We Aim To Slay

There’s something to be said for a movie or television show that features a great wardrobe. Costume designers and stylists are the *often* unsung heroes of the industry, and I thought it was about time we gave them a spotlight!

Below, you’ll find the minds behind the wardrobes for some of my all-time favorites.

Gossip Girl (2007-2012) – Eric Daman 

No matter how many times I binge watch Gossip Girl, I never get tired of the avant garde fashion. And, each episode served as a jumping off point for my burgeoning love for self-expression through getting dressed. Was I edgy like Jenny? Preppy and classic like Blair? Free-spirited and chic like Serena? Eclectic and off-kilter like Vanessa? The truth is, I’m probably a combination of all of these beloved characters. But if I had to choose, I’d be shopping in Serena’s closet every day!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) – Hubert de Givenchy, Edith Head, Pauline Trigere, and Joan Joseff 

Fun fact: Audrey Hepburn became such good friends with Hubert de Givenchy that he became the only designer she allowed to dress her for her films. Having grown up during WWII, she eventually became so self-conscious of her body image that she dubbed Givenchy the only man capable of making her look beautiful. (These facts are from “Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn” written by Daniel Spoto.)

This movie, while questionable in its message, perfectly showcases the desire for more when you feel like you have nothing to lose. Why else would the opening credits picture a decadently dressed Hepburn, sipping her morning coffee, coveting Tiffany’s, and hurrying away from the man she no longer wants to be associated with (sounds pretty similar to today, right?)

Funny Face (1957) – Edith Head 

I feel like I should just tell you that I’m obsessed with Audrey Hepburn, and Funny Face is by far my favorite one of her films.

Hepburn plays a highly intellectual, book shop worker, who ends up being scouted as a model for a top fashion magazine. While touring Paris to photograph a new collection, Hepburn’s character falls in love with her photographer, played by Fred Astaire. All throughout the movie you’re treated to shots of Paris, and visions of Hepburn in stunning (Givenchy) designs.

Clueless (1995) – Mona May

 

“Ugh, AS IF” I could create this list without my all-time favorite, feel-good movie. Ever since I first saw this movie while I was in high school, it became my favorite to turn to whenever I have the “mean reds” (extra points if you know which movie that quote is from!). Some of the outfits in this movie are absolutely ridiculous (we’re looking at you, Amber). But, Cher knocks it out of the park in every single scene, even while working out! #GOALS

The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014) – Tonya Huskey

The teenage-off-shoot of Sex and the City, The Carrie Diaries centers around a teenage Carrie Bradshaw circa Connecticut in the 1980s. As I’m sure you can imagine, the CT fashion is less than stellar. But everything changes when Carrie lands her dream internship at Interview magazine and all sorts of awe-inspiring fashion breaks free!

The Seven Year Itch (1955) – Travilla

I have two words for you: Marilyn. Monroe. While the movie isn’t really about Marilyn’s character, she does play the object of affection for the main character, and by default, gets the best wardrobe. Honestly, this movie is just hilarious and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who can appreciate how silly men were in the 1950s.

New Girl (2011-2018) – Catherine Hahn 

Finally, we’ve gotten to the point where the fashion on-screen can actually be worn in real life!

New Girl follows six thirty-somethings, living in California. The main character, Jess (played by the whimsical Zooey Deschanel), is an elementary school teacher. Her best friend, Cece, is a model-turned-bar-tender-turned-model-agent. They wear “real people” clothes, and go on “real people adventures.” In my opinion, this is one of the most relatable shows. This show is perfect is you like to laugh, enjoy romantic comedies, and like to see some great celebrity guest appearances (like Prince. Yeah guys, Prince. Don’t feel bad, Nick Miller couldn’t handle it either.)

Sabrina (1954) – Hubert de Givenchy

Ah, yes, more Audrey. In this rags-to-riches tale, Hepburn plays the daughter of a chauffer, employed by a wealthy family. Hepburn, who is madly in love with the youngest of the family’s two sons, eventually travels to Paris, where she is enrolled in culinary school. And when she returns, she is the spitting image of Parisian sophistication. Obviously, the young man falls for her, but, she somehow falls for his older brother? The plot is a little silly, but the wardrobe *heart-eye emoji*

Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017) – Cameron Dale, Mandi Line, etc.

This show offered an aesthetic wardrobe for every facet of my personality.

Some days I’m over the top, like Hanna and Mona. Some days I’m edgy like Aria. Some days I can’t help but gush over clean lines and simple tailoring, just like Spencer. Some days I just want to be comfortable and show off my legs like Emily. There’s outfit inspiration for everyone in this show! And it only gets better once the characters grow up and return home.

Sex and the City (1998-2004) – Patricia Field, Rebecca Weinberg, Molly Rogers, etc.

And what list would be complete without the original queens of New York fashion: Miranda Hobbes, Charlotte York, Samantha Jones, and Carrie Bradshaw. This show may be single-handedly responsibly for my addiction to shoes, and I’m not even mad about that. Whenever I find myself stumped by my wardrobe, I ask myself; WWCW – What would Carrie wear?

And there you have it, my top ten favorite fashionable television shows and movies. If your favorites made (or didn’t make) the list, let me know in the comment section!

Keep Calm and SLAY on my loves 😉