The Seven Movies Responsible For Fashion Trends We Love And Regret

Most parents struggle to get their kids to wear clean clothes, let alone something stylish.

A meme tied to “Minions: The Rise of Gru” temporarily fixed that problem. The hashtag #gentleminions generated north of 5 million views on TikTok alone after the film’s July 1 release, sparking a surprise sartorial trend.

Gaggles of teens screened the animated sequel dressed as if it was their school’s annual Picture Day. They arrived in sharp suits and matching ties, instead of the usual T-shirt and shorts they don for a matinee feature.

It’s not the first time a movie inspired a fashion trend. The “Minions” example needed plenty of social media love to get going, but former films did so by showing audiences what it means to dress to the nines.

Or, in some cases, how to rock the fashion world from the ground up.

Movie stars make great fashion choices pop off the screen. Can you blame audiences for attempting the same?

“The Kingsman” franchise

The three-part series (so far) follows a spy agency headquartered at a high-end tailor shop on Savile Row. It’s not just a clever front. The Kingsman, from Eggsy (Taron Edgerton) to Harry Hart (Colin Firth) dress impeccably, taking the British baton from James Bond in the process.

The films became a solid, not spectacular, success, but the heroes’ unique look got plenty of attention. Few spies have looked as chic as Eggsy as they dispatched the bad guys, rarely rumpling their expertly tailored suits in the process.

The series even spawned an actual clothing line from online retailer Mr. Porter, which the company says became one of its best-selling products.

“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”

The TV adaptation didn’t set the box office aflame in 2015, but even the film’s detractors agreed on one element of the film. These heroes look as elegant as any secret agent, past or present. Henry Cavill led the way as Napoleon Solo, paired with his reluctant ally, played by Armie Hammer.

The twist? The film is set in the 1960s, the same era that spawned the TV show smash starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum. The style beats echo that era’s fashion essentials, captured with a very 21st century vision by director Guy Ritchie.

Windowpane suits. Bomber jackets. Rich turtlenecks with fold collars. It’s a feast for the senses and may help the film reach cult status.

Esquire dubbed it the “best dressed film” of 2015, but it didn’t generate enough interest to spark a new franchise. Hammer’s personal woes hardly help the case for more ‘60s style from that movie.

“Saturday Night Fever”

The 1977 sensation has aged to perfection even if every last style detail is hopelessly dated. Few films captured the sartorial zeitgeist quite like this John Travolta smash.

Tony Manero ruled the disco dance floor, but it’s Travolta’s style that made a mark nearly as impressive as the soundtrack, powered by one Bee Gees smash atop another. Travolta’s signature look, a wide-lapeled, three-piece white suit that critic Gene Siskel later snatched up at auction in 1979, defined the film’s look. Christie’s called it “one of the most instantly recognizable film costumes in history,” and it’s not hyperbole.

Close your eyes and imagine the disco era. Chances are Travolta and co. are dancing across your mind on a candy-colored floor.

“Grease”

“Grease” was the word AND the look. The film’s ‘50s era style reverberated one year after star John Travolta’s “Saturday Night Fever.” American culture can juggle two style trends over a short period of time, meaning plenty of “Grease” devotees embraced the film’s leather jackets, hair wax and skintight pants.

A 2016 Louis Vuitton line rekindled the style trend in the wake of a TV adaptation of the “Grease” stage play and the film’s legendary status.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Audrey Hepburn’s iconic look from the 1961 comedy endures. Yes, women of the era tried to emulate the title character, or at least the screen legend who brought her to life. Holly Golightly’s classic looks – those pearls and tortoiseshell sunglasses – never fully went out of style. 

And who can argue with a fashion staple like Holly’s little black dress, courtesy of designer Hubert de Givenchy?

“Annie Hall”

Woody Allen, fashionista? Not exactly. It’s the title character’s mish-mosh pairings that wowed the public circa 1977. Star Diane Keaton married her natural beauty with a semi-androgynous look that felt fresh and uncomplicated.

Think mens’ ties and vests paired with large bowler hats, elements that hadn’t been brought together on the big screen before. And, as fast as you could say, “la dee dah,” others coveted that Annie Hall look.

Keaton says she merely copied the world around her. The actress later recalled how she helped create Annie’s style template by aping what she saw on Big Apple sidewalks. 

“Flashdance”

Jennifer Beals’ famous water-splashing routine is what audiences remember most about this 1983 drama. The film itself, particularly its impeccably realized fashion choices, helped define a decade. Leg warmers. Off the