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Fashion Aesthetic Inspiration You Can Get from Movies – Time to Refurbish your Wardrobe 

If there is one thing that is taking TikTok fashion by storm, it is the “core” aesthetic trend. A week ago, my sister ran up to me and blurted that she was in her “soft girl” era and wanted my lavender dress.  

Well, I hesitated, of course! But then I got a little curious. What is a soft girl?  

She gave me a very judgmental look (GenZ, am I right?) and said, “You wouldn’t understand anyway; you are a classic dark academic. All you care about are your books and brown pants.”  

I was flabbergasted; what are these words?  

Although I do share a particular proclivity towards brown everything, and yes, I am a bookworm, I didn’t know it made me a dark academic.  

Taking pity on my confused state of mind, my little sister simply told me, “Just watch Maurice.”  

So, I did and realized…  

Other than the excellent storyline, I was so jealous of Hugh Grant’s wardrobe. From the crewneck grey sweaters to tweed brown blazers and brown suede chooka boots, I wanted them all.  

Upon going into the rabbit hole of aesthetic fashion, I was soon getting a grasp on the concept.  

Fashion aesthetic defines an entire picture. A theme, if you may. For example, when you dress as a 90s supermodel, you don’t just wear a slip satin dress. It is rather an amalgamation of everything.  

The dress, the makeup, the hair, the shoes, and even the personality (if you want to take it that far).  

Delving into some of these aesthetics, the nerd in me couldn’t help but research on the psychology of aesthetics & fashion. Why is it taking the internet by storm? Is it just a matter of comfort or smarter self-expression?  

What is Fashion Aesthetic Core? (The Psychology Behind It)  

Fashion aesthetic core is a theme of expression centered around a specific feature or principle. It is not just drawing the dress that matches the aesthetic but embodying the entire persona.  

However, rather than trying to be someone else, fashion aesthetics is about what you relate to.  

Therefore, whenever you pick one, chances are you already relate to that style. For example, when my sister so confidently termed me as a dark academic, she was referring to my nerdy scholarly lifestyle, the dresses I often pick, and the overall demeanor of my personality.  

Plus, now that I think about it, my sister was right about herself as well. From her floral sun dresses to peach-colored baggy pants, to her ballet flats and her shy, introverted nature, she is indeed a “soft girl.”  

Therefore, the overall verdict to this fashion “core” aesthetic is finding a feature that allows you to be the most in your own skin without compromising on looking good!  

It seemed like a subject I could not help but research more about.  

Especially when the movie “Maurice” inspired me so much that I went through a fashion movie rabbit hole. These movies inspired aesthetic core fashion even before it was a trend on TikTok. Plus, the mise en scène add more elements to each aesthetic along with the apparel.  

So, here is a list of all the fashion movies which should inspire you to change your entire wardrobe.   

Hold on!  

Do not start adding items to your Amazon Wishlist. You can easily create these styles under budget without difficulties. Just a rifle through the closet, and you will have the perfect white shirt to draw under a sweater.  

Fashion expression with sustainability is the motto, so let’s begin!  

Impact of Movies on Fashion  

I remember when I was in my film studies class during my college days, we had to give fashion analytics on “Devil Wears Prada.”  

It is one of the most iconic fashion movies ever made in the last decade. However, when we dig deeper, away from the shallow nuances of the “brand new Channel boots,” “YSL military jacket in cerulean,” or the “Dolce cerulean skirts,” we get to see expression through what you wear.  

Even Andrea’s loose silhouette outfits at the beginning of the movie and her transformation to more body-hugging trendy outfits show her transformation in her life.  

Her unfashionable “taking herself not so seriously” outfits showed a phase of her life where she didn’t care about fashion. Cut to Paris Fashion Week, and her dawning on a black evening dress at the end of the movie showed how much her perspective of the fashion world changed.  

Let’s take another example, this time a Netflix series called Bridgerton. In the second season, we see our female protagonist, Kate Sharma, in deep royal blues in the beginning. It was the perfect portrayal of her cold, headstrong, and confident personality.  

However, as the season progressed, we saw her wearing softer and muted tones. These mostly include Lilacs, which is the color of first love. Indicating how she was falling for her handsome “nemesis,” Anthony Bridgerton.  

Maybe Kate was also entering her “soft girl” era like my sister!  

Anyway, the point of my going into this deep dive is to prove one thing. Costume designers in a film set are not just there to pick an outfit.  

It is indeed a well-thought process that delves deep into the psychology of a character. Therefore, they should pick apparel that will suit them the best.  

Scrolling through my TikTok FY page, I came across so many aesthetics that it was overwhelming.   

So, I stopped at the top five, aka my top favorite aesthetics!  

  • Dark Academia  
  • Coquette  
  • Soft Girl  
  • Cottagecore  
  • Preppy  

So, it began! The ultimate movie marathon.   

I started at Dead Poet’s Society and ended my deep dive on Legally Blonde, which took quite a preppy turn!  

It took some time to dissect and piece together every fashion aesthetic and the items you will need to recreate them. So, here is your ultimate guidebook to fashion aesthetics apparel inspired by movies.  

Dark Academia  

Since I was told to be part of the Dark Academia core, it is only fitting to start with what I relate to the most.  

This aesthetic features scholars with a knack for fulfilling their deepest curiosity regarding anything they find an interest in. An insatiable thirst for knowledge can often lead to poetic enlightenment holding the hands of Poe.  

Or find your very own literary inferno by following Dante.  

Although antique books are the top-tier dark academia accessory, we cannot forget the outfits that make reading them more fun.  

The ultimate romanticizing of our lives!  

“When Sappho was a living girl,  

And Beatrice wore  

The gown that Dante deified.  

Facts, centuries before,”  

– Emily Dickenson  

So, without any further ado, let’s find the top fashion movies handpicked for this aesthetic.  

1. Dead Poet’s Society 

From black framed eyeglasses to tweed blazers, this movie had every dark academia fashion fanatic lolling at the screen!  

However, it was not just the fashion that drew us so deeply within the movie but also the storyline. Afterall, this is the movie that first made the iconic term “carpe diem” (seize the day) a pop culture sensation.  

When the non-traditional English teacher John Keating insisted his students make each day “extraordinary,” we all smiled. Albeit, wishing we all had a teacher like that.   

Although, upon seeing the chic Welton uniform, we all wanted to be a part of the school, we must remember how miserable the members of the Dead Poet’s Society were. Neither of them wanted to be in that school, and the poetry club was the only thing they liked.  

This serves as an excellent eye-opener to people who still refuse to stand their ground and do what they want to.   

Are you currently dealing with a cognitive dissonance of your own making? Take inspiration from this fashion aesthetic. Dawn, your favorite tweed blazer, channel your inner scholar, and let’s start doing what we want.  

2. Cruel Intentions 

If the danger in dark academia was a person, it would be Kathryn Merteuil from Cruel Intentions!  

Her ominous presence, disguised with pretentious purity, matches the dangerous beauty the character tries to emulate. From the length of her skirts to the rosemary cross around her neck, every piece is well thought to add that dark academic touch.  

She also mixes the aesthetic perfectly with a femme fatale flair. A characteristic common in old Hollywood, when they described women with beauty & brains.  

Kathryn’s color pallet is a mixture of moody autumn tones and 90s dark beauty. These include black, brown, grey, and burgundies. This was a stark contrast to Cecile’s Upper East Side preppy looks or Annette’s virgin prudish apparel.  

Gothic fashion is also a subculture of dark academia, and we get to see it more in the movie than in your typical “scholar fashion.”  

Whether it was Kathryn’s corset dress worn on top of her bustier or the black and silver rosemary cross (filled with cocaine) that always hung around her neck.  

These fashion choices also portrayed the difference in characteristics for all three women. Eventually, Kathryn will be showcased as the most experienced, cunning, and ruthless person. Afterall, when we think about the knowledge aspect of dark academia, the darker or more negative side of the aesthetic represents all those three adjectives.   

For every clever philosopher, there is a cunning sorcerer to match.  

Styling Tips for Dark Academia:  

  • Tops: Plain monotone buttoned shirts (a little oversized), diamond pattern half pullover sweater, tweed blazer, letterman jackets (preferably in a darker color), crewneck everything, muted beige or white turtleneck, trench coat or sleeve coat, and men letterman jacket (a size smaller for a woman).  
  • Bottoms: Houndstooth trousers, plead skirt, white tennis skirt, brown or grey midi skirts, and cigarette pants.  
  • One Piece: We know dark academic fashion to be a magic of layers. Dresses are not a very common ingredient of this aesthetic. But how can we forget Kathryn Merteuil? The seductively beautiful and dangerously smart antagonist knew how to dawn her vixen dresses. Figure-skimming pinstriped suits and a black blazer over skimpy corset dresses embody the perfect darkness in the aesthetic. It also gives it the film noir element (a subculture of dark academia).  
  • Shoes: Loafers, Oxfords, black or brown ankle-length boots (a little block heel will give you the elevation), and Burgandy Sueds.  
  • Accessories: A hard leather book, brown belts (which keep your oversized pants in place), black-framed eyeglasses or gold-framed aviator glasses, leather belt watches, solid-colored hairbands, and a brown saddle bag.  

Coquette Aesthetic  

Started by Nancy Sinatra and popularized by Lana Del Ray, coquette fashion is also finding its personal spotlight among netizens. Especially over TikTok, with its hype being at its peak through laced collar t-shirts and empire waist babydoll tops.  

The core of this “core” is rooted in a woman being a flirt and a seductress, all the while keeping up the baby doll persona. The term coquette derives from the term coquettish, which means a woman who flirts a lot.  

However, they are slightly different than a sex symbol!  

While a sex symbol will overtly express her prowess, a coquettish woman would give a sultry peek at their covert sexuality while keeping most to the imagination. You can also find a slight touch of Victorian fashion blending with Coquette. 

Therefore, fashion will paint the same picture.  

So, without any further ado, let’s get into the fashion movies that will bring out your inner coquette girl.  

1. Marie Antoinette 

When we saw the director, we knew Marie Antoinette was going to serve aesthetics!   

&  

It didn’t fail.  

From the set design to the outfits, Sofia Cappola gave us the perfect Coquette movie. Yes, Marie Antoinette is a historical piece; the costumes might not be very practical. However, it gives us endless frills, laces, and color palettes to choose from.  

I don’t know about you, but every time I watch this movie, I am indeed reminded of a big sorbet pallet. It is amazing how costume designer Milena Canonero was able to bring about so much vibrancy. Portraying the stark contrast between the gloom of poverty that covered France at that time.  

Queen Marie Antoinette’s wardrobe was an ocean of opulence, and you can see it even in the colors. They were a mix of champagne yellow, Tifanny blue, and velvety reds. ‘Another Magazine’ once wrote a piece about it and beautifully described the characteristics behind it.  

They said, and I quote, “sugar-coated.” Her entire life was a sugarcoat, where she found bliss in her ignorance of what was happening in her kingdom. But rather focused more on throwing luxurious parties and deciding on the best silks (silk, a signature texture in coquette fashion).  

Although one of the movie posters does possess tasteful nudity, it was never meant to be seductive. Throughout the movie, we see Cristan Dunt (Marie Antoinette) wearing innocent colors like white, ivory, and baby pink. Rarely do we see her in colors like deep burgundies or black as opposed to the mistresses and courtesans in the kingdom.  

This classic choice of color symbolizes coquette fashion perfectly. Showing this aesthetic to be a young girl’s choice who is ready to explore her sexuality but still holds to her innocence through cute laces and romantic patterns.  

2. Lolita 

Coquette takes a not-so-innocent turn throughout this movie. A cult favorite for many who are a fan of this aesthetic, this movie shows how a woman can use their baby doll (almost childish) sexy persona to manipulate old men.  

The innocence painted through Lolita gave her a harmless demeanor, which worked fantastically towards deceiving men.  

This is a great example of how these aesthetics blend both purity and seduction in the line.  

One can call Lolita the archetype of Coquette fashion, which brought about the style to mainstream media. Some might even address this aesthetic as “Lolita fashion.”  

In the movie, Lolita dresses in a childlike fashion to seduce Humbert. But what possessed her from seducing an older man more like a sexy child rather than an adult woman is deeply rooted in Humbert’s sick psyche.   

Afterall, it is apparent from the movie and novel by Vladimir Nabokov that the male “protagonist” Humbert had a special inclination towards controlling young girls (…see his constant toxic behavior towards Lolita).  

Every time I watch this movie, I am always stuck in this dark dilemma –  

Lolita’s sailor collar blue two-piece, the romantic off-shoulder bandana top, and her iconic crown braid – are they manipulating Humbert? Or is our male “protagonist” with a heavily questionable character enjoying the young fetishization?  

As we tap into the dark side of romantic frills and baby doll dresses, it is important to understand one thing –  

Not every fashion needs to emulate the harsh plotline of its origin. You can get inspiration from Lolita, but it is better not to aspire to be one.  

Styling Tips for Coquette Fashion  

Here is how you can get the ultimate coquette wardrobe on a budget: (However, remember this fashion statement is quite different than the modern Kidcore fashion!) 

  • Tops: Tops with romantic necklines (princess, boat, sweetheart) – Floral prints – Pastel color tops (baby pink, sage, powder blue, and ivory white are staples) – shirts with romantic lace color (if you cannot find collared shirt, just buy a baby tee, and get a bunch of lose lace collars. They are quite inexpensive, and you will find them on Amazon) – Off shoulder tops – faux fur coats (preferably white) – fur collar coats.  
  • Bottoms: Skirts with a flowy hem (avoid tight skirts) – pleated skirts preferably in light pastel shades – flowy midi skirts with satin finish – high waist yoga shots – yoga pants in lighter colors (try to find ones with a contrasting thick waistband, you can find them in vintage thrift stores) – knot waist flair pants – baggy light denim jeans (a bonus if you can sprinkle of floral navigation in them).  
  • One Piece: Satin slips – baby doll dresses – body hugging sun dresses (preferably in floral or pastel colors) – tube dresses (you can ribbon and lace to accentuate it yourself) – maxi dresses with poof sleeves.  
  • Shoes: ballerina flats – Mary Jane platforms (in lighter shades) – Mary Jane closed toes (you can add bowties to make it more Coquette) – Lolita boots – high heel chunky block platforms (white, pink, or velvet red) – chunky white sneakers.  
  • Accessories: pastel socks with ruffled or laced ankles – sweetheart necklace – pearl earrings – hair bands – hair bows – lace & satin ribbons & belts – pastel sling bags – lace wrist length gloves.  

Soft Girl Aesthetic  

Finally, the fourth day was about diving into the soft girl fashion aesthetic. However, I did make a rookie mistake. I asked my sister to join me!  

It was difficult to concentrate on the movie when she kept chattering the whole time. Borderline demanded some of the dresses as her birthday presents.  

Thankfully, I have already watched these movies, so here is my take on this aesthetic.  

The soft girl is a hyper-feminine aesthetic. However, unlike coquette fashion, which delves into the seductress with an innocent outlook persona, the sexual connotation is missing in Soft Girl.  

If I had to describe a soft girl as a woman, it is someone who dresses cutely. There is a flair for modesty in them, and it is popular among young girls. There is a feminine movement going around in social media where young girls are trying to embrace their femininity, especially when being masculine is the more ‘logical’ route.  

Therefore, fashion also paints a picture of somberness and cuteness with a sprinkle of elegance. A lot of dresses and dainty heels. However, you can also dress in baggy jeans and have that soft-girl persona up. You will find this aesthetic to be a little closer to the modern Twee fashion. 

So, without any further ado, let’s first get into the movies!  

1. Little Woman 

The Greta Gerwig rendition of this classic is probably aced when it comes to aesthetics. From the balls to cottage Christmas ambiance, this movie is the C of cozy!  

But we cannot forget this movie won an Oscar for Best Costume Design. Yes, the costume will be our entity of discussion. Especially how incorporating some of the elements can give you the ideal soft girl look.  

The set design perfectly bringing the period background will obviously need the “perfect outfit!”  

I don’t know about you, but when I look at the aesthetic, the piece that comes to my mind is Meg’s Vanity Fair dress. A silk gown with the perfect amount of lace and soft pink. It was her denudate ball, showcasing the first milestone of her being a woman from a March girl.  

If we press backward and come to the beach scene, we have a fashion salad bowl. Every March, sisters perfectly complicate each other while also painting their own personality. Dressed in pastel (which is a staple for this aesthetic), we see a blend of romantic necklines (Meg’s sage dress with a peek of handmade lens on her neckline and hemline) – Midi dresses (Amy March’s blush pink midi with a striped skirt, and buttoned up top with a closed collar) – and Beth March’s dusty lavender full-length dress contrast with white lace collar.  

Well, Lori was never a soft girl. Therefore, her navy dress with a sailor striped top, matched with a beige jacket, contrasted her personality with the other March sisters.  

If there is one thing I want from the March sister’s closet, it would be the cloak jackets. They do not make feminine cloaks like that anymore for winter. However, after browsing a little through ETSY, I found a few amazing pieces. So, you just sit with a cup of warm beverage and your laptop to scroll away.  

2. The Princess Diaries (Part 2) 

This is my sister’s favorite movie. In fact, most of her soft girl inspiration comes from Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo (Mia), our very own princess of Genovia.  

She has become such an inspiration for young girls because of her fashion sense. In many ways, her character rejects the idea of being a ruthless empress, instilling the principle that being kind & empathetic are also formidable traits of a queen.  

Her soft blue dresses peppered with elegance are a great portal to express those emotions. She is soft-spoken, understanding, and always thinking about the people of Genovia. In many ways, this soft girl cum princess shows us that innate womanly traits are nothing to be ashamed of but rather a matter of great pride.  

Some of the iconic looks that are worth stealing are – the red no-shoulder ball gown with a netted skirt – the baby pink midi dress with short-sheer bell sleeves and a pink hat – the classic pink tweed dress with a blazer – and how can we forget her white with beige embroidered dress & a matching coat (the one she wore for her coronation march). We get to see some real female empowerment movement there!  

Styling Tips for Soft-Girl Fashion  

So, let’s decide on the staple wardrobe pieces for this dress.  

  • Tops: Pastel sweaters (body hugging) – crop pastel graphic tees – long sleeve henley t-shirts – tie front tops – front-tie cloaks or shrugs – Cami tops with a lace neckline – blouses with bell sleeves – short or long puff sleeve blouses – Greek sailor printed tops – pastel tweed blazers – cropped cardigan – square neckline everything!  
  • Bottoms: Baggy jeans (you can pick colors other than contemporary denim) – tennis skirts – long boho skirts – tweed skirts – white trousers.  
  • One-Piece: Sqaure neckline (princess cut) dresses – sweetheart neckline maxi dresses – floral prints – overall think spring.  
  • Shoes: Ballerina flats – chunky white/pink/powder blue sneakers – strappy kitten heels – closed mouth kitten heels – lace-up heels.  
  • Accessories: satin bow ties for hair – broad headbands – string bracelets – pearl embellished hair clips.  

Cottagecore Fashion  

The aesthetic value of rustic cottage-core fashion would emphasize the harmony of country life and include lace, ruffles, and dainty embroidery.   

Does the city noise you deal with daily make you feel like your head is boiling inside? I certainly do.   

Embracing this rural fashion is like getting a melancholic escape from it!  

While millennials may go around living their fast-paced lifestyles, the nostalgic characteristics of cottagecore will let them take a step back in time and reconnect themselves to nature and comfort.   

The clothes themselves are just one part of the equation. It’s the whole essence of the aesthetic. Every piece reflects artistry in its own way. Each detail has a story of hard work and dedication hidden behind it.  

Like someone with a knitting box crocheting away to make that one piece for you!  

As you select your new wardrobe for this upcoming spring season (cuz it is the season of cottagecore!), rather than classic designer pieces as always, why not give some vintage cottagecore clothing like a dress or a cozy hand-knitted sweater a try?   

The Cottagecore movement is a collection of more than just fashion. It is a collection of thoughts, desires, and passion for a calm lifestyle and connection with nature.   

This fashion idea itself sounded so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing that I almost shifted from a dark academia girly to a cottagecore girly!  

While Coquette might have a Victorian touch, we get the nostalgia of cottagecore from the necklines of Renissance, and Edwardian (a little down the line!). 

Therefore, picking the right movie was also a challenge. There are so many! But here is my favorite, too!  

1. Pride & Prejudice 

I have a shrewd suspicion that I picked this movie because it’s my favorite classic, and I also want the entire Bennet sister wardrobe!  

The colors, the empire waistlines, and the hats with scarves tied are a chef’s kiss!  

The fashion depicted in “Pride & Prejudice,” particularly in the 2005 adaptation, serves as a fascinating bridge to today’s cottagecore aesthetic. The film showcases a range of Regency-era attire, which, at its core, emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and a connection to nature.   

These elements resonate deeply with the cottagecore movement. The dresses worn by Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters, with their empire waistlines and light, flowing fabrics, capture an essence of ease and grace. Isn’t there something inherently calming about the thought of strolling through a meadow in such a dress?  

The soft, muted color palette, floral patterns, and handmade accessories seen in the movie parallel the visual language of cottagecore fashion.  

Elizabeth Bennet’s white gown in the “Pride & Prejudice” movie is a fit metaphor for the beauty of simplicity, which also are the main features of the celebrated cottage core style today. The ship has a high waist, or “waistline,” right under the bust, just like most popular dresses then, which adds class as well as comfort.   

Its ruffled surface and floral pattern drop us into peace and quiet, like the gorgeousness of nature. This is at the core of what we know as cottagecore.   

Lizzy’s choice of dress here represents her strong character and reflects her desire to remain true to herself rather than just fitting into what society expects from her. I think alongside fashion; we should also take a page from Lizzi’s book on ultimate feminine confidence!  

2. Tuck Everlasting 

This movie reminded me so much of the untamed nature and the beauty in it, whether it is through our character Winnie trying to unleash her inner wildness or her coming-of-age Edwardian fashion.  

One of the prominent features of cottagecore is its unpolished rustic look. Properties that heavily attracted me to this style.  

The puffy sleeves and ground-skimming hems, added with the floral crown, add that lure of rural nostalgia. Especially when there are period films in the early 19th century centric around the idea of opulent London balls (…and the fashion), it was nice to watch a movie that emulates the misty, melancholic, wild side of the English countryside.  

I swear all I wanted was to buy bonnets, white linen dresses, straw baskets, and candy-colored parasols. It was fresh to see Edwardian rural lawn dresses, which were not tamed like the Aristocats would do.   

Styling Tips for Cottagecore Fashion  

Since both are period films, finding the right inspiration could be challenging. So, I am back again with a wardrobe guide!  

…and yes, you will find a few similarities between Coquette & cottagecore. However, the difference is the personality of those wearing it. Someone of a coquette fashion enthusiast will channel their inner sexy more, while cottage-core lovers like to look rustic to add nostalgia.  

  • Tops: white puffed sleeve – collared blouse – dusty shades (dusty pink, sage green, navy blue, dusty rose – they bring out the wild nature personification) – crochet tops – Victorian style ruffled shirts – corsets or corset tops – chunky cardigan – cable knit sweater   
  • Bottoms: Flowy midi skirts – ruffled skirts – denim overalls (short & long) – baggy light-colored jeans  
  • One Piece: Ruffled midi dresses – puffed sleeve dresses – floral dresses.  
  • Shoes – Everything Mary Janes – white sneakers  
  • Accessories: straw hats – floral headpieces – head scarves – handmade basket bags  

Preppy Fashion  

I cannot end the fashion movie conversation without mentioning a fan-favorite, preppy fashion!  

I always thought preppy was a synonym for rich college-going kids. You know, the kind who has daddy’s money and can afford “good clothing.”  

Although I do not wish to deny it, considering the movies I picked *I aggressively check notes*.   

But don’t worry; if you are a fan of these looks, you can always get the budget-friendly version of it. Afterall, you do not need to own a white Channel tweed blazer to get into your dating era. You can do so by thrifting a regular tweed blazer.  

Sometimes, the quality of your clothes is not determined by the label but by many other factors. Next time you go preppy shopping, always check the quality of the material and the quality of the sewing before the label!  

So, without any further ado, let’s get into the fashion movies that can fulfill your preppy fashion heart.  

1. Clueless 

The fashion theme of “Clueless” is eye-catching, where the 90s generation-obsessed dreams are rendered with its glittery colors. Cher Horowitz takes a leading spot with her unique styles; mixing kilts with cardigans was a huge fashion statement that gave a generation-style cue.   

It gives a glimpse of the variety of preppy styles, such as the Iconic yellow pleated skirt to argyle jumpers. From there, any girl can pick up a unique outfit that looks cool and grown-up.   

As I watch Cher and her friends navigate high school life in their perfectly coordinated outfits, I can’t help but wonder –  

“The irresistible charm of preppy fashion is what has kept it the most sought-after fashion statement for all ages over the decades.”  

Whether it is the special attention to silhouettes, the intense colors, or the best out of the past?   

The portrayal of rich teenagers living in Beverly Hills clearly becomes a good reflection of the taste of the viewers. Indeed, the movie gives the audience an opportunity to dive into the fictional life of a glamorous teen high school.   

So, as I evoke the movie’s iconic moments in the fashion lover’s arena, I have been motivated to add some of these preppy fashions to my closet. Blending the classic appeal of plaid skirts and argyle sweaters with a contemporary flair.  

2. Legally Blonde 

In the movie “Legally Blonde,” fashion serves as the main idea as the young woman, Elle Woods, leaves the sorority life and past for the school of law. The array of pastels, out-of-this-world prints, and as much pink as you can think of makeup for Elle’s outgoing and lively personality.   

From her legendary pink suit to her constant array of interesting dresses, Elle is fashionable to boost your confidence and femininity.  

Whenever I see Elle in the pink halls of Harvard Law School, confidently delivering her speech, I can’t help but look up to her unshakable spirit. How does her style reflect her stance in the males’ male-dominated sector of the legal world?   

It does in a way where Elle doesn’t need to blend in the masculine colors but would rather have her own style to “win in fashion.”  

The movie’s representation of fashion to transformation and emerging has a huge influence on the audience. It helps them become aware of their individual style and wear it with confidence.   

Through her preppy fashion, our main character breaks with stereotypes and even preconceived ideas. These thoughts brought back to me the fact that we should always be proud of who we are and that being unique and distinctive is attractive even in a crazy time.   

To the fore, Elle’s fashion-conscious approach again confirms that confidence is the universal accessory, which guarantees that the true style comes from within.  

Styling Tips for Preppy Fashion  

Well, not all of us can get into Harvard. Thank God! It is not a necessity to look your preppy best!  

There is a slight resemblance of preppy with the classic old money fashion. So, you will find some fashion elements repeating from that.   

So, here are your wardrobe necessities!  

  • Tops: Button down shirt (something a little oversized) – letterman jackets – a heavy emphasis on the color navy – navy shirt – navy blazer – navy jacket – navy madras check shirts – tweed blazer – trench coat – Ralph Lauren tennis sweater (it doesn’t have to be Ralph Lauren. Just look for a sweater which is white cable-knit & has navy neckline border) – normal tennis sweaters (because those preppy ones always have some extracurricular going on) – oversized white cable-knit turtleneck – sweater vests.   
  • Bottoms: Chinos – Cigarette pants – stripped skirts (emulating the uniform of an Ivy League) – grey wrap skirts – tweed skirts – khaki oversized trousers – Nantucket red pants – plead skirts.  
  • One piece – Body con one piece (landing just a little above the knee) – sheath dresses.  
  • Shoes: pink & beige uggs – penny loafers – chunky lace-up – white sneakers – loafers with block heels – ballet flats – brogue.  
  • Accessories – Minimal watches with white dials & brown belts – ties – tennis necklace & bracelets – nylon bags  

The Final Verdict (…10 Fashion Movies in 10 Days)  

As I reflect on the deep dive into various fashion aesthetics inspired by iconic movies, one thing becomes abundantly clear:   

Fashion is not just about putting on clothes; you show who you are, what you love, and what you want.  

From the scholarly looks of Dark Academia to the playful flirting of Coquette. From the nostalgic surroundings of Cottagecore to the assertive persona in Preppy –  

Every aesthetic carries one’s uniqueness and authenticity in its own way!  

While many may superficially pick up on what is fashionable and what is not, subtly, fashion signifies much more than what meets the eye.   

It is that harmony of the inner and outer worlds. For some it is guaranteeing comfort and self-definition, a combination of holding on to tradition and spreading your fashionable wings.  

So, as you embark on your own fashion journey, ask yourself:   

What narration of these phenomenal movies should my wardrobe relay?   

How can I use fashion as a “spark” to become the young generation that inspires?   

What does being fashionable even mean to me?  

Remember to watch these movies on your next movie night to unleash your inner scholar, girlish-girl nature, or wild passion.   

A sense of confidence should always be attached to what you wear.  

However, it all comes down to being yourself at the end because the trendiest material you own is your real self. 

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