6 Iconic Outfits From Movies That Only Gen Xers Will Really Care About
The soundtrack to our adolescence … in the form of clothes
Image: Touchstone Pictures
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by The Candidly Team
We all have that one 80s/90s movie character whose wardrobe we wanted so bad, it left us with a tiny, jean jacket-sized hole in our hearts.
Recreating their outfits felt like some wish we could never attain. And then poof, we grew up. And guess what? Now we can.
Have you ever stopped to think about that? We could, at this very moment, pick out clothes that give us the precise style of our favorite leading ladies.
Isn’t that exciting?!
We looked way back into the archives of our envy and came out with 6 looks from 6 stars of 6 iconic films. We then found the exact contemporary pieces to give us their whole vibe, as the kids say … at least we think that’s what they say. I mean you can probably already tell we’re ancient. But if you weren’t on to us, just wait til you see these looks!
Image: Touchstone Pictures
1. Amanda’s Denim on Denim on Denim From Can’t Buy Me Love
Granted, we wanted every single one of Cindy Mancini’s outfits, but we recently realized that almost all of them seem to be anchored in something denim. And so, we picked out the best jean jacket, best jean shirt, and best straight-leg jeans, and now we’re making outfits we think would give Cindy a run for her money.
WHAT YOU NEED TO RECREATE HER LOOK:
This Jean Jacket
WHAT: Favorite Daughter The Otto Boyfriend Jacket*
It’s oversized so there’s space to move our arms and layer it over sweaters. At the same time, it’s not too long and goes in jussssst a tiny bit at the bottom, which makes your waist look slimmer and your legs look longer. We’ve seen this jacket on curvy, petite, and tall ladies alike, and it always fits exactly how we all want a jean jacket to fit us.
Price: $198
These Jeans
WHAT: Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean*
Abercrombie’s curve-love collection is unreal on t hips, thighs, and butts. The pocket placement makes everything look lifted, and the leg is just the right timeless, cool girl, relaxed fit.
Price: $90
This Denim Shirt
WHAT: AYR The Deep End in Denim*
We could vouch for a lot of really solid denim button-downs, but this is the one you will buy once and love forever. It will match every single bottom in your closet right now. You could even be like Cindy and wear it open over a bikini, and somehow it will look chic.
Price: $185
Image: Touchstone Pictures
2. Drew’s Grungy Flower Child Aesthetic From Mad Love
Digging deep here my friends, but this movie was exemplary of Drew’s flannel shirt, ditzy-printed dress, daisy-in-her-hair phase that was a feminine spin on grunge we still love to this day.
WHAT YOU NEED TO RECREATE HER LOOK:
This Fitted White Tee
WHAT: Nuuds Slinky White Tee*
The softness and stretch is surreal on this white tee. And the neckline is perfect for peeking out from under crewneck sweaters and for layering under long dresses, of course.
Price: $58
This Maxi Dress
WHAT: Z Supply Faya Idra Ditsy Maxi Dress*
The perfect happy, pretty, comfy, un-be-liev-ably flattering maxi dress to throw on over a tee, perhaps even adding a chunky boot* for the complete sweet yet edgy, Drew B. effect.
Price: $110
This Perfect-Fitting Tank
WHAT: J.Crew Perfect Rib Scoopneck Tank Top*
The neckline/strap-width combo on this tee is stunning on arms and chests. A perfect-fitting tank is, in fact, one of the most classic and complementary pieces to pair with looser fitting jeans.
Price: $34.50
This Plaid Overshirt
WHAT: Quince Stretch Sweater Fleece Shirt*
It wouldn’t be 90s grunge era without a really, really soft, plaid overshirt. The price of this one is amazing.
Price: $50
Image: Warner Bros.
3. Sandra’s Comfy Boho Aesthetic From Practical Magic
Sandra’s clothes were full of both coziness (big sweaters, loose jeans) and whimsy (lace tops, floral skirts). These are two things that are at the core of not dressing boring and like everybody else. In the words of Aunt Frances: “Being normal is not necessarily a virtue. It rather denotes a lack of courage."
WHAT YOU NEED TO RECREATE HER LOOK:
This Lacy Tank
WHAT: By Anthropologie Silky Lace-Trim Tank*
A romantic lace top we can wear a bra with and don’t have to tuck to look perfectly put together? Yes, please.
Price: $78
These Boyfriend Jeans
WHAT: Pilcro Baggy Slim Boyfriend High-Rise Relaxed Jeans*
We look every year for an effortless boyfriend jean that actually looks good on us, and alas, we have found it. Magic!
Price: $148
This Cashmere Cardigan
WHAT: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater*
There’s only one place we go for a huge, coccooning, cashmere cardi that doesn’t cost $500, and it’s Quince.
Price: $140
This Maxi Skirt
WHAT: Favorite Daughter The favorite Skirt*
Skirts can be tricky. The most important thing is to find one you feel confident in, which can only happen when it smooths bumps and skims curves and makes you feel like you’re showcasing your finest shape. This one does it all. Plus, it comes in so many colors and prints we love.
Price: $139
Image: Paramount Pictures
4.Alicia’s Sheer White Overshirt To Elevate Every Outfit From Clueless
In addition to her literal closet, we also coveted a few particular items of Cher’s clothing. It was mostly specific pieces, as the complete outfits could be a little like a Monet (if you catch our meaning). But we are majorly, totally, butt crazy in love with her long, sheer shirt she wears as a clever layering piece, which makes wearing a gorgeous but fitted white dress far less scary.
WHAT YOU NEED TO RECREATE HER LOOK:
This Sheer Button-Down
WHAT: Favorite Daughter The Sheer Sophistication Top*
The brilliance of the non-see through band along the chest. We can already think of 202 deeply chic outfits we can make out of this.
Price: $224
This Sheer Coat
WHAT: LisaMaree Who's Watching Sheer Overcoat*
Or just do a full sheer coat. When in Rome!
Price: $195
This Grown-Up Version Of Cher’s White Dress
WHAT: Aritzia Babaton Account Dress*
The ruching and drape will look stunning on you. Trust!
Price: $148
Image: Paramount Pictures
5. Gwyneth’s Unbelievably Chic Romantic Looks From The Talented Mr. Ripley
We could honestly have made this entire article about Gwyneth’s swirl of extraordinary costumes in this one film. But instead, we’ll focus on a single, foolproof silhouette: the tie-front top and A-line skirt. This pairing gives every woman a lovely hourglass and movement to every step she takes. You almost can’t get it wrong. Truly.
WHAT YOU NEED TO RECREATE HER LOOK:
This Tie-Front Top
WHAT: Nation Noemi Tie Top*
No need to ruin and wrinkle another button-down by tying it up, creating an ugly knot in front and a huge puff of extra fabric in the back. This top comes ready to go with a perfect, straight line in the back and a tidy bow in front. It’s not too tight but is still very, very slimming.
Price: $122
This Perfect Midi Skirt (In At Least two Colors)
WHAT: The Jacie Poplin Printed Maxi Skirt by Maeve*
We talk about thithe Jacie skirt from Anthro and the new prints it comes in every season. This is our favorite right now. The waist is smooth in the front and elastic in the back so it’s both comfy and chic.
Price: $158
This Perfect Midi Skirt (In At Least two Colors)
WHAT: Free People Lowen Midi Skirt*
A 10-out-of-10, solid midi skirt that comes in every color you could want. We own 4.
Price: $60
… And Just For Fun, This Utterly Magical Splurge Skirt
Image: Regency Enterprises
6. Liv’s 90s Spin On A Sweater And A Skirt From Empire Records
Oh how we wanted to be Liv Tyler dancing around the record store … and the rooftop … oh and also, in an Aerosmith video. Her midriff-bearing sweater and mini skirt in Empire Records are not really for us over 40s, but the look is still so fun and feminine and original, we decided to find the pieces that would create the same effect for us now. See what you think.
WHAT YOU NEED TO RECREATE HER LOOK:
This Sweater
This More Wearable Plaid Skirt
WHAT: Reformation Layla Knee Length Skirt*
Mid-length skirts are hard to find, but they are such a solution for those of us who love the overall proportions created by a shorter skirt but don’t want to show our whole caboose to the city when we drop our keys.
Price: $148
The Leg-Lengthening Boots
WHAT: Dr. Marten’s 2976 Smooth Leather Platform Chelsea Boots*
Great with skirts. And with Drew’s maxi dress we mentioned earlier. And a million other things. See HERE for proof of the full power and versatility of these boots.
Price: $210
Bonus: This Just-Bitten Lip Color
WHAT: Merit Signature Lip in L’Avenue* and Signature Lip Liner in Brownstone*
WHY: This lipstick* is a beautiful, blotted berry shade that doesn’t seep into lip lines, which is critical for mature lips. Pair it with their near-magic liner in Brownstone*, and you’ll get the closest you can to a Liv Tyler lip.
Price: $28 for the lipstick, $24 for the liner
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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