Iconic Silver Screen Style Moments That Still Inspire Today

Movie characters and actors have a unique way of leaving their mark, not just by gracing our screens but also by influencing our fashion choices. Through iconic performances and unforgettable style moments, these stars have inspired generations. They also started trends that inspire what we wear daily. Be it dramatic costumes, tailored outfits, or glamorous dresses, these classic styles from films prove that timeless fashion inspirations can come from anywhere, and not just the runway.

1) Marlon Brando, A Streetcar Named Desire

When Marlon Brando appeared in that simple white T-shirt and jeans in the highly acclaimed drama film A Streetcar Named Desire, he completely changed the way men’s fashion was perceived on screen. His relaxed outfit showed how basic pieces can have an impressive style impact. The classic white tee-and-jeans combo still feels fresh today as it did decades ago.

2) Marilyn Monroe, The Seven Year Itch

Who could forget Marilyn Monroe’s delightful moment, standing over that subway grate with her breezy white halter dress billowing? Her dress not only rewrote the rules of Hollywood fashion. It also sparked a trend for fit-and-flare dresses with halter necklines throughout the 50s, which is reflected even in today’s wardrobes.

3) Ingrid Bergman, Casablanca

Refined elegance found its champion in Ingrid Bergman from Casablanca. Her character, Isla Lund, is remembered for her perfectly tailored trench coat look. The outfit, with its clean lines and subtle elegance, took chic style a step higher. What’s more, the classic, timeless style adapts to any modern wardrobe.

4) Whitney Houston, The Bodyguard

When Whitney Houston starred in The Bodyguard, her stunning dresses — especially her shimmering silver gown — left a lasting impression on the audience. In fact, all her stage dresses in this movie have inspired bold fashion by pairing pop star glam with cinematic drama.

5) Elizabeth Taylor, Cleopatra

Whether it’s off-screen or on-screen, Elizabeth Taylor is always considered synonymous with glamour. Her look from the epic film Cleopatra set the tone for lavish style statements. The opulent costumes, featuring lots of gold and jewels, paired with bold eye makeup, are a major talking point even today. Besides, the film’s impact on the fashion industry is evident, as many designers and runway shows still draw inspiration from its iconic costumes.

6) Katharine Hepburn, Woman of the Year

The smartly elegant trousers and tailored shirts that Katherine Hepburn wore in Woman of the Year significantly impacted women’s fashion at the time. The outfits signalled a new chapter of adventure and comfort, making pants and trousers staples in women’s wardrobes.

7) Grace Kelly, Rear Window

The timeless beauty of classic Hollywood glamor found its muse in Grace Kelly in Rear Window. Her green skirt suit ensemble from the movie is particularly memorable for its timeless appeal. Paired with a white silk halterneck top and accessories like a pearl necklace, white pillbox hat, the look continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts.

8) Faye Dunaway, Bonnie and Clyde

Faye Dunaway played Bonnie Parker with a flair that is unique to her. Her onscreen look, featuring berets, silk blouses, and neck scarves, easily blended feminine style with swag. Her berets, in particular, sparked a lasting trend that inspired designers and shaped women’s fashion for years..

9) Ali MacGraw, Love Story

When we look at movie fashion through the decades, Ali MacGraw’s look from Love Story stands out, mostly because it is still trendy today. Her character Jenny Cavilleri brought an Ivy League preppy aesthetic to the limelight. From camel coats to rollnecks, pleated skirts, and long scarves, every aspect of her outfits exudes approachable and down-to-earth qualities that are still preferred by those who like understated elegance and comfort.

10) Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Only very few fashion moments are as universally beloved as Audrey Hepburn’s look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her little black dress with the multi-string pearl necklace and chic updo combined Hollywood sophistication with Parisian chic. Besides, Hepburn’s style choices made the black dress a wardrobe staple while also inspiring many imitations over the years.

11) Timothy Dalton, James Bond

When Timothy Dalton slipped into the iconic James Bond outfit, he sparked new trends in men’s formal wear. The pleated, baggy trousers, relaxed lower buttons, super-wide lapels, and strong, powerful shoulders showed us how to perfectly incorporate a modern twist to formal dressing. Dalton’s Bond was all about practicality and no-nonsense charm, which reflected in the way he dressed.

12) Olivia Newton-John, Grease

The 1978 musical comedy film Grease featured Olivia Newton-John having one of the smoothest glow-ups as her character, Sandy. From a sweet preppy look, she goes on to wear sassy outfits. The most memorable among these is the black off-the-shoulder Bardot top paired with skin-tight leather trousers and red heels. While the sleek black pants became a big trendsetter, the sweet poodle skirts also enjoyed lasting popularity.

13) Michelle Pfeiffer, Scarface

The glamorous gowns and sharply tailored outfits that Michelle Pfeiffer wore in Scarface defined a stylish, sleek, and bold look. Shimmering fabrics and bold silhouettes became so fashionable that we still see ensembles inspired by Pfeiffer’s looks in the movie.

14) Kelly McGillis, Top Gun

The cool bomber jackets and relaxed separates Kelly McGillis donned in Top Gun started a wave of military-inspired fashion. The beaten-up flight jacket with a perfect white T-shirt and white high-tops became a style statement for many.

15) Meryl Streep, Out of Africa

When she played the role of Karen Blixen in Out of Africa, Meryl Streep revived a new interest in safari-style fashion. At a time when synthetic fabrics and bold colors were trending, her outfits pulled the focus to earthy tones, natural fibers, and effortless outdoor styles.