Some of the very best style moments in fashion history come from the silver screen - and that’s just a fact.
Fashion and rom-coms are intertwined, with style playing a pivotal role in defining characters and moments in the genre. Iconic rom-com characters, like Julia Roberts' Vivian in Pretty Woman or Alicia Silverstone's Cher in Clueless, have bestowed truly iconic outfits upon us, cementing their characters in the canon of fashion history.
From Elle Wood's thoroughly pink archive to The Devil Wears Prada’s Andy Sachs in her Chanel boots, rom-com wardrobes play a crucial role in pop culture, symbolising identity, evolution, and plot armour all rolled into one fabulous 'fit. These costumes don’t just dress the characters; they tell a story, shaping rom-coms into a visual journey of love, self-discovery, and style. Often, with a hunky man thrown into the mix.
© Getty ImagesWhat are the most iconic rom-com dresses?
Where to start? The aforementioned collection of Julia Robert's iconic character, complete with a red, floor length wonder. Jennifer Garner's Jenna and her multicoloured mini for her big night on the town in 13 Going on 30 and of course, Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's glamorous get-up. Unmatched.
© Photo: RexWhat is the meaning of rom-com style?
Romantic comedies are a sub-genre of romantic movies, with plots that centre around lighthearted, romantic set-ups. They're easy to watch and generally showcase a wildly good-looking cast living in homes they probably couldn't afford considering the extravagance of their wardrobes. Yet, nonetheless, their outfits never fail to reflect and embrace their (usually very likeable) personalities.
So, without further ado, we present you with our favourite rom-com fashion moments to grace the screen. Saddle up.
Iconic rom-com fashion moments to note:
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© ©Universal/Courtesy Everett ColJuliet’s Baker Boy Cap - Love Actually
We may sound like a broken record when it comes to Love Actually and Keira Knightly’s denim baker boy hat - but it's for good reason. Perfectly achieving that ‘girl next door’ aesthetic we can all only dream of, few people in this world can actually pull off a headpiece of this calibre, but that's not going to stop me from trying year after year.
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Josie Geller Feathered Look - Never Been Kissed
As far as iconic fashion film moments go, Josie Geller's white feather hemmed top has to be up there. Not too dissimilar to what we’re seeing on the high street today (fashion always comes back around) Josie Geller walked so Urban Outfitters could run.
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© ELLIOTT MARKS/PARAMOUNT/KOBAL/SHUTTERSTOCK.Dionne’s Red Velvet Dress - Clueless
When most people think of Clueless fashion their mounds instantly envision Cher and her yellow tartan twin set. However, when I think of the 1995 mega-hit, I think of Di and her collared velvet red mini dress and matching headband. Very on trend right now and sported by the likes of Jenna Ortega and pop girl Olivia Rodrigo, we owe Dionne a big thanks.
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© RGR Collection / Alamy Stock PhotoAndie Anderson's Yellow Dress - How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days
For twenty years Kate Hudson's buttery yellow silk gown from How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days has been on Pinterest mood boards around the world, and for good reason. The opened-backed gown was dreamy enough to seduce both myself and Matthew McConaughey.
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© James DevaneyMarisa Ventura's Dolce & Gabbana Look - Maid in Manhattan
I don't care that Marisa swiped this cream look from a hotel guest, it looks fantastic on her and kickstarted her romance with dreamy politician Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes).
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© Hulton ArchiveVivian's Polka Piece - Pretty Woman
It's been extremely difficult to pick a favourite look from this movie, but I've settled on this brown polka dot demure dress with matching hat Vivian wore to the polo.
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© Masha_WeisbergLara Jean Covey's Pink Bomber - To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Lara Jean's wardrobe in this movie is a triumph: knee high-socks, Mary Janes, Peter Pan collars and this cute as a button pink bomber.
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The Jeans - The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
Possibly the most iconic fashion moment in movie history has to be the blue jeans from The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. Worn throughout the movie by stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel, the classic wardrobe staple quickly became one of the world's most sought-after styles, inspiring style lovers to share their own wardrobes with their clan.
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Cosy Knits - When Harry Met Sally
The costumes in When Harry Met Sally beautifully capture the casual, layered style of late 1980s New York - the perfect onscreen time capsule. Sally’s wardrobe, with oversized kntis, tailored blazers, and high-waisted jeans remain the No.1 autumn moodboard for fashionistas everywhere.
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Let's Get Freddie Fashion - Wild Child
Poppy and the gang were well ahead of the curve with their love for thrifting. Following a successful stint spent in Cancer Research, the girls hit the dance-floor in a truly nostalgic moment. Emma Robert's Y2K costumes mirror her character's transformation from a rebellious California teen to a refined boarding school student, coming to represent her newfound sense of belonging.
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Bridget Jones’ Sheer Top - Bridget Jones’s Diary
In my eyes, Bridget Jones can do no wrong and the scene where she seduces her boss Daniel Clever over computer DM whilst sporting a sheer top has to be my all-time favourite. As you’re probably well aware, sheer of all kinds is doing the fashion rounds yet again and Miss Jones’s office-in-appropriate ensemble is the inspiration we all need.
