Fashion in Film: The Killer Muse’s Guide to ICOnic film fashion
Fashion and film have always been inextricably linked, with cinema giving birth to some of the most unforgettable style moments of all time. From iconic costumes to minimalist ensembles that become legendary, the right outfit doesn’t just make a character—it shapes their identity and leaves an indelible mark on pop culture. From Audrey Hepburn’s refined elegance to Nicole Kidman’s sultry allure, here are some of the most iconic fashion outfits ever to grace the silver screen.
1. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Outfit: The Little Black Dress (LBD)
Why It's Iconic:
Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly cemented her as one of Hollywood's most enduring style icons. The simple yet sophisticated black dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy, paired with pearls, gloves, and a sleek updo, became a blueprint for elegance. This moment of timeless chic has influenced fashion for decades, solidifying the LBD as a must-have in every woman's wardrobe.
The Killer Muse Impact:
Hepburn's look was about more than just the dress—it was a statement of refinement, mystery, and feminine power. Holly’s impeccable taste and poised charm became the perfect canvas for an outfit that epitomized class. To get the look, pair a little black dress like the High Neck Jersey Minidress from Norma Kamali or the 365 Ruched Side Boat Neck Maxi Dress from Tala with a chunky pearl necklace like Vivienne Westwoods Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker.
2. Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Outfit: The White Halter-Neck Dress
Why It's Iconic:
The image of Marilyn Monroe’s dress billowing over a subway grate is seared into cinematic history. Designed by William Travilla, the dress became an instant symbol of sex appeal and femininity, capturing Monroe’s effortless blend of innocence and allure.
The Killer Muse Impact:
It’s not just the dress that made this look iconic, but the sense of vulnerability and boldness that Monroe exuded. This moment is forever etched in pop culture as the ultimate celebration of feminine allure. To get this iconic look, you’ll need a dress like the Marilyn White Cotton Halter Neck Dress by Wolf and Badger, and a pair of statement earrings like David Yurman’s Petite Elements® Stud Earrings In 18ct Yellow Gold With Mother Of Pearl And Diamonds.
3. Cher Horowitz in Clueless (1995)
Outfit: Yellow Plaid Skirt Set
Why It's Iconic:
Clueless redefined 90s fashion, and Cher Horowitz, played by Alicia Silverstone, became the queen of preppy chic. The yellow plaid skirt suit, paired with knee-high socks and loafers, epitomized the carefree and fashion-forward attitude of a Beverly Hills high schooler. The look was playful, fresh, and impossibly chic.
The Killer Muse Impact:
This ensemble perfectly encapsulated the playful spirit of the 90s, inspiring a resurgence of plaid and preppy style in fashion circles today. Cher’s wardrobe continues to serve as a touchstone for fashion-forward youth culture. Get this look by wearing Valentino’s Gold Tweed Mini Skirt paired with Dior’s Yellow, Gray and White Check'n'Dior Virgin Wool Fitted Jacket, and you’re good to go!
4. Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Outfit: The Red Corset and Feathered Headdress
Why It's Iconic:
Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Satine in Moulin Rouge! was a whirlwind of color, drama, and extravagant glamour. One of her most unforgettable outfits is the glittering red corset, paired with a lavish feathered headdress, worn during her performance of "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend."
The Killer Muse Impact:
This ensemble embodies Satine’s allure and tragic beauty, straddling the line between seduction and heartbreak. The vibrant, over-the-top nature of her costumes mirrored the fantastical world of Moulin Rouge!—where love, desire, and spectacle collide. To get Nicole Kidman’s look, opt for a dress like the Draped Silk Satin Corset Gown from The Sei, or the Vivienne Red Lace Maxi Dress from Murci.
5. Keira Knightley in Atonement (2007)
Outfit: The Green Chiffon Dress
Why It's Iconic:
Keira Knightley’s Cecilia Tallis is unforgettable in the lush green chiffon dress designed by Jacqueline Durran. The dress, worn during a pivotal scene in a grand library, is both an emblem of love and loss, perfectly capturing the tragic romance at the heart of Atonement.
The Killer Muse Impact:
The dress is not only visually striking but emotionally poignant. It encapsulates the tension of desire and regret, becoming a visual representation of Cecilia’s doomed love affair. This look has become synonymous with the film’s melancholy beauty. To achieve this look, go for a dress like the Sweetheart Spaghetti Straps A-Line Chiffon Maxi Dress With Slit from Duntery, or the Nigel Preston Wrap Soho Dress from Free People.
6. Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction (1994)
Outfit: The White Shirt and Black Pants Combo
Why It's Iconic:
Uma Thurman’s portrayal of Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction is defined by one of the most effortlessly cool outfits in film history—a white shirt tucked into black trousers, paired with red lipstick and a sleek bob. It’s a look that is both casual and edgy, perfectly fitting with Mia’s mysterious and rebellious personality.
The Killer Muse Impact:
The simplicity of Mia’s outfit has inspired countless imitators, and its understated coolness continues to influence fashion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most iconic fashion moments come from the art of doing less rather than more. To capture this look, start with a white shirt like The Boyfriend Shirt from With Nothing Underneath, and pair it with a pair of black trousers like the Charlotte Black Trousers from Nadine Merabi, or the HW Ali high-waist flared-leg velvet jeans from 7 For All Mankind.
7. Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946)
Outfit: The Strapless Black Dress
Why It's Iconic:
Rita Hayworth’s Gilda is a classic example of the femme fatale. In the infamous "put the blame on Mame" scene, she wears a figure-hugging black dress designed by Jean Louis. The combination of the dress, her striking red hair, and sultry performance created an unforgettable image of both beauty and danger.
The Killer Muse Impact:
The strapless black dress is the ultimate symbol of Hayworth's magnetic power and her tragic allure. It continues to influence the depiction of femme fatale figures in fashion and cinema. To copy the look, we think a dress like the Love Me More Maxi Dress from Peppermayo would be perfect!
8. Natalie Portman in Black Swan (2010)
Outfit: The Black Swan Ballet Costume
Why It's Iconic:
Natalie Portman’s role as Nina Sayers in Black Swan is defined by both her psychological unraveling and her iconic ballet costumes. The transformation from the White Swan to the Black Swan—complete with dramatic makeup and a feathered costume—became a visual symbol of Nina’s internal struggle.
The Killer Muse Impact:
The Black Swan costume is a hauntingly beautiful look that epitomises both darkness and beauty, making it one of the most memorable and emotionally charged fashion moments in modern cinema. To get the Black Swan look, a mini-corset dress like this one from Zapaka, or the Emmeline dress from Oh Polly would fit the vibe.
9. Olivia Newton-John in Grease (1978)
Outfit: The Black Leather Pants and Off-the-Shoulder Top
Why It's Iconic:
Olivia Newton-John’s transformation from sweet Sandy Olsson to the bold, confident version of herself in the final scene of Grease is one of the most memorable fashion moments in film history. Her black leather pants, paired with an off-the-shoulder top, exude confidence and rebellion, signaling her evolution and empowerment.
The Killer Muse Impact:
Sandy’s leather-clad look is a symbol of liberation and self-expression, capturing the spirit of the 70s while resonating deeply with audiences. This outfit became an iconic representation of femme empowerment in a fun, youthful context, influencing countless interpretations of "bad girl" style and contributing to the rise of leather as a go-to fashion statement. To embody Olivia Newton-John, pair some black leather trousers like the Alessandra Rich Belted Leather Pants from Luisaviaroma with an off the shoulder black top like the Libra off-shoulder cashmere-blend top from Extreme Cashmere.
10. Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Outfit: The Satin Trousers (From the "Killer Queen" Era)
Why It's Iconic:
The satin trousers, paired with a dramatic cape, worn by Freddie during the “Killer Queen” era was a bold statement in the early years of Queen’s rise. The glam-rock aesthetic mixed with Freddie’s larger-than-life personality made this look a showstopper.
The Killer Muse Impact:
This outfit is a symbol of the glam rock movement, which Freddie embraced wholeheartedly. His blend of theatricality and fashion-forwardness set him apart as not just a rock star, but a style icon who wasn’t afraid to challenge traditional notions of masculinity, encouraging future generations to embrace flamboyance and self-expression. Copy the look with Gucci’s Web-Stripe Track Pants, and a whole load of confidence!