2001)
Sex And The City (1998–2004)
Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe alone was enough to make Sex and the City a fashion bible. From the Fendi Baguette to the infamous tutu, every outfit sparked a trend. Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda each embodied a different style archetype, influencing countless wardrobes. Patricia Field’s fearless styling choices turned every New York street into a runway, and the world was watching.
HBO, Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Mad Men (2007–2015)
Sleek suits, pencil skirts, and perfectly coiffed hair—Mad Men brought mid-century glam back into the spotlight. Don Draper made tailored menswear aspirational again, while Betty and Joan embodied the polished femininity of the 60s. Suddenly, cocktail dresses and slim ties were everywhere. The show reminded us that timeless elegance never really goes out of style.
Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
Edwardian gowns, beaded evening dresses, and sharp tuxedos defined Downton Abbey’s aesthetic. Costume designer Susannah Buxton brought heritage fashion back into pop culture, inspiring bridal wear and vintage collections. The show’s fashion also highlighted class divides, turning outfits into storytelling tools. Tea dresses and lace details flooded stores, proving historical drama could spark real-world trends.
ITV, Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
The White Lotus (2021–Present)
Sun-soaked luxury meets chaotic drama. The White Lotus is as much about clothes as it is about satire. Resortwear suddenly became aspirational, with character wardrobes ranging from thrift-store chic to full-on designer labels. Swimwear, oversized sunglasses, and patterned shirts skyrocketed in popularity. It’s proof that even awkward vacation moments can produce style icons.
Stranger Things (2016–Present)
The show reintroduced us to the glory of the 80s: high-waist jeans, scrunchies, striped polos, and vintage sneakers. Costume designer Amy Parris leaned into nostalgia, making retro cool again. Vintage shops saw spikes in demand for authentic 80s wear. Even fast fashion retailers released capsule collections inspired by Hawkins. The kids fought Demogorgons, but the real win was their wardrobes.
Netflix, Stranger Things (2016– )
Elite (2018–2024)
This Spanish teen drama made school uniforms sexy, polished, and endlessly remixable. Blazers paired with miniskirts, edgy accessories, and bold makeup defined the characters’ wardrobes. Elite proved that preppy could also be daring, influencing Gen Z fashion trends globally. Students may not be scheming in your hallway, but their style inspiration definitely is.
GLOW (2017–2019)
With spandex, neon, and big hair, GLOW brought 80s wrestling glam to center stage. The bold color blocking, metallic leotards, and unapologetic camp made athleisure more fun. Suddenly, gym gear wasn’t just functional, it was fabulous. Fitness fashion absorbed the show’s energy, inspiring bright leggings, headbands, and retro workout aesthetics that felt equal parts ironic and iconic.
Risky Business (1983)
Tom Cruise’s white button-down shirt, sunglasses, and socks dance is one of the most parodied and imitated looks in pop culture. That minimalist combo became the ultimate symbol of effortless cool. Wayfarer sunglasses in particular skyrocketed in sales. The film showed that sometimes, the simplest pieces can create the most enduring fashion moment.
Warner Bros., Risky Business (1983)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
From Spicoli’s surfer vibe to Stacy’s mall-ready looks, Fast Times captured California casual perfectly. Vans slip-ons, crop tops, and jean shorts became teen staples. The film immortalized laid-back West Coast style, influencing everything from skate culture to mall fashion. Its impact is still visible in the way casual, comfy clothes dominate youth trends today.
Universal Pictures, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Emily In Paris (2020–Present)
Emily’s fashion is maximalism in motion: bold colors, clashing prints, and designer logos galore. Every episode feels like a runway show set in Paris. The beret became her signature, sparking a mini-revival of the accessory worldwide. Whether you love or cringe at her looks, Emily undeniably made “overdressed for everything” into a lifestyle trend.
Netflix, Emily in Paris (2020–Present)
Flashdance (1983)
Who knew off-the-shoulder sweatshirts could be sexy? Flashdance turned casual dancewear into mainstream fashion. Leg warmers, leotards, and slouchy athletic gear suddenly became everyday wear. It blurred the lines between gym clothes and streetwear, paving the way for athleisure decades later. Jennifer Beals made grungy-yet-sexy a permanent fashion category.
Paramount Pictures, Flashdance (1983)
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