It's probably no surprise that 3 of my 5 favorite movies of all time include killer fashion elements - but, they also have life lessons that we could all benefit from (like any good movie would)!
1. Clueless
The first time I ever watched this movie was in 10th grade with my best friend - of course, I immediately become obsessed with this movie and wanted to change my entire wardrobe. The preppy style of Cher, Alicia Silverstone, and wildly bold style of Dionne, Stacey Dash, definitely achieved symbiosis.
Honestly, I credit this movie with my obsession of fashion, specifically the part of me that adores preppy and "spoiled little rich girl" style. 90's fashion also has a huge influence on my personal style, and continues to influence new fashion trends to this day.
I related to this movie because Cher and Dionne were complete opposites on the outside but similar on the inside - much like how my best friend and I are. I specifically remember hunting for years for the Mary Jane's that Cher wore for the majority of them film. Aside from the costume design, this film shows the audience how important it is to value your friends' and family's quality character traits, and how we can learn from them.
Obviously, this movie is completely outlandish and these things wouldn't actually happen in high school, but that's what makes it so fun to watch - especially when you throw in a life lesson or two!
2. Uptown Girls
I used to watch Uptown Girls religiously with my sister when we were younger - we even had it on VHS. (I literally had to look that term up to remember what it was; I'm not that old yet!) These days, I watch Uptown Girls with nostalgia of my childhood and for inspiration.
The fashion in this movie is very early 2000's, but in the best way possible. One of my favorite parts of this movie is how playful and care-free Molly's fashion is, resembling her in every way. However, as the movie goes on, her style matures with her, showing how much she's grown from the beginning of the film.
I relate to this movie because of the relationship I have with my sister; I'm the most like Molly, Brittany Murphy, and my older sister is the most like Ray, Dakota Fanning. Of course we aren't direct representations of these characters and aren't as uptight, but there is definitely a resemblance in our relationship: I force my sister to have fun, and she forces me to grow.
If you haven't seen it already, Uptown Girls is definitely a must-see at any age or stage in your life.
3. The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada is perhaps one of the most well known fashion movies to date. It features an outrageously demanding boss and work environment, which probably isn't too far from the truth, and a young college graduate, Anne Hathaway, trying her luck in the high-fashion editorial world.
The fashion in this movie is absolutely to die for - even with the movie being 14 years old, I would still wear a majority of the looks featured. One of my favorite parts of this movie is when Andy goes to Nigel seeking help to transform herself into an image that Miranda, Meryl Streep, would approve of.
I can't say that I relate very much to this movie, yet, but I do enjoy everything the film has to offer; from 6 am wake-up calls to running around Manhattan in stilettos, this movie truly shows it all when it comes to the fashion world.
4. The Kings of Summer
The Kings of Summer is a classic coming of age movie - this was another movie that my best friend showed me in my adolescence. (shout out to Shelby for introducing me to my faves!) This film features three boys who decide to "live off the land" in the woods of Ohio due to the strain of overbearing parents.
This film holds a special place in my heart because, at the time, all I wanted to do was go out and adventure with my friends; unfortunately, we didn't have any woods to run to in Arizona. Although I didn't suffer from horribly obnoxious parents, I was still "coming of age" the first time I watched this movie, so I could relate.
I would have to say that my favorite part of this movie is near the end where Biaggio gets bit by a snake. Now, I'm not saying that this isn't a terribly unfortunate situation, but it leads to Joe, Nick Robinson, and Patrick, Gabriel Basso, making up from their fight over Kelly, Erin Moriarty.
All in all, if you're looking for a movie to help you reminisce your adolescence, this is definitely he movie for you!
5. Bring it On: Fight to the Finish
The Bring it On series will never fail to entertain me. Christina Milian plays in two exceptional movies: Bring it On: Fight to the Finish and Love Don't Cost a Thing - both of which are my favorites.
This film follows a high school girl who recently moves to Malibu in light of her new step-dad, her adventure navigating high school, and competing in the All-Star Championship. Lina, played by Christina Milian, not only gets a new step-dad, but she also gets a new sister who she's not fond of until later in the film - as well as her cheer squad.
Overall, the film doesn't offer many life lessons, besides karma - it's just a fun movie that makes you want to start your own cheer squad to defeat your high school mean girl.
Honorable Mention:
Bring it On: All or Nothing
All or Nothing would have been on my top 5 list, but I have a sweet spot for movies with a Latin feel - sorry Solange!
What's your favorite movie of all time?
Until next time,
xoxo
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us because that God sent his only begotten son into the world that we might live through him"
1 John 4:9