When it comes to fashion, the silver screen has been both a muse and a trendsetter for decades.
From timeless trench coats to those unforgettable red carpet moments, vintage movie costumes have left their mark on pop culture, inspiring trends that still reverberate today.
So let’s take a stroll down memory lane, or should we say, down the red carpet, and revisit some of the most iconic movie wardrobes that shaped fashion history. Grab your popcorn, darling—it’s showtime!
1. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
If Audrey Hepburn’s character Holly Golightly walked into your life today, she’d probably be sipping espresso in a chic café in SoHo, while simultaneously changing the world of fashion.
From that sleek black Givenchy dress to the long gloves and that updo, Hepburn created an ensemble that made everyone think, “I could be sophisticated if I just had that dress!”
And let’s not forget her signature pearl necklace—still a statement piece that says, “I’m refined, but also ready for a cupcake.”
Trend Influence: The little black dress (LBD) was never the same. Suddenly, it was the dress that could take you from cocktail hour to world domination. Thank you, Audrey!
2. Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch (1955)
When Marilyn Monroe stood over that subway grate, her white dress billowing in the breeze, she didn’t just make a scene. She made history.
That moment, one of the most famous in film history, became an iconic symbol of femininity, allure, and sheer glamour.
Trend Influence: Monroe’s style—soft, feminine, and effortlessly glamorous—helped popularize the hourglass silhouette.
It was also the moment that solidified white dresses as the go-to option for making a statement (and possibly causing a few gusts of wind).
3. Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry (1971)
Let’s face it: Clint Eastwood is cool. And his wardrobe in Dirty Harry is essentially the epitome of tough-guy chic.
That iconic brown trench coat, paired with a simple shirt and slacks, proved that fashion doesn’t have to be flashy to leave an impression.
You don’t need a wardrobe full of velvet suits to look cool when you can rock a coat that says, “I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to solve problems.”
Trend Influence: The trench coat became a staple of masculine wardrobes everywhere. We have Dirty Harry to thank for making it clear that sometimes, all you need is a good coat and an intense stare to command the room.
4. Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Though not technically a movie, Carrie Bradshaw’s style in Sex and the City has become a cultural touchstone, and her influence is still felt on the fashion runways today.
From her tutu skirts to her sky-high Manolo Blahnik heels, Carrie made “eccentric” and “unconventional” look effortlessly chic.
Trend Influence: Carrie’s eclectic approach to fashion revolutionized the way women approached accessorizing and mixing high fashion with street style.
And if we’re honest, we’ve all tried (and failed) to pull off that tutu look at least once. It’s okay, we all had our Carrie phase.
5. James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
James Dean in his red jacket and jeans is perhaps one of the most iconic images of teen rebellion in cinematic history.
His effortless cool, coupled with that rebellious attitude, made every guy want to channel their inner “bad boy” with a red jacket and a cigarette (minus the dramatic car crash ending, of course).
Trend Influence: The red jacket became synonymous with coolness, and jeans? They’ve never looked the same.
James Dean made it clear that you don’t need a tuxedo to be stylish—just a little bit of angst and a whole lot of confidence.
6. Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire was as sizzling hot as his signature white t-shirt.
Brando didn’t just wear the shirt; he owned it. Paired with rolled-up sleeves, his unpretentious yet rugged look launched the simple white t-shirt into the fashion stratosphere.
Trend Influence: The white t-shirt—once an undergarment—was forever elevated into a symbol of cool masculinity.
Thanks to Brando, it’s now a wardrobe staple worn by everyone from frat boys to fashion icons.
7. Grace Kelly in Rear Window (1954)
When you think of elegance, Grace Kelly immediately comes to mind. In Rear Window, her wardrobe choices showcased her poise, and no one wore a tailored suit quite like Grace.
The dresses? Perfectly draped. The accessories? Always on point. If you’re looking for a classic fashion icon, Kelly’s got you covered from head to toe.
Trend Influence: Grace Kelly set the standard for refined, sophisticated style. Her chic, ladylike ensembles became the blueprint for every woman looking to exude timeless elegance.
High collars and tailored cuts? Yes, please!
8. Cher Horowitz in Clueless (1995)
We can’t forget Clueless—after all, where would we be without Cher’s plaid outfits? Her yellow plaid skirt suit is practically a fashion institution.
And let’s not forget the iconic computer wardrobe selector she used to create her outfits. If only we had one of those in real life…
Trend Influence: Cher made plaid cool. And plaid, it turns out, would never die again. The Clueless style set off a wave of preppy fashion that’s still embraced by Gen Z today, proving that some trends truly never go out of style.