15 Fashion films to watch that aren't The Devil Wears Prada
When it comes down to choosing "fashion films" there are few titles that initially come to mind, leaving the first obvious choice to be crowned to The Devil Wears Prada. Although the story of Miranda and Andy's bickering provide much entertainment, we can't help but feel guilty for not venturing further into the industry of film. Which is why I have undertaken the job of uncovering more films of the fashion genre so that we can explore the industry further whilst also staying on the similar tracks of the stylish films we already love and some alternative titles to try ASAP.
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Make some popcorn, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy.
1) 13 going on 30, 2004
Andy Sachs definitely appeared to have it rough at Runway Magazine, however it was nothing compared to the hardship that Jenna Rink had to endure when she woke up in her own thirty year old body. After wishing her years away at her 13th birthday party she wakes up to find she's a real adult and living the life of luxury as a successful magazine editor, until she feels it all crumbling apart and enlists her old friend Matt to help her. This film features iconic style features from the 2000s with a touch of a thirteen year olds imagination making the perfect ensemble of style and colour, making it a must watch for fashion lovers.
2) Clueless, 1995
There is no doubt that this is one of the most iconic fashion films of the 90s. From Cher's futuristic dream wardrobe to the classy Calvin Klein number she pulled out on Christian, and well let's be honest basically every outfit Cher, Dionne and Tai showed us. Experience the ups and the downs of the lives of high school students in the glamorous Beverly Hills and follow the struggles they're having to face as teenagers, for instance Cher's never ending hunt for a "man", not a boy. Cher Horowitz was and always be the ultimate fashion icon.
3) Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961
It's impossible not to love Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard in this classic, and by also providing iconic fashion statements and a strong female lead it has upheld its place as the best New York love story of all time. Like The Devil Wears Prada it is filled with drama, comedy, and high-end fashion. Holly Golightly debuted her style in the iconic little black dress outside of Tiffany's whilst eating a croissant. We follow Holly as she falls in love with a struggling writer and must face her past before moving forward. Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy had a great relationship which meant they often worked on iconic looks together which can be seen in this film and many of her other movies, such as Sabrina's ballgown.
4) The Great Gatsby, 1974 & 2013
Both Gatsby movies show amazing style through all the cast but most especially via Daisy Buchanan. Mia Farrow and Michelle Williams stunned in the films with their evening gowns and although the 2013 remake may have been more modern and flashy the costumes were still gorgeous. Farrow's Gatsby gown has also gone down in fashion history for being one of the most memorable pieces of fashion from movies, according to Vogue. The tragic love story brought the elegant and lavish lifestyle of the '20s to life.
5) Sex and the City, 1998-2010
SERIES. FILM. SEQUEL. All are a must from this excellent franchise. Like The Devil Wears Prada, this series is also known for its major designer fashion influence. Whether you're a Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha or Miranda, you connect so closely to all of them differently and it almost feels as if you're developing a personal relationship with them too, the franchise makes you feel so immersed into their world by discussing such personal topics with you whilst also making sure to look fabulous. The romance, the city, the clothes and the girlfriends make it an absolute must.
6) Phantom Thread, 2017
Step into the beautiful melancholy world of dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his sister Cyril, as they make the most exquisite gowns for London’s high society in the 1950s. That is until it all goes abrupt when he meets his love interest Alma, after insisting on the lifestyle as a bachelor. Whilst watching your attention may be fought over by the clothes and the narrative, Fashion Magazine had said "There’s plenty of drama in Woodcock’s life, but the most dramatic characters in this film are the clothes, which evoke examples of the finest techniques used by Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy and Cristóbal Balenciaga". You know a film will be good when the costumes are magnificent.
7) Confessions of a Shopaholic, 2009
Rebecca Bloomwood is the woman we wish we could be, that is until she racks up an enormous amount of debt and ends up being a columnist for a financial publication, instead of her dream job at the city's top fashion magazine. However, will her new love interest who just so happens to be a wealthy entrepreneur spice things up for her. This film is all about clothes, just read the title, so what can get better than that? Designer clothes in the big apple, what more can you want to see from a film. If you aren't convinced just yet, just listen to the wise words of Rebecca Bloomwood, "I love new clothes. If everyone could just wear new clothes every day, I reckon depression wouldn't exist anymore."
8) Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1953
It's always great being able to watch such an iconic film featuring two such classic fashion icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russel themselves. We follow them from outfit change to outfit change gobsmacked with every entrance. I think the most talked about dress from the film that everyone would remember is the iconic pink piece Marilyn wears whilst she performs Diamond's are a Girls Bestfriend. It's outfits such as these that make me fall in love with mid-century style, and we can't forget their duo red sequin dresses either. Watching Lorelai Lee and her best friend Dorothy Shaw flee to Paris (away from Loreali's fiancee) whilst they mingle with multiple rich men is the perfect recipe for drama and temptation with a large amount of laughs.
9) Crazy Rich Asians, 2018
This film brought a whole different style of fashion to show. It introduced the luxuries of Singapore and their delicate designer clothes through many wonderful vibrant scenes. It is a story of romance and money, Rachel Chu who is played by the marvellous Constance Wu sets off to meet her boyfriends parents at a family wedding in Singapore but when she realises she discovers that he is not quite what he perceived to be. She is introduced into this new world of luxury with beautiful designer clothes, expensive sports cars and amazing real estate. You truly have to watch, especially for the indescribable wedding scene, all i can say without any spoilers is that I was just in awe the whole time.
10) Pretty Woman, 1990
Where to start. Pretty Woman is one of the best films of our time. It is the beautiful tale of rags to riches with the help of a handsome bachelor. Vivian (the astonishing Julia Roberts) is at her lowest when we meet her, unable to pay her rent and is working as a prostitute on Hollywood Blvd. When Edward Lewis (the gorgeous Richard Gere) drives past and eventually ends up asking her to stay for the week with full salary in which time they gradually develop feelings for one another, creating the perfect romance story. During this time we see Vivienne's beautiful style transformation from the iconic blue white ring dress to her classy dresses and suits. The fashion in this film makes it unmissable to see.
11) Legally Blonde, 2001
Elle Woods is our stereotypical pink barbie girl with the amazing lawyer brains. When it comes to fashion and a case she knows what she's talking about which is evident when it came down to her big trial. Elle sports various pink outfits that are absolutely to die for which helped define the style of the early 2000s, from business to bikini's the girl knows her style.
12) Marie Antoinette, 2006
Sofia Coppola’s adaption of Marie Antoinette portrays the extravagant life of one of France’s most infamous queens. You’ll be captivated by the lavishness of the royal lifestyle we get to indulge in, including everything from eloquent banquets to breathtaking gowns with tiers and tiers of dreamy pastel fabrics. With the film belonging to the period genre, it gives us a chance to focus on the delicate embroidery of the gowns of this saccharine style.
13) Miss Congeniality, 2000 & 2005
With Miss Congeniality's 20th birthday coming up this December and it's style still having such a dominant impact on today's society, proves that this is one not to miss. You may not remember all of Gracie Hart's adoring outfits but there is one that has made a huge comeback within this past year (and no it's surprisingly not the post-makeover mini purple dress). It is in fact Gracie's baggy trousered suit which has been spotted on Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajowski and many other fashion icons of the now. Follow Gracie Hart (boyish FBI agent) become Gracie Lou Freebush (Beauty Pageant Queen), the person she least expected ever to become. Making her have to change her behaviourisms and her looks in order to save her country. Any Sandra Bullock Film is compulsory to watch (because of how fabulous she is obviously) but this one truly makes it worth your while by merging the genre's of action, comedy and romance. You may even be able to convince your boyfriend to watch this one, girls.
14) Princess Diaries, 2001 & 2004
The Princess Diaries is one of those movies that I can watch repeatedly without getting bored. It most likely has something to do with the fact that Mia Thermopolis is so relatable and awkward just like we can be. This genuine personality comes with an impeccable sense in style, especially from what we see in the second film from her classy pink tweed co-ord to her INCREDIBLE surprise walk in wardrobe that makes us wish we were a secret princess too, sadly still waiting on that one. Both movies illustrate a fabulous 2000s style covering both aspects of being a mainstream teenager and the extravagant life of ballgowns (lets not forget about the time we're still fauning over Mia paired hers with her iconic Dr. Martens). It's a must watch to fulfil your inner child and is the only way you'll be able to take a trip to the beautiful Genovia.
15) Gossip Girl, 2007-2012
Yes I know I know, it's not a movie but I could not miss out these stylish manhattan socialites. Gossip Girl throughout the years was almost everyones go-to show, with it comes the drama, the romance, the love triangles, the arguments, the secrets and the most important thing of all, the fashion. Everyone wanted S and B's friendship, Chuck and Blair's relationship and just to sit there and fawn over Nate's good looks. There are also so many other series that I would have loved to have added to the list such as The O.C., Scream Queens and many many more but tried my best to keep to strictly films so here it is a summarised list of some of the fashion films I would consider a great attribute to the fashion/film industry, and there are of course many others I would have loved to have talked about but of course you have to stop somewhere and I may already have slyly extended my list from 10 to 15 whoops. So of course, I have to stop here with my go to fashion favourite films.
Hopefully this selection of movies will keep you occupied for the time being during what seems to be an another lockdown again, so stay safe and healthy and grab that bottle of wine, cuddle into your couch and turn the television on to one of these stylish films.
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