Costume Ideas from Iconic Fashion Moments in Classic Film

Happy October Y’all! We officially made it to the time of year where the weather is cool and pumpkin spice is FREE flowing. Not to mention…Halloween is just around the corner! Spooky season is just soo much fun, but I think one of my favorite things about it is…you guessed it: dressing up! I love that the costume trend shifted dramatically a few years ago from buying a fake knock-off copycat at the store to full on DIY or thrift finds. It just makes it so much more fun—PLUS—it comes at a great price!!

Some of the best costume ideas are the ones where you reuse pieces in your actual wardrobe. That’s right, today’s blog will be all about repurposing your purchases for both costumes and modern, everyday looks. It’s cost effective and C-U-T-E! So where do you start?? Well, I find pop-culture, movies, and media are the (best and easiest) way to go. The possibilities are endless ladies, but we want to be gorgeous while doing it—so let’s look at iconic fashion moments from classic films for some inspo! I’m talking classic. So get ready to jump back in time, discuss some fan-favorite films and divulge all the secrets to their fashion AMAZINGNESS for some super-adorable costume ideas.

OH—and I made sure all these pieces were UNDER 100$. I know, I know—call me the budget queen. But, enough already, lets dive in!!!

Grease, 1978

This first one will eat your heart out—but not your wallet. Grease follows a good girl Sandy and a bad boy Danny who go back and forth in your classic push-and-pull highschool romance. The two fall in love over the summer…only to find out that they now attend the same school, and spend the movie trying to decide if they should rekindle their romance.This 50s musical is full of drama, love and of course…lots of musical theater. What more could a girl want?? I mean, Grease is the word!

Sandy’s style shift over the course of the film. She starts out sweet and innocent with full skirts, sweater sets, but turns to bad girl chic by the ending credits. That’s the look we want to focus on today…how could we not? Her famous “You Better Shape Up” outfit, embodies that all-familiar bombshell look with a strong side of feminine POWER. It’s an easy outfit to recreate, plus these pieces can be used in your wardrobe again and again. (PLUS you won’t have to be sewn into this outfit—they literally had to SEW Olivia Newton-John on set—CRAZY!!)

For my version of this STUNNING look, we inly had to change a few things—Sandy passed the vibe check. This new black, off-the-shoulder top puts the attention on your collarbone, ultimately snatching up that waist of yours as it appears smaller than the top half of your body. The slimming effect of the shape is fun and a strong look for someone trying to take on the town. ‘Cigarette’ pants may have been famous in the 80s, but now it’s all about leather. For this look we did leather leggings and they are a great way to easily elevate an outfit—and they are surprisingly comfortable! Belts are an essential piece to any outfit, but this one takes a modern twist on Sandy’s. The velvet texture brings another consistency to the lovely outfit party and doubles as a fun, yet simple way to say “Look at Me I’m Not Sandra De”. Finally, we have red kitten heels. Sandy rocked red pumps, but the new fashion trend is bringing back low-heels that are skinny and have a nice point! Trust me ladies, I’m hopelessly devoted.

Clueless, 1995

It’s hard to believe this 90s tale is based loosely on Jane Austen’s novel Emma. Talk about a culture shock! Beautiful, shallow, rich high schooler Cher Horowitz is at the top of her Beverly Hill’s pecking order. Deciding to play matchmaker, Cher coaxes two teachers into dating. Emboldened by this, she decides to give the hopelessly klutzy new girl Tai a makeover. As Tai becomes more popular than her, Cher suddenly becomes aware to all her nasty character flaws and starts to…you guessed it…fall in love!

Clueless came out during a time when grunge was the dominant trend among teenagers. Most of the film’s outfits are bold, fun, aspirational, highly feminine and carefully planned—especially Cher’s famous first day of school outfit. That yellow checkered jacket and matching ‘kilt’ skirt is a classic Dolce & Gabbana look alike that the director hand-made for the movie—talk about high fashion on a budget!! If your looking to recreate this famous look, (in a modern way) and integrate it into your wardrobe, I found the perfect pieces for this BOLD outfit.

This blazer from Target is almost a complete replica, and such a good price. It’s eye catching and should definitely be the centerpiece of your outfit outside of spooky-town.Walmart had many version of Cher’s skirt on their website, if your interested, but I decided not to include them because they just didn’t seem like something you’d have in your everyday wardrobe. Instead, I focused on her under-layers because they are staple items that can be used during any season. Each of these pieces are great for a costume AND a day out on the town. Our society has embraced bold, bright, color again so if you’ve got the nerves to sport everything all at once—then go for it! Otherwise, any of these can be styled independently of each other. The good news though…each of them match perfectly with these loafers. These shoes have been a hit for the past few years and are sooo comfortable. Preppy is back, and I hope it’s here to stay! They instantly perk up a dull outfit without character and most loafers come with many different types of metal—or none at all—so pick your favorite and run with it!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961

Audrey Hepburn has and WILL continue to be a fashion ICON until the end of time! Her beauty graced so many films back in the day, but her dress set from Breakfast at Tiffany’s has continued to go down in history. Hepburn stars as Holly, a naive cafe society girl who falls in love with a struggling writer named Paul…and thats pretty much all you need to know because the film worked best as a fashion film, and less for its plot. But hey, that’s perfectly fine with me.

The famous black dress is actually styled multiple times in the movie, and says something wonderful about the character as well as MOST women. It’s that: we understand the importance of clothing—reusing and restyling pieces until they lose functionality once and for all. Just like Holly, us lovely ladies learn to accessorize our clothes in a way that presents us as ladies with great style without having to prove our wealth. Ugh. I just love that!! Especially, when Holly shows up to breakfast in a sophisticated black slip dress. Her character is an underdog with the look of a movie star. As mentioned in Audrey Style, “the Hepburn…[peak] of refined elegance as Holly Golightly [created] hangover chic [through] triple strand faux pearl necklaces, sleeveless dresses and oversized dark sunglasses that continues to this day.” I hate to say it, but its Kardashian chic 101—but Audrey definitely wore it better.

I put together a modern take of Hepburn’s famous look…even thought it’s not that different! Grab this 16$ ankle length slip dress that will forever be a staple for your wardrobe. It can be worn during any season—or even to breakfast. But, going forward, it’s the accessories that need a be of tailoring. Instead of one big chunky necklace (those died in the 2010s), try for a layered look. I kept the pearls because those have comeback with a passion…and maybe a bit of a cult following. If you feel like this one necklace isn’t enough, keep layering more! I mean Audrey’s was huge. These pearl earrings are a statement piece for sure, and will brighten up any nighttime look. And last but certainly not least, I had to add in a little hair piece. It might be giving prom, but I am determined to say that this can be worn on the back of your head 2023 if styled the right way! It’s just so DARLING to me.

Pretty Woman, 1990

It’s been 33 years, but Julia Robert’s performance in Pretty Woman always seems to bring something new to the table each time I watch it. I mean that transformation is PHENOMENAL!! This film is a heart touching, modern (for the 90s), romantic take on the classic trope of two lovers (Edward and Vivian) born on the wrong side of the tracks. While Edward’s transformation throughout the film is emotional, Vivian’s is mostly physical, as the movie chooses to represent a better and more beautiful life through the clothes she wears. Which…basically is the story of my life.

Vivian becomes more comfortable with high-end outfits as the movie progresses, however just like all of us, despite all the wardrobe changes, she never changes no matter what she wears!! I think it’s important to note two of Vivian’s most famous dresses from the film: the brown polka dot dress & the red gown. They both show the flip-side of 90s style for women, which by that time had become an acceptable era for mom jeans, chunky sneakers and oversized blazers—all things we still love today. Each dress shows a side of ‘dressy’ that us ladies often go for.

The red is giving: “take me to a gala party darling” and the brown says: “ Easter Sunday has nothing on me honey”.

The red opera dress is considered the real show stopper of the film. Red is a POWERFUL color, it draws attention and makes a statement. Vivian’s dress is an off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline which can be tricky if you’re trying to make it modern and reusable. The one I found still has that off the shoulder feel, but the segmented sleeves, shape and texture difference makes it easier to dress up or down—another 2023 fashion factor. The brown polka dot symbolizes something traditional and ladylike. It’s a boatneck sleeveless, figure-skimming dress that is perfectly paired with white gloves and a wide brimmed hat. Today that wouldn’t normally be the case accessory-wise. I found a wonderful copy of the timeless dress AND a more modern-sexy take because I just couldn’t decide between both. I think the best way to give each dress a modern twist is by paring it with a nice chunky sweater over the shoulders and kitten heels or classic white sneakers (depending on the occasion).

The Breakfast Club, 1985

You can’t get anymore famous than The Breakfast Club. Five 80s high-school students from different walk of life have to endure a Saturday afternoon in detention together. ALSO the song will FOREVER live in my mind. The group includes the rebel, princess, outcast, brain, and jock. All together in the same space, for the first time, they discover that each are more than what they appear on the outside, and claim that their high-school will never be the same after today. NOW, I could do a blog on each and every one of these character’s styles BUT—Molly Ringwald (Claire) and John Nelson (Bender) steal the show—and make the best costumes for this film!! That’s RIGHT. Our last one is a couple’s costume <3 so let’s spread some L.O.V.E.

Claire, the most popular girl in school, is actually sent to detention for cutting class…to shop (i get it)!! She sports a famous pink and brown Ralph Lauren duo that is both girly and sophisticated, rightfully giving her the title of ‘princess’. The 80s combo pulls in the love we all have for layering. Her combo of a scrub-type blouse, midid skirt and knee high boots has been a continuing fashion trend for over 30 years. And of course, this wouldn’t be a couples costume if we didn’t talk about Bender’s style. He’s the rebel of the classic genre—biker jacket, plaid shirt, biker boots and fingerless gloves that has inspired the style of teenagers from the 80s. The scene where Claire gives him her diamond earring heralds in a new era of grunge around the world.

I took Claire’s look and kept the 80s feel, but brought it into the modern day. Maxi skirts are still in—possibly bigger than they ever have since the rise of the casual-chic style! Claire’s skirt is now a fitted brown silk skirt, which will look so good paired over these rich cowboy boots. They sport a nice square toe, which is again, a new shoe trend for the ages (their are literally soooo many new ones). What can I say…the yee-haw is back y’all! They also would look so good in the summer. IDK. When I buy shoes, its for the long haul, so I grabbed pieces that are functional. Last but not least, we have color! This silky top has cute little puffy sleeves just like Claire and would also be cute at the office. Roll them up or down, but revel in the color. I paired it with this belt combo to bring a fresh pop of bling against the darker tones of the skirt, but the best part is the Khol’s price! If you want to step it up and make it more screen accurate, go and grab a little white headscarf for the ascot look.

Bender's look is possibly one of the most recreated looks of all time. What a style icon! Also—each of these pieces can be styled for women too! I ABSOLUTELY love that oversized and men’s clothing has become a new era for women to take over. We are so cool—anyways! I had to start with a jean jacket. I mean everyone has to have in their closet—fitted or oversized. I really admire the quality of Old Navy. It has come a longgggg way. Although it definitely can be expensive sometimes…when they have the deals—THEY HAVE THE DEALS. Trust me. The pieces I’ve got on clearance will blow you away. Because of that, I selected a regular fit men’s jean jacket in a darker wash. NOW wash can be tricky, you have to match it with your outfit, but I figured if we’re going into the cool season you’d want a cool tone to the jacket. I even love that they had a lady modeling this one as well on the website, so you know they considered when a girly steals her man’s jacket!! Next we have a classic plaid shirt from L.L Bean. I started talking about quality—SO I’m gonna keep going. It’s cozy, it’s lumberjack, it’s perfect for Bender…and of course the man in your life. Finally we have some jeans, in a pretty cool wash I might add. I love the straight leg fit because its just so easy to pair with sneakers (or doc martens if you want to channel your inner grunge). They match the other pieces and have a modern color that can be paired with an everyday outfit, plus—again, quality! Ever since A&F had their rebrand not too long ago they really haven’t missed.

Happy Hunting!

Well friends, that was a long one—but thank you for sticking with me. I got to use some of my movie/fashion creativity and it was SOO FUN. The most important thing here is that you have fun. I mean…who even cares how accurate your costume is at the end of the day? If you want to model your spooky looks for the modern day, go for it! It’s an effective way to get creative if you like a select character’s style OR it can save yourself from buying something you’ll never wear again! BUT as I like to say, fashion is in the eye of the beholder. So wear what you love and be who you are. I just love to share the latest trends because I feel like I’m still figuring it all out myself, LOL. I mean who would have thought these older films would inspire such CUTE modern looks??

Once again, thank you for reading and ALLLLL the support you continue to give me. I love what I do AND I love y’all! Bye lovelies :)