This Saturday, 2nd September, marks National Cinema Day here in the UK. To commemorate this occasion, we will explore 8 of our favourite films that we think have some of the best wardrobes – from full length leather coats to grimy t-shirts and ripped jeans, these films tick the box of all things fashion… no matter your style.
Note: All films are available on the streaming platforms listed at the time of writing – 31st August
(List in no particular order)
1. The Matrix
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Release year: 1999
Available on: NOWTV
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Age Certificate: 15
Running time: 2h 16m
To kick off our list, we start with the sci-fi classic, The Matrix. The Matrix and leather are synonymous with one another, head to toe leather outfits are the uniform of the film, from skintight leather vests to full length leather coats… if it’s leather it’s included. Adding to the futuristic look of the film, sunglasses play a key role in the films wardrobe, always black, always on-trend, and always included in any matrix inspired outfit. This futuristic look remains in style year on year and is a sure-fire way to get heads turning and compliments thrown your direction.
The Matrix remains an iconic influential film in terms of fashion even 20 years after its initial release, celebrities such as Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have been spotted sporting Matrix-esque outfits, as well as male fashion icons such as Zayn Malik and Jaden Smith also sporting Matrix ready looks. These Paul Smith Chunky Leather Boots are the perfect starting point for your own Matrix ‘fit… now take your pick, red pill, or blue?
2. Ferris Buellers Day Off
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Release year: 1986
Available on: Paramount+ & Amazon Prime Video (Premium subscriptions)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
Age Certificate: 15
Running time: 1h 38m
Number two on our list is another iconic cinema classic, Ferris Buellers Day Off. Mirroring the plot of the film itself, the wardrobe in this film is fuelled by fun, from animal print cardigan sweater vests and tartan flat caps, to oversized sports jerseys sported alongside a pair of formal loafers… this film plays with the idea of laid back, yet unintentionally coordinated looks. Knee high boots worn with shorts and a tasselled cowboy jacket showcase the statement looks seen throughout this film and really encapsulate the idea of having fun with your clothing options.
Despite being released in the mid-80s the styling options in Ferris Buellers Day Off remain continually prominent in contemporary fashion, from berets and statement knitwear, the Instagram feed of any fashion fanatic will look like screengrabs taken straight from the film itself.
3. Boyz n the Hood
Genre: Drama/Crime
Release year: 1991
Available on: Amazon Prime Video (Rent or buy only)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Age Certificate: 15
Running time: 1h 52m
Straight from the streets of 90s LA, Boyz n the Hood is the epitome of street style. Embracing the culture, the wardrobe in this film includes streetwear staples such as snapbacks – popularised at the time by the likes of N.W.A – chains, baggy denim ensembles, flannel overshirt, and loud statement pieces. If you’re a streetwear enthusiast and are looking for some inspiration to level up your fits, get the popcorn ready, sit back, and get your new clothing wishlist underway.
Inspiring many of the trends seen in contemporary fashion today, streetwear continues to be a key player in the fashion industry. Look no further than this Denim Shirt from BOSS to kick start your Boyz n the Hood inspired, double denim fit and get heads turning your way.
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4. Queen & Slim
Genre: Drama/Romance/Crime
Release year: 2019
Available on: BBC iPlayer
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Age Certificate: 15
Running time: 2h 12m
Inspired by a broad spectrum of black cultural dress, the clothing alone in Queen & Slim tells a story without a word being spoken. The main female protagonist is first seen sporting a white turtleneck, and following the development of the storyline she changes outfits and is then seen sporting a far bolder zebra-stripe minidress and mid-calf snakeskin boots… now that’s a statement outfit ready for a night on the town. Similarly, the main male protagonist stars off sporting a navy sweatshirt and plain trousers, and ends wearing a burgundy velour tracksuit, reminiscent of something straight out of a fashion magazine.
Showcasing the bold and statement pieces that could be seen in any fashion fanatics wardrobe, this film seamlessly tells a story through the clothing alone, celebrating black history and individuality. With the looks used to underpin the commentary about Black Lives Matter, this film does more than just fashion but beautifully heartbreaking commentary on the race issued faced by those in America and worldwide, truly a must watch modern masterpiece.
5. Quadrophenia
Genre: Drama/Music
Release year: 1979
Available on: BBC iPlayer
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Age Certificate: 18
Running time: 1h 57m
In at number 5 is a true British classic that if you haven’t see yet… then what are you doing? Quadrophenia is a story many of the younger generation have been taught in school, exploring the rivalry between the 60s youth subcultures, mods and rockers. The rockers wear their typical dress: leather jackets, greased hair, all whilst sat atop a motorcycle. Similarly, the mods can be seen riding their Vespa scooters adorned with as many mirrors as possible, whilst wearing classic Fred Perry polo shirts – such as this White Twin Tipped Fred Perry Polo Shirt – smart suit pants and blazers, and long khaki Parka’s over the top of it all.
Modern day musical icons – such as Oasis – continue to keep the demand for Parkas and mod dress alive – Fred Perry polo shirts remain a staple in any British wardrobe, seen worn from old men in your local pub, to young lads going for a meal with their family, a truly timeless design. The leather and metal accessories of rockers remain continually on trend too. Increased hardware on clothing can be seen on any modern runway and quality leather jackets remain a timeless option. Get your fashion inspiration fix with Quadrophenia and pick up some new timeless essentials.
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6. La Haine
Genre: Drama/Crime
Release year: 1995
Available on: Amazon Prime Video (Premium subscription)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Age Certificate: 15
Running time: 2h 16m
The next film on our list is French classic, La Haine. Still as relevant today as it was over 20 years ago, La Haine explores the massive issue of police brutality against BIPOC. Not only this an important film for everyone to watch, to truly understand the injustices face, the fashion in the film captures the style of the youth, and the fashion remains as continually prominent as the topic of the film itself does also.
Classic name brands you will see every day such as: Lacoste (check out the latest Lacoste here), Nike, Carhartt etc. are seen throughout this film, mirroring the likes of youth street culture in the modern day. As is true in the modern world, the clothing in this film is used as more than just something to wear but as a means to showcase who each character is, from Lonsdale sportswear to 90s Sergio Tacchini tracksuits and Nike windbreakers, every 90s inspired outfit seen on the street today can be found in this long lasting classic. With 90s hiphop and streetwear style being very much back in style and continually more prominent in high fashion runway collections, this film can provide you your 90s streetwear fix, and simultaneously commentate on an issue that is still of continued concern in the contemporary world.
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7. Trainspotting
Genre: Drama/Crime/Black Comedy
Release year: 1996
Available on: Amazon Prime Video (Rent or buy only)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Age Certificate: 18
Running time: 1h 34m
A Scottish masterpiece and one of the best dark comedies to ever be filmed, Trainspotting is our penultimate pick. Following a group of heroin addicts and exploring identity, friendship, and addictions, Trainspotting may not sound like a film with that would have much going for it in terms of the fashion… but you would be massively mistaken. Not only is Trainspotting a cinematic masterpiece, that is incredibly written, but its wardrobe is equally as impressive.
Each of the main characters has their own sense of style, all of which are equally as trendy in the modern day. Bomber jackets and ripped jeans can be seen, to oversized suits with yellow tinted sunglasses, or even a Nike shell suit – this film includes almost every subcultural dress code. To further this the film subtly explores the idea of gender norms, as is very prominent in contemporary fashion – Renton (the main protagonist) wears grungy cropped t shirts as has been the rage on any high fashion runway show for the past couple of years, showcasing the subtly stylish looks of this film. Given its huge array of outfits this film is the perfect inspiration no matter your style.
8. Léon: The Professional
Genre: Action/Drama
Release year: 1994
Available on: Amazon Prime Video (Rent or buy only)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%
Age Certificate: 15
Running time: 1h 50m
Our last pick for films that are equally as stylish as they are a brilliant piece of filmmaking is cult classic, Léon: The Professional. Following the life of a twelve-year-old girl, and the work of a professional hitman, this film is unexpectedly stylish, with Mathilda – the young protagonist – becoming an unexpected fashion icon. Léon – the older protagonist – is also stylish in a classical sense, sporting long coats, iconic black out rounded sunglasses, and an instantly recognisable fisherman beanie however… Mathilda is the true star of the show when it comes to the fashion choices within the film.
Mathilda embodies everything that is 90s fashion, from crop tops and bright coloured crochet cardigans to ankle boots with scrunched socks and a colourful red crochet hat. Mathilda looks straight from a modern day fashion influencers social feed, her style is playful and fun, yet simultaneously trendy and well thought out – this may be attributed to wardrobe designer Magali Guidasci, who wanted to capture the transition from child to adult within Mathildas character and as such curated an array of these playful yet simultaneously stylish outfits that wouldn’t be considered out of place on any fashion fanatics Pinterest board today. Level up your look and get an injection of playful, 90s inspired outfit ideas with this film.
Keep an eye on our blog for more helpful information when it comes to looking after your designer wear, as well as fashion hints and tips.