Inspired by the movies
I love using films for outfit inspiration, especially in summer, because some films just have such a strong sense of style.
You know the ones. The outfits, the colours, the setting, the whole feeling of it.
But there is definitely a fine line between “inspired by” and “accidentally looks like you’re in fancy dress”.
So the trick is this: don’t copy the costume, borrow the feeling.
Also, sorry there are no actual film images in this post. Last year I got a massive fine for accidentally using images from films on my website and it still stings, so we are doing this the legally-safe way!
But honestly, I think this is a better way to look at inspiration anyway, because it stops us copying an outfit too literally.
For example, if you love the Greek holiday style of Mamma Mia, you don’t need to dress like you’re about to burst into song on a Greek island. You might just borrow the white cotton, embroidery, denim, woven textures, turquoise blue, relaxed sandals, floaty shapes, or that easy, carefree holiday feeling.
If you love The Parent Trap, you don’t need to look like you’re off to summer camp. You might borrow the gingham, denim shorts, crisp white shirts, stripes, baseball caps, simple sandals, or that fresh, preppy, nostalgic summer feeling.
If you love the relaxed travel style of Eat Pray Love, you don’t need to suddenly look like you’re on a life-changing spiritual retreat. You might borrow the loose shirts, soft trousers, simple jewellery, earthy colours, easy sandals, floaty fabrics, or that relaxed “I’ve got nowhere to rush to” holiday feeling.
And if you love the full-on glamour of Roman Holiday, you don’t need to dress like you’re riding through Rome on a Vespa with Gregory Peck. You might borrow the full skirts, neat shirts, neck scarves, sunglasses, simple sandals, elegant shapes, or that polished European summer feeling.
Does that make sense? We are looking to recreate the vibe of the move!
Not the exact outfit, The mood. The colour palette. The texture. The shape.
The little details that make you think, “Ooh, I love that.”
So if you want to use a film for outfit inspiration, ask yourself: what feeling am I trying to borrow?
Is it carefree? Romantic? Classic? Coastal? Playful? Polished? Retro? Relaxed?
Then choose one or two details and bring them into your real-life wardrobe, and then the film has acted as a little spark to help you get dressed more like you.