Cinema has been a source of fashion inspo for the longest time now, with its beautiful costumes defining entire eras and reinforcing the importance of wardrobe in storytelling. While there have been plenty of iconic fashion moments in film, some characters stand out more than others for the amount of memorable outfits they were seen in.
To celebrate the importance of wardrobe in film and how much they contribute to great storytelling,we analyze some cinematic fashion icons that embody style in its most authentic and artistic form, influencing fashion trends and shaping viewers' perspectives on elegance and personality. From Holy Golightly to James Bond, these characters continue to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting imprint on both film and fashion.
10The Heathers in ‘Heathers’ (1988)
Played by Shannen Doherty, Kim Walker, and Lisanne Falk
Heathersis one of the most iconic anddefining movies of the 1980s, marking the end of the decade with its memorable protagonists and top-notch costume design. The cult classic’s popular central girls — all three named Heather — stand out for many reasons, but their fashion is assuredly at the top of the list. In the film, the mean girls embrace bold colors, plaid, and oversized silhouettes.
The Heathers' striking style has solidified their place as enduring fashion icons, inspiring fashion trends and instantly making the characters symbols of both 80s nostalgia and timeless teen looks. Their pretty clothing and usage of vibrant shades helped popularize the idea of resorting to color to illustrate power and personality, with their looks ultimately inspiring modern designers in vintage and retro-inspired fashion.
At Westerburg High where cliques rule, jocks dominate and all the popular girls are named Heather, it’s going to take a Veronica and mysterious new kid to give teen angst a body count.
9Elvira in ‘Scarface’ (1983)
Played by Michelle Pfeiffer
Wonderfully played byMichelle Pfeiffer, Elvira is known for her glamorous, high-fashion looks that combine seductive elegance and 1980s luxury. Pfeiffer’s on-screen counterpart is introduced as the girlfriend of Tony’s boss inScarface, though she eventually gets involved withAl Pacino’s central character.
Elvira’s style is a great extension of her character, reflecting her empowered and independent personality. Including plenty of form-fitting outfits such as sleek dresses and bold jewelry, the wardrobe of theScarfacecharacter is to die for, perfectly embodying the blend of beauty and danger in her character and inspiring fashion collections. Like the Heathers,Elvira is regarded as a trendsetter particularly for her iconic 1980s style, cementing her place as a timeless movie fashion icon. However, it is worth adding that Pacino’s Tony Montana himself deserves a nod among the most stylish characters, as he helped popularize the “over-the-top” 1980s Miami “drug lord” look as he stepped into the screen in his many iconic suits.
An ambitious Cuban refugee embraces the criminal underworld to achieve wealth and status in Miami. As his power grows, his enemies multiply, setting the stage for betrayal and a struggle for survival. His life becomes a cautionary tale of greed and its ultimate consequences, painting a vivid picture of the high cost of the criminal American dream.
8Jim Stark in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ (1955)
Played by James Dean
James Deanawes audiences in one of his most iconic roles inRebel Without a Cause, a rebellious young man who navigates through his troubled life and attempts to find himself in the process. While Jim’s wardrobe consists of casual and understated pieces, Dean’s character inNicholas Ray’s moviehas earned the admiration of many by presenting audiences with a shift from traditional, conservative styles during the 1950s.
When it comes to men’s fashion, Jim is notably a standout figure in cinema, with its cool style resonating with viewers even today. His wardrobe — comprised of his signature red jacket, blue jeans, and a white t-shirt — is a big part of the film’s storytelling, encapsulating his essence and instantly cementing both the character as a cultural icon and James Dean’s place as a symbol of youthful angst. To this day, the character’s iconic look remains a well-known one and is heavily referenced in pop culture.
Rebel Without a Cause
7Mrs. Robinson in ‘The Graduate’ (1967)
Played by Anne Bancroft
Image via Embassy Pictures
Anne Bancroft’s Mrs. Robinson fromThe Graduate, the older woman with whom the protagonist begins an affair, is one of the most iconic characters of the decade fashion-wise. Her subtly sexy dresses and animal-print patterns reflect her sultry, seductive personality, blending sophistication with subtle sensuality.
Mr. Robinson’s fashion picks certainly reflect her complex character and mysterious personality — sophisticated and yet seductive, curated to display her persona and influencing fashion and inspiring designers and pop culture references alike at the same time. With that being said,it is evident that seductress Bancroft’s epic fashion statements have naturally made her an enduring fashion muse in film, solidifying her place as one of the most iconic fashionistas in cinematic history.
The Graduate
A disillusioned college graduate finds himself torn between his older lover and her daughter.
6Penny Lane in ‘Almost Famous’ (2000)
Played by Kate Hudson
Kate Hudsonhas brought to life her fair share of stylish characters, starting with Andy inHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, who looked absolutely mesmerizing in hericonic yellow dress. Still, Penny Lane is arguably her most iconic one so far, becoming a quintessential fashion icon with her free-spirited style capturing the essence of the 1970s rock-and-roll culture.
Blending vintage, eclectic, and effortlessly cool pieces,Almost Famous' Penny Lane is well-known for her afghan coat, exuding laid-back glamour.What makes her style — influenced by both hippie and glam rock — so iconic is how it perfectly embodies the counterculture movement. For boho-chic enjoyers, Lane is the cinematic fashion blueprint, seamlessly mirroring her carefree and adventurous nature while providing audiences with style inspo.
Almost Famous
5Cher Horowitz in ‘Clueless’ (1995)
Played by Alicia Silverstone
As for 1990s fashion,Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz is an honorable mention. TheCluelesscentral character is easily among the most iconic fashion figures in film. Her wardrobe mirrors the extravagant yet polished mix of preppy, chic, and girly — plaid skirt suits, in particular, can not be missing when it comes to Cher’s lookbook, which works as a reflection of her societal status and confidence.
Silverstone’s character successfully pulls off many trends, with her love for fashion being a defining part of the story and central to her character, as the movie depicts her as a popular trendsetter. Although her influence in the 90s was even more noticeable, Cher remains a fashion icon to this day, with her style being highly referenced and reimaginedin modern collections, street style, and pop culture.
Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school’s pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other.
4Lisa Fremont in ‘Rear Window’ (1954)
Played by Grace Kelly
Image via Paramount Pictures.
Played by theever-talented and elegantGrace Kelly,Rear Window’s Lisa Fermont is yet another great example of an iconic film fashionista. Her timeless and sophisticated fashion exudes high society and luxury, elevating her character, a socialite romantically involved with the film’s protagonist (James Stewart), to a symbol of mid-20th century fashion.
Not only did Kelly deliver a solid performance in the movie,buther character’s impeccable taste continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts to this day. Lisa’s understated elegance speaks to the beauty of classic femininity — at its core, it is a beautiful blend of refinement and grace, including elegant dresses and beautiful accessories that help successfully display classic 1950s couture in all its glory.
Rear Window
A photographer in a wheelchair spies on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village courtyard apartment window, and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder, despite the skepticism of his fashion-model girlfriend.
3James Bond in ‘From Russia With Love’ (1963)
Played by Sean Connery
There is no character quite like James Bond when it comes to men’s fashion. From the momentSean Conneryfirst wore the iconic tuxedo inDr. No, he became the ultimate symbol of suave, timeless style. In thethrillingFrom Russia With Love, Bond’s fashion reaches new heights with his perfectly tailored suits that fit him like a glove.
It is worth noting thatBond’s style transcends his clothing choices— it is also a part of his well-curated persona, showcasing his confidence and charisma. Because of its timeless nature, his fashion stretches far from the silver screen and continues to influence menswear today, shaping the modern approach to the gentlemanly style. As such, Bond has cemented his place in the fashion world, going on to earn the title of a true icon.
From Russia With Love
2Jo Stockton in ‘Funny Face’ (1957)
Played by Audrey Hepburn
The epitome of chic elegance,Audrey Hepburnbrings to life a model named Jo inFunny Face. Her charm is anchored by her intellectual, bookish persona, which is, in turn, elevated by sophisticated yet effortlessly graceful outfits that reflect her character’s captivating transformation.
Elegant and undeniably influential, Jo’s wardrobe is wonderfully designed by renowned designerHubert de Givenchy, with whom Hepburndeveloped a close bond inSabrina, a movie that marked the beginning of their years-long collaboration. Her looks, often consisting of beautifully tailored dresses, are modern and simple but also incredibly refined and sophisticated, paired with striking accessories. It is clear thatJo’s fashion resonates beyond the film, inspiring women even todayand leaving a lasting influence on womenswear.
Funny Face
1Holy Golightly in ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’ (1961)
The second Hepburn movie on this list emphasizes how much of a fashion icon she was besides being an incredibly talented star.Breakfast at Tiffany’s endures one of her most influential and memorable works — she plays Holy Golightly, a young New York socialite who becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment.
Holy’s looks are undeniably memorable, starting with her iconic little black dress paired with a pearl necklace and a chic updo, which has captured the attention of audiences from the get-go. As the years passed, it became evident that Holly has become a fashion icon in film, influencing fashion lovers worldwide with her combination of simple yet chic pieces and statement accessories, reflecting modern femininity to perfection. Some even say thatHolly has revolutionized fashion and helped cement Hepburn’s place as a global style icon.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a romantic comedy film by director Blake Edwards and is based on Truman Capote’s 1958 novella. The 1961 film stars Buddy Ebsen, Audrey Hepburn, Patricia Neal, and George Peppard. The plot revolves around Holly Golightly as she falls in love and the trials and tribulations that come along with it.
