Fashion on Film: Iconic Styles That Shaped a Generation

Uzone.id — Movies don’t just entertain us—they’ve changed entire fashion trends. From high-waisted jeans or oversized blazers, to little black dresses and science-dystopia fits, film has always been at the heart of style revolutions.

Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual movie-goer, you’ve probably noticed how trends from the big screen find their way into our wardrobes. For Gen Z, who are all about nostalgic looks and creative expression, these iconic movie looks are still super relevant today.

But how exactly did these films influence entire generations of style? Let’s take a look at some of the most influential films and trends that continue to resonate, even in today’s fast-paced fashion landscape.

The Timeless Black Dress: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

It’s impossible to talk about iconic movie fashion without mentioning Breakfast at Tiffany’s that launched in 1961.

The iconic Audrey Hepburn, as Holly Golightly, forever redefined the perception of the “little black dress” (LBD). Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, this minimalist yet elegant piece sticks around for generations, even Gen Z.

Interestingly, the LBD isn’t just a vintage of the past. Research from The Business of Fashion reveals that sales of black dresses are 34 percent higher in 2020, partially because of the interest in minimalist fashion trends during the pandemic. 

For Gen Z, the LBD is all about versatility—easy to dress up or down. Even until now, brands like Reformation and Zara regularly keep dropping fresh takes on Hepburn’s classic style—silhouette, making it accessible for today’s fashion-conscious youth to stay stylish without overdoing it.

The ‘90s Comeback: “Clueless” and the Revival of Preppy Chic

A true Gen Z fave, Clueless (1995) brought prep-school fashion in a way that was fun, youthful vibe, and ultra-cool. The main character, Cher Horowitz—played by Alicia Silverstone, slayed her style using iconic plaid mini skirts, berets and knee-high socks. This look is indeed popular through generations because it is still trending today on TikTok and Instagram.

Clueless didn’t just influence fashion, it indeed set the tone for an entire style movement. The preppy look in Clueless wasn’t just about clothes—it was a reflection of confidence and social status.

Even for Gen Z, this kind of fashion style relates to their sense of individuality and self-expression from that look. 

The demand for plaid skirts and matching sets is getting higher, as seen on platforms like Depop and Poshmark, shows the timeless appeal of Cher’s iconic look. A 2021 Vogue survey also confirmed that 57 percent of Gen Z consumers are influenced by retro styles, with ‘90s fashion being a major favorite. 

Futuristic Fashion: “The Matrix” and Techwear

As we move into more futuristic looks, The Matrix which was launched in 1999 stands out with a huge impact on shaping the techwear trend. 

This fashion trend focuses on functionality fabrics, sleeks and urban aesthetics. For sleek leather, it was Keanu Reeves’ character, Neo, who wore those iconic tiny sunglasses with a sleek leather trench coat.

He created a new trend as an edgy, dystopian aesthetic that is still popular in streetwear and high fashion even after more than 20 years.

Thanks to Neo, the global techwear industry is expected to grow by 7.5 percent annually, showing that the trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Even now, techwear is way popular with Gen Z who love the mix of fashion and technology. 

This everlasting fashion style isn’t going anywhere since brands like Acronym and Off-White have taken inspiration from The Matrix and other sci-fi films even until now.

The Great Gatsby and 1920s Glamour shows Vintage Vibes

Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013) brought back the glitz and glam of the 1920s for a whole new generation. They bought its flapper dresses, beaded headbands, and sparkling jewelry through all generations.

“The combination of glamor and rebellion in the ‘20s has a timeless allure that continues to attract younger audiences,” said fashion designer Rachel Stevens.

Even though the film is set in the past, its influence is still seen in modern fashion, especially when it comes to special events like parties or weddings.

Pinterest data shows that searches for “Gatsby-inspired fashion” surged by 135 percent following the film’s release, and today, the look continues to inspire designers, and they keep pulling their ideas from that era for formalwear collections. 

It’s no doubt since Gen Z loves the blend of classic elegance with a modern twist, making carefree style of the ‘20s a perfect fit for today’s fashion scene.

“Vintage-inspired looks have always made comebacks, but Gatsby’s impact was on another level,” Rachel added.

Looking at these styles that only happen in movies has become an everlasting idea in real life, we can all agree that clothes from the movies tell stories about culture, time periods, and personal style. That’s why they resonate so deeply, especially with a generation that thrives on self-expression.