Fiction and Fashion: movies that have paved the way for fashion over the decades

It’s 2023, the roaring twenties are in full swing and the clothes we wear shape our identities and allow us to express ourselves. What people wear is constantly changing and has many different meanings but where do these trends come from?

Let’s talk Hollywood.

Fashion from film is certainly nothing new, but how have movies over the years showcased and inspired trends from the past and what’s next for the future of fashion?

The Sixties

From planet of the apes to Lolita, and Pink Panther, the sixties are nothing short of iconic, but when I think of movies from this era Breakfast at Tiffany’s is what comes to mind. Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Givenchy ‘little black dress’ captures 1960’s minimalistic and elegant fashion beautifully. A timeless classic on screen and in the fashion industry.

The Seventies

Go Grease lightning- leather jackets, full skirts, tight trousers and tons of colour. Greece follows American high schoolers in a tale surrounding love and friendship, with iconic sides of music and fabulous fits. Set in the fifties, this 1978 film hit records and was a massive hit with youngsters- who passed their love down the generations.

The Eighties

Some great films were released in the eighties but as much as I Love E.T and The Shining, I can’t say they inspired 1980’s catwalks. However, The Breakfast Club is a great insight into what our parents might have been rocking when they were younger. I like to think there’s something from every era in modern trends and the eighties is no exception: baggy clothes, athleisure, bright colours and monochrome too. Few characters and few outfits , but this heartfelt film shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to timeless trends.

The Nineties

The nineties don’t lack prominent trends, whether it’s music, fashion or of course film. Clueless deserves an honorable mention in this post, I think we all aspire to have Cher’s wardrobe. Matching from head to toe, the emphasis on accessories and always looking her best are a few of the ways this movie inspired fashion in the nineties. This movie did it all where fashion is concerned, she gave us grunge, preppy, athleisure, classy and high fashion. When it comes to fashion that doesn’t die, clueless is a perfect example.

The Noughties

Y2K has definitely made a comeback over the past few years and as much as pink bimbo core is a personal fav of mine, the noughties had much more to offer. The devil Wears Prada exposes the New York fashion scene, so it would be rude not to discuss the fits it gave us. Influential women clearly know how to dress, and Anne Hathaway’s character progression was a treat for fashion lovers eyes.

The Tens

When we talk about fashion in the twenty tens let’s shy away from the less favorable Tumblr and teen mistakes many of us made and shine a light on fashion that is slightly more renowned. The decade gave us Black Swan, Maleficent, Atomic Blonde and many more. Costume design is more important than ever in modern films and the 2010’s was packed full of movies showcases fashion from the past, present and future.

Fashion will always have its place in film, it’s powerful in conveying characters, eras and storylines. Similarly, films will always influence fashion, what’s next for Hollywood’s hold on couture?

Thank you for reading

Connie <3