Just as a brilliant script might, costumes can ensure we're thinking about a film long after we've left the cinema or closed the laptop shut. The detail of a frill, a very specific shade, or even the imagined tactility of a piece can convey so much to an audience, allowing us to experience and understand the narrative all the more acutely. And just as much as costumes are a plot device of unspoken messaging, they're also a great source of inspiration.
In the next few weeks, our cinemas are playing host to a run of films that offer up just that. Some are waiting for very real recreations, while others offer influence instead. Can Emerald Fennell's Saltburn encourage you to unearth your treasures from the early Noughties or will Yorgos Lanthimos's fantastical dark comedy Poor Things starring Emma Stone convince you to pile on the frills and flounces, pairing them exclusively with brocade? The verdict is out on that one.
Regardless of whether or not you're planning on imitating the costume designer's execution, these are the fashion moments on-screen not to miss.
Priscilla
The Sixties have long held a special influence over contemporary fashion, blame it on the era's rebel instinct or the clean lines of the natty modish look. Priscilla pulls this into focus once again. Directed by Sofia Coppola, Priscilla was always going to be a feast for the eyes and Stacey Battat's costumes are much of the reason why. Some are direct copies of styles Priscilla Presley wore in that era when she was meeting and later marrying Elvis, while others evoke the sensibility of the decade. Emulate now with bows, miniskirt hems and plenty of midnight black eyeliner.
Saint Laurent New Wave Lily Acetate Cat-eye Sunglasses
& Other Stories Big Bow-Detailed Mini Dress
SOSU Cosmetics - £9 Eye Voltage Kohl Pencil
Simone Rocha Ruffled nylon shoulder bag
Poor Things
This dark comedy brings Emma Stone back into the spotlight with her The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos. Where that was all historical accuracy, Poor Things offers a little more room for experimentation with Holly Waddington's costumes taking on fantasy and running with it. Set against Stone's knee-length black hair and darkened brows, her character Bella has a wardrobe that would make Alessandro Michele's Gucci appear minimalist. Think frills. Think flounces. And then more again. A feast for the eyes if ever.
Poor Things
Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in 444 Gabrielle
Lulu Guinness Rose Detail Handbag
Gucci Lace Ruffle Shirt
The Vampire's Wife I’ll Get You, My Pretty metallic-jacquard mini dress
Saltburn
Emerald Fennell returns as director in this 2006-set drama that brings back all the nostalgia of the era, with music, references (characters are pouring over Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for the majority) and, of course, costumes captivating that period with precision. Following a preppy set of Oxbridge students, a Ralph Lauren shirt is naturally given a supporting role, but away from it, the costume earrings of the mid-noughts steal the show. Carey Mulligan, Rosamund Pike and Allison Oliver's characters each wear them with different, glittering charm.
All Saints Dalby Slim Fit Leather Biker Jacket
Kate Moss for Topshop Grecian Short Chiffon Yellow Party Dress
Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Standard-Fit Shirt
How To Have Sex
This important movie follows a group of British teenagers as they go on a rite-of-passage post-GCSE sun holiday to Malia. The premise is familiar as the central theme sees the young women embark on a virginity losing-exercise that this time leaves behind the usual satire to instead raise questions of consent and coercive peers. Costumes, by George Buxton, are a suitcase of tropes of Brits abroad and teen girls pushing the boundaries of style. Think neon, think skimpy, and always accessorised with a hula hoop-like pair of earrings. Pick and choose for a nostalgic nod.
Good American Sarong
H&M Hoop earrings
Pleasing x Marco Ribeiro Gloss Medium
Good American Bikini Top
Napoleon
Fear not! I'm not about to write about the return of the bicorne hat because of Ridley Scott's latest biopic with Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role. Of course, do feel free if early 19th century military millinery is your bag. Instead, focus your attention on Vanessa Kirby's Joséphine. Throughout, Kirby is a glittering adornment of wonderful jewellery parures chosen by Janty Yates that'll inspire you to not save the best for best. Emulate by choosing pieces that sit neat together in matching stones or settings.
Wave Antiques 18ct Opal and Old Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Wave Antiques 18ct Opal and Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
1stdibs - £1,530.58 Early Art Deco French Crystal Tiara
1stdibs - £2,067.53 Antique Victorian Circa 1870s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Earring
Bottoms
Rarely do high school comedies call for sartorial imitation. Bottoms, however, which tells the story of two queer girls starting a fight club in a bit to have sex before they leave school is different. Its costumes by Eunice Jera Lee play with colour for an inspiring touch that brings the film, alongside its hilarious script and standout performances, to life. Plus, with supermodel Kaia Gerber making a turn as a high school student with a penchant for navel-grazing rhinestone vests, its fashion credentials are plain to see.
& Other Stories Pendant Multi Chain Necklace
H&M Dungarees
Blumarine Rhinestone Vest Top
