Fashion Onscreen: 5 Recent Movies that Have Dictated Style Trends

Here are five films that have made a lasting impact on fashion over the past decade:

Barbie
No film has influenced fashion in recent years like Barbie. Months before its release, "Barbiecore" had already become a global trend. Hot pink clothing, metallic fabrics, platform heels, and playful accessories dominated both luxury runways and everyday fashion. The movie inspired collaborations with countless brands, proving the power of costume design to shape consumer trends on a massive scale.

Cruella
Disney's Cruella celebrated fashion as a form of rebellion and self-expression. The movie showcased dramatic silhouettes, oversized gowns, structured tailoring, leather jackets, monochrome styling, and punk-inspired accessories. Costume designer Jenny Beavan combined vintage couture with punk influences, encouraging renewed interest in bold statement pieces and theatrical fashion.

The Devil Wears Prada (both the re-release and the sequel)
Although originally released before this past decade, The Devil Wears Prada experienced a major resurgence through streaming services and social media during the 2020s. Younger audiences embraced Miranda Priestly's power dressing, Andrea Sachs' style evolution, tailored blazers, knee-high boots, structured bags, and luxury office fashion. The film's renewed popularity came alongside the return of corporate-inspired dressing and elevated workwear.

House of Gucci
House of Gucci reignited interest in 1970s and 1980s Italian glamour. Rich jewel tones, oversized sunglasses, bold gold jewelry, silk scarves, leather outerwear, and logo-heavy luxury fashion became highly visible following the film's release. The movie reminded audiences of Gucci's heritage while also influencing contemporary luxury styling.

Challengers
One of the newest trends, Challengers introduced "tenniscore" to mainstream style. Polo shirts, pleated skirts, athletic dresses, cable-knit sweaters, white sneakers, varsity-inspired pieces, and sporty luxury became everyday fashion staples. The film blurred the lines between athletic wear and high fashion, inspiring brands to embrace the "preppy" style.

Whether it was the worldwide rise of Barbiecore, the return of power dressing through The Devil Wears Prada, or the popularity of tennis-inspired fashion after Challengers, these movies helped to demonstrate how costume design can influence culture long after the credits. As audiences continue to discover films through streaming platforms, the connection between cinema and fashion will only continue to grow and prosper.