In contemporary society, Instagram and YouTube influencers have become the primary sources for setting fashion trends. However, in the past, actresses and their film characters were typically viewed as style icons. After the next film's release, fashionistas were looking "a dress like Marilyn Monroe" or "glasses like Audrey Hepburn." Plus, a lot of things that were considered iconic back then still hold significance today.

Today we will remember 11 fashion cinema trends and iconic wardrobe items that influenced modern fashion.

Green dress from Atonement, 2007.

It was not only the acting talent and the poignant story that made this film a cult classic. Costumes also played an important role here, especially those Keira Knightley tried on: a chiffon floral dress, translucent blouses and shirts, and textured coats. However, the most important outfit is a green silk slip dress, recognized as the most beautiful in cinema history. 

Since the picture's release in 2007, a mass fashion for dresses and tops in lingerie style began.

THREE-PIECE suit and hat from The Godfather, 1972.

Thanks to the work of Anna Hill Johnston, costume designer for The Godfather, the underworld characters have long been transformed into fashion icons. She received an Oscar nomination for her costumes for this film. To her credit, Al Pacino became an icon of glamor with his dark three-piece suits and slanted hat.

Lace midi dresses from Picnic at Hanging Rock, 1975.

It is a charming film imbued with melancholy and beauty. This feeling is supported by soothing music, smoky half-focus, and snow-white lace dresses.

The main stylistic outline of the picture is built around these dresses: the boarding house students gently tighten each other's corsets, languidly straighten their skirts or recline beautifully on the grass in lace. The fashion of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries is recreated here with the finest scrupulousness: boater hats, knitted caps, round glasses, elegant pendants, satin ribbons, patterned umbrellas, and white gloves. Such graceful, virginal, innocent snow-white images against the backdrop of the sandy nature of Australia could not go unnoticed. Since the film's release in 1975, it has consistently ranked among the top sources of inspiration for famous directors, photographers, and designers.

Patent leather and latex from The Matrix, 1999.

This picture became a cult classic twenty years ago and influenced many areas, from the film industry to fashion. After the film hit the screens, long raincoats, latex items, and narrow sunglasses quickly became the hottest fashion trends on catwalks and red carpets worldwide.

In 2024, a total look made of patent leather or latex still looks as trendy.

Black bustier dress from La Dolce Vita, 1960.

This luxurious black strapless bustier dress was created for Federico Fellini's film La Dolce Vita. It was in it that actress Anita Ekberg danced in the Trevi Fountain. The outfit created a natural sensation, and the costume designer got an Oscar for best costumes.

It is not surprising that this dress has not lost its relevance for several decades, and many modern stars choose similar dresses with bare shoulders to appear on the red carpet.

Wayfarer glasses from Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" gave the fashion world many iconic pieces, from a reinterpreted little black dress to a long cigarette holder. I also want to mention the stylish wayfarer sunglasses that Holly Golightly wore in many key scenes.

This model has become a classic and is owned by many modern girls.

Choker from Leon, 1994.

Chokers appeared long ago but became popular in the mid-90s thanks to the film Leon. The thin black velvet on the neck of the 12-year-old rebel Matilda became a symbol of the generation.

Thigh-high boots from Pretty Woman, 1990.

The movie Pretty Woman gifted us with many beautiful looks and, of course, another iconic wardrobe item - shiny patent leather boots. At once vulgar and glamorous, they have become one of the most recognizable shoes in cinema.

Interestingly, before Pretty Woman, such boots were considered too provocative and unsuitable for a decent girl. However, these boots quickly lost all negative connotations in the context of a good love story.

By the way, I already mentioned Pretty Woman movie in my list of 10 movies with great outfits .

Tutu skirt from Sex and the City, 1998.

The popular series "Sex and the City" ended more than 15 years ago, but its fans still remember the vivid images of the heroines of the TV show. For sure, the heroine of Sarah Jessica Parker has become a style icon for an entire generation. She made personalized pendants, "naked" dresses, and tutu skirts into fashion.

Today, if you Google "skirt like Carrie Bradshaw," you will instantly see many options for full skirts that look like tutus.

Braids from Game of Thrones, 2011.

The image of Daenerys Targaryen from the super-successful series Game of Thrones turned out to be one of the most striking. Moreover, as the character grows up, her clothes and hairstyle change. Thus, flowing ashen hair and flowing Khaleesi outfits give way to fancy braids and dresses with imitation scales.

One way or another, tight, varied braids gained particular popularity after the release of the series. Girls worldwide are inspired by the image of the Mother of Dragons and try to create similar hairstyles.

No undershirt from It Happened One Night, 1934.

Finally, one of my favorite films is It Happened One Night with Clarke Gable. This movie is also remembered for the fact that in one of the scenes, Gable's character, according to the script, had to quickly and emotionally undress to the waist. Everything would be fine if it weren't for the undershirt, which I couldn't remove gracefully.

The costume designers then completely removed this item of clothing (mandatory for men of that time) from the wardrobe of the screen hero. Clark Gable, wearing a shirt over his naked body, caused a sensation. Thousands of men followed suit, leading to a drop in sales of men's T-shirts.

Final words 

I hope you found inspiration in my 11 movie fashion trends list. Do you have a favorite movie heroine whose screen images you want to repeat ?

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Written by Olga. A few words about her:

I’ve always loved movies and psychology. I often wondered, “Can a movie act as a personal therapist ?” The answer is clear: absolutely. A powerful film has the ability to change your soul and mindset. Check out the Good Movie Finder blog for more insights: https://goodmoviefinder.com