In the world of fashion, inspiration can come from almost anywhere, but one of the most powerful sources of fashion trends is the costumes worn in popular films and television shows. Costume designers work tirelessly to create outfits that reflect characters’ personalities, evoke specific periods, and help tell compelling stories. These on-screen styles often transcend the medium, influencing fashion in the real world and turning character wardrobes into covetable items. From classic old Hollywood glamour to iconic modern streetwear looks, film and TV costumes have an undeniable influence on fashion trends, shaping what people wear and how they express themselves. This essay explores the power of on-screen fashion, looking at how these costumes ignite real-world trends and examining the cultural impact they have on everyday fashion.
The Influence of Iconic Film Costumes on Fashion
Certain film costumes have had such a profound influence that they define an era of fashion and continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts for decades. One of the most iconic examples is Audrey Hepburn’s look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Her black Givenchy dress, accessorized with a pearl necklace, long gloves, and oversized sunglasses, is often regarded as the ultimate symbol of timeless elegance. This “little black dress” has become a wardrobe staple for women all over the world. It not only defined Hepburn’s character but also established a lasting fashion standard that continues to influence women’s evening wear to this day.
Another example is Diane Keaton’s androgynous wardrobe in Annie Hall (1977). Her character’s eclectic mix of oversized blazers, wide-legged trousers, and men’s ties defied conventional women’s fashion at the time. This menswear-inspired look quickly became a sensation, with women across the globe embracing this new form of power dressing. Keaton’s wardrobe inspired fashion trends that emphasized comfort and individuality, and it continues to influence designers today, with many contemporary collections reimagining the relaxed, tailored look that Annie Hall made famous.
Similarly, the costume design in The Matrix (1999) had a significant impact on fashion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The sleek, all-black, leather-clad look of Neo and Trinity, paired with dark sunglasses, inspired a trend toward futuristic, cyberpunk fashion. This aesthetic, characterized by leather trench coats, combat boots, and minimalist, monochrome outfits, captured the imaginations of audiences and became a dominant look, both in runway collections and street fashion. The “Matrix look” recently made a comeback, as the leather trench coat has reemerged as a key piece for designers and influencers alike.
Television’s Role in Creating Fashion Moments
Television shows, with their episodic nature and long-term character development, have an even greater capacity to shape fashion trends. When a show becomes a cultural phenomenon, its costumes can become a major source of fashion inspiration, impacting everything from seasonal trends to everyday wardrobe choices. Shows like Sex and the City, Mad Men, and Gossip Girl have left indelible marks on the fashion landscape, setting trends that go beyond the screen.
Sex and the City (1998–2004) is a perfect example of how television can influence fashion on a massive scale. The show’s protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, was renowned for her bold and eclectic fashion sense, which included everything from tutus to Manolo Blahnik heels. Costume designer Patricia Field created looks that not only captured Carrie’s personality but also introduced new styles to mainstream fashion. Carrie’s outfits—such as her iconic newspaper-print dress and oversized flower brooches—became symbols of adventurous fashion, inspiring women to take risks with their own style. Even today, Carrie’s influence is felt in everything from runway collections to street-style blogs.
In the same way, Mad Men (2007–2015) influenced fashion by bringing 1960s style back into the spotlight. The show’s meticulous costume design, which showcased sharp suits, slim ties, and pencil dresses, reignited a fascination with mid-century fashion. Retailers and designers began incorporating retro styles—high-waisted skirts, form-fitting dresses, and structured blazers—into their collections, leading to a revival of 1960s-inspired clothing. The show’s fashion was not only beautiful but also imbued with a nostalgic allure that encouraged a resurgence in vintage shopping and a renewed interest in classic tailoring.
Gossip Girl (2007–2012), with its depiction of Manhattan’s elite, also had a major influence on fashion, particularly for younger audiences. Blair Waldorf’s preppy headbands, tailored coats, and classic silhouettes became instant trends, while Serena van der Woodsen’s bohemian-glam style introduced audiences to a mix of high fashion and laid-back luxury. The show’s costume designer, Eric Daman, successfully captured the aspirational nature of fashion, influencing how young viewers dressed for school, events, and even casual outings. Brands like Ralph Lauren, Alice + Olivia, and Kate Spade saw an increase in popularity as a result of the show, with fans wanting to emulate the style of their favorite Upper East Siders.
The Role of Costume Designers as Fashion Trendsetters
Costume designers often function as unsung heroes of fashion, creating looks that influence popular culture and spark new trends. Unlike traditional fashion designers, costume designers have to work within the context of a story and use clothing as a tool for character development, yet their work often goes on to shape real-world fashion. Their ability to understand a character’s personality, environment, and emotional arc allows them to create ensembles that feel authentic and, by extension, resonate with audiences.
Take, for example, Michele Clapton, the costume designer behind Game of Thrones. Although the show was a fantasy epic, its costumes had a significant influence on fashion trends. Sansa Stark’s richly detailed dresses and Daenerys Targaryen’s powerful warrior-queen attire inspired a wave of fashion collections featuring medieval and fantasy-inspired elements. Capes, long flowing dresses, and intricate embellishments appeared on runways, showcasing how even fantasy costumes could cross over into mainstream fashion.
Another prominent costume designer, Janie Bryant, worked on both Mad Men and Deadwood, bringing a historical flair to contemporary fashion. Bryant’s attention to period-appropriate details, combined with her modern twist, helped revive retro trends. Designers like Michael Kors and Prada directly drew inspiration from Bryant’s work, showing how costume design can ripple outward to influence the broader fashion industry.
How On-Screen Fashion Goes Viral
The digital age has dramatically amplified the influence of film and television costumes on fashion. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest provide a space for audiences to immediately share, analyze, and replicate their favorite on-screen looks. As soon as a particular show or movie gains popularity, its costumes often go viral, leading to increased demand for similar styles and the rapid adoption of new trends.
For example, Bridgerton, Netflix’s period drama set in Regency-era England, took the world by storm in 2020. Its lush costumes, featuring empire waistlines, floral prints, and opulent fabrics, inspired a fashion phenomenon dubbed “Regencycore.” Fashion brands quickly began releasing collections inspired by the show’s aesthetic, and the hashtag #Regencycore started trending across social media platforms. Corsets, puff sleeves, and romantic pastel hues found their way into everyday wear, illustrating how on-screen fashion can translate to modern wardrobes.
Similarly, the HBO series Euphoria has had a significant impact on Gen Z fashion. The show’s makeup and costume design, characterized by glitter, bold colors, and daring silhouettes, has inspired countless TikTok tutorials and social media posts. Euphoria’s embrace of experimental, expressive fashion resonated particularly with young viewers, who have incorporated its bold, individualistic style into their own wardrobes. The viral nature of these costumes highlights how quickly on-screen fashion can influence consumer behavior in the digital age.
Cultural Impact and Self-Expression
The influence of film and TV show costumes goes beyond fashion trends—it also affects how individuals view self-expression. Costumes can embody the spirit of an era, push boundaries, or create entirely new ways of dressing. When audiences connect with a character, they often internalize their style, seeing it as a reflection of a mindset or a lifestyle they want to embrace.
Characters like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde and Villanelle from Killing Eve are perfect examples. Elle’s pink power suits and feminine outfits became symbols of unapologetic confidence, while Villanelle’s bold, unpredictable wardrobe embodies the rebellious nature of her character. These on-screen styles inspire viewers to experiment with fashion as a form of self-expression, empowering them to embrace their individuality and feel confident in their personal style.
