Get the Look: Fashion on Film

We get many of our fashion cues from film and television – some of the most iconic images of the twentieth century come from the silver screen. Here’s a list of some of our favourites throughout the years, plus some ways to make these looks work for you.
 
1953: Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday
 
The fifties were dominated by neck scarves, full, petticoat-boosted skirts and tight belts– all of which featured in Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe in Roman Holiday, a romantic comedy that still has us swooning over Audrey’s espadrilles as well as Gregory Peck on a Vespa.
 
More upscale vintage stores have beautiful and extremely well-preserved pieces from the fifties that would be fantastic additions to any wardrobe. Luckily, as fifties fashion has made a comeback with espadrilles and neck scarves, you can pick up several such items from the high street.
 
1977: Diane Keaton in Annie Hall
 
Adorable, kooky Annie Hall, brilliantly realised by a young Diane Keaton, was the ultimate arbiter of quirky, off-kilter seventies fashion. Her baggy slacks, characteristic hats, button-down shirts, waistcoats and ties made the androgynous look as popular then as it is now.
 
To achieve this look, your best bet is to hit up your boyfriend or dad’s wardrobe, or comb the men’s section of a vintage store.
 
1978: Olivia Newton-John in Grease
 
Through Olivia Newton-John’s wholesome Sandy, Grease showcased the late fifties outfits of both the good girl and the bad. From her full skirts and modestly fitted letter-sweaters, Sandy later famously goes to the bad, and dons a jet-black, second-skin, T-Bird ensemble.
 
We all wanted to wear Sandy’s black latex-and-leather look, and now that leather trousers are sold on the high street, we can. Combine with big hair, blood-red lipstick and a smouldering cigarette to get this killer look.
 
1995: Alicia Silverstone in Clueless
 
Alicia Silverstone’s superficial but loveable Cher took the preppy-teen look that one step further, ushering in a generation of wannabe Beverly Hills adolescents in schoolgirl-meets-lady-who-lunches mini-dresses and tight, tiny tweedy suits in eye-bashingly bright plaid, accessorised with knee-high socks.

The easiest way to recreate Cher’s look is not to unearth your school uniform and add knee socks and round-toed heels - that’d be a bit too Lolita-esque. You’re better off heading for the high street and getting yourself a smart and versatile blazer and mini–and matching mini-skirt.
 
How to afford it
 
If you want to emulate the looks of various movie characters in different eras, the costs could build up. But if you ensure you invest in clothes that can be worn over and over again to maximise their value, you’ll have less use for your old ones, which you could sell on Music Magpie, who will collect unwanted and used clothes and even pay you for them – meaning you won’t be strapped for cash on your next shopping spree.