How to wear looks from your favourite movies to work
Clothes worn by characters in movies have created fashion icons, movie classics and a fashion culture in film for decades. Glamorous style trends in movies have translated to real world fashion trends since the beginning of movies, and with many movies set in the workplace, have introduced office styles for women of all ages, from all times, and in all settings.
Here are a few of our favorites and the workplace style that makes them so great!
Working Girl (1988)
A classic, with their big hair, and even bigger shoulder pads, Working Girl features the best fashions of the 1980s. From the “secretary” style that depicts leather, cheap gold jewelry and colorful make-up as on-trend, to the introduction of the power suit worn by women, Working Girl presents the best workplace styles of the time.
Although loose trousers and four button jackets may not be the best office style now, back in the day, the power suit was “the” office look. Updated to modern times, the power suit can still be a great staple in your work wardrobe!
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Maybe the most cliché of fashion movies, but still so chic! From the red lips, to the blunt bangs seen on Anne Hathaway’s character Andy Sachs, many of the trends seen in The Devil Wears Prada are still in style today. Bold coats and jackets, statement jewelry and classic knee-length dresses, all seen in the movie, can make you stand out (in a good way) at work! Keeping up with the latest fashion trends, like Andy did, shows that you care about yourself and your appearance, which can translate to your attitude and work ethic at the office. Maybe you’ll even get that promotion you so desperately deserve, just like Andy!
For those days you’re sent running around the city, opting for a pair of stylish flats or boots is a must. And of course, adding a pair of sassy (height appropriate) heels to your office outfit once in a while is oh-so-classy!
Sex and the City (Timeless)
Samantha Jones, the bicoastal power-player, is the epitome of a powerful, vibrant PR pro, with a bold style to match. Although a bit over-the-top, Samantha isn’t afraid to try anything when it comes to her style in her workplace, from bright colors, to statement jewels. Her vivacious style leaves a lasting impression on her clients and co-workers, and we’re still inspired by her power suits, workplace cocktail dresses, bold jewelry and feisty heels.
Samantha’s trendy, cutting-edge style is one that not all offices would find work-appropriate, but it can be fun to take a small chance and wear bold colors, patterns or jewelry in the workplace!
The Proposal (2009)
Because who can resist Sandra Bullock? In this romantic comedy, her character plays a dominating, high-powered book editor, with a style that is commanding, yet feminine at the same time. It’s filled with structured suits and dresses, chic bags, and of course, sophisticated heels. Her character reminds us of Samantha Jones minus the plunging necklines and sex appeal, which makes her style even more office appropriate. From tailored suits, to refined hairstyles, her wardrobe in the movie is that of the perfect office fashionista.
The Social Network (2010)
Even though it may not be obvious, The Social Network is a fashion film, showcasing Mark Zuckerberg and the way he changed the definition of workplace attire. Although ill-fitting jeans and dumpy t-shirts may not seem like fashion at all, this movie and the real life story behind it have truly set the standard for the modern workplace dress code. From sweats, to a college sweatshirt, to messy hair, Zuckerberg has shown that anything goes in the modern Internet age we live in, even in corporate America.
More and more companies are implementing casual everyday dress codes, so it’s important to realize that casual dress is now considered a type of workplace style. While you may not want to show up to work looking like a bum, casual dress code can still be fashionable and most importantly, make everyone feel more comfortable and able to work to their full potential!