Best TV Shows and Movies for Fashion — Musings of a Modern Mermaid

TV shows and movies are one of my greatest inspirations when it comes to getting dressed. There is nothing better than looking at expertly styled people on a screen to learn more about what you like, what you don’t like, and how to style something in your closet that you never knew how to wear. It may even open your eyes to something you would have never thought you liked! It is an endless array of inspiration to draw from. Below, I have listed my 10 favorite movies and 10 favorite tv shows to watch for fashion. They have good plot lines too so you won’t be bored watching, but they are very pleasing to look at! Most of us can’t shop right now so this is kind of the next best thing.

MOVIES

Devil Wears Prada

This is one of my favorite movies for clothes and in general. It has an amazing style transformation, Stanley Tucci (who is the best) and the most insane version of a fashion magazine that has ever been seen. It has great scenes of gorgeous closets and homes, as well as some very beautiful events that these women go to. You get a peek into the high fashion of the mid-2000s and allows you to look at how things have changed just a few years down the road. It has both great women’s and men’s fashion, and a very small look into what goes on in a fashion magazine. Plus who doesn’t wish they could get free Chanel boots from their job?

Watch on Amazon Prime

Clueless

Nothing screams 90’s style more than this movie! There is preppy high fashion, casual So-Cal fashion, and even some grunge hippy fashion. It is amazing how many times they change their clothes in this movie (in one day) and I wish I had enough outfits to do this too. Also, who hasn’t wished for Cher’s computer that matches her clothing so she doesn’t have to stand at her closet and throw her clothes all over her bed? I certainly have. I have also stood there in a pile of my own clothes freaking out over having nothing to wear. This is also great to watch for some low-stress comedy while watching these pretty teenagers (RIP Brittany Murphey) get dressed in amazing clothes I wish were in my closet.

Watch on Amazon Prime

Crazy Rich Asians

This is the movie to watch for glorious designer clothing and the most beautiful, colorful. pieces I have ever seen. This movie also has gorgeous jewelry that they do great closeups and explanations of. Aside from fashion, there are also beautiful shots of the scenery and the most amazing home I have ever seen and will probably ever see in my whole life. It is hard to explain how beautiful this movie is, so just go and watch it to appreciate how visually pleasing this movie is, even aside from the clothing.

Watch on Amazon Prime

A Simple Favor

What is not to love about classic beauty? By this, I mean the fashion in this film, and also Blake Lively. The whole movie is made up of perfect, minimalist outfits and home decor that will make even the most bohemian woman will want to tighten things up a little and slick their hair back while watching this movie.

Watch on Hulu

Almost Famous

This drama is the perfect movie to watch if you want to incorporate some laid back, 70’s vibes into your wardrobe! Bell bottoms, florals, crochet, and platforms?! Sign me up! This is the best movie to watch for some WFH/quarantine style so you can feel a little put together while also staying relaxed. The beauty is something to be admired as well, with some blush, a little lipgloss, and some curls to create the perfect carefree look!

Watch on Amazon Prime

Ocean’s 8

This is another movie that has some great designer clothing you can fall in love with. Their outfits are also much more east to recreate since they tend to be a little more toned down than some of the other designer outfits we have seen in the other movies so far. Plus it allows a look into the Met Gala, what the process is like (kind of) to what it’s like for a designer to pick who they want to dress and how the celebrity works with them to figure out how to dress them.

Watch on Amazon Prime

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

I don’t feel like I should have to explain why this one is so good for fashion so all I will say is this: great transformation, beautiful designer clothes, amazing costume inspiration, and jewelry that will make every woman swoon. If you haven’t seen this movie, what are you doing?

Watch on Hulu

The Great Gatsby

Glamour, drama, and more glitter than seen in most other movies, what’s not to love? This insane Baz Luhrmann version of this great novel promises all of the above and more in this stunning view of the 1920s. Perfect for costume ideas and a new way to look at adding some potential glamour to your life.

Watch on Amazon Prime

Sex and the City

This also is going to encompass the tv show since it has a very similar style as the movie and doesn’t need to be repeated twice. These 4 women all have very different styles that let you find someone you can identify with! They all wear beautiful designer clothing, focus on shoes and other accessories, plus you get a glimpse of them all wearing beautiful gowns at various events. They all offer fun, on-trend, and kind of weird fashion sense!

Watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime

Heathers

This is the perfect movie for all things 80’s style. The hair, the makeup, the decor, and the fashion of course. It is amazing and so much of it is coming back in style so it’s perfect to help you get some ideas when you can finally go shopping again once you are out of quarantine.

TV SHOWS

Quick disclaimer: I did 10 fashion movies that I love and the goal was to do 10 tv shows that I love for fashion but that is a lot and I don’t think you all want to read through 20 different shows and movies. So! I did the tv shows that I do enjoy and care about for fashion as opposed to trying to think of random shows I’ve seen with fashion that’s ok. Apologies if the unbalanced format throws anyone off, it just made more sense.

Gossip Girl

I recently did a whole post about Gossip Girl and the 4 main female characters’ styles that you can find here. So that will have a lot more detail about all of my favorite outfits and whatnot, but I will say that this is important for all designer inspiration and a good intro into designer clothing.

Watch on Netflix

Scream Queens

I loved this show and loved the style of this show. I also never watched season 2 because it just rubbed me the wrong way and was not something I enjoyed so this is all based on season 1. But! I enjoyed the clothes in this first season and there was something for everyone. Some of the more outlandish clothing would be perfect for costumes, or just for life if that’s your style, but also some super wearable looks for more casual moments. Super fun, super dark humor, great clothes, all things I love.

Watch on Hulu

Pretty Little Liars

This is one of my favorite tv shows ever. Partly nostalgic, partly the drama. Since there are 4-5 main characters, there is a different style for every woman and the men are pretty well dressed in later seasons too. Plus if you have ever wanted to learn how to match patterns and take a bit of risk in your style, this is the show to do it!

Not available currently. Can be rented on iTunes

Big Little Lies

I am obsessed with this show and have watched it too many times to count. The second season has every character having a lot more style whereas the first season doesn’t give Jane as much style options. It’s all related to her character development though so it serves a purpose! They have amazing style in this show, and while it more serves to show the differences between the characters and they don't put a huge emphasis on the clothes. But, they still look gorgeous and it is worth it to watch it for their clothes!

Watch the first season on Hulu, second on HBO

Katy Keene

This show is all about fashion!! The whole show is about various artists living in NYC and the way they manage to be glamorous on a budget, which we all need right now! Again, with all the different people in this show, it allows you to figure out who you identify with and go from there!

Watch on the CW App

The Bold Type

Last but not least, my favorite show of all time right now, The Bold Type! This show is all about working in a magazine and so fashion is always amazing! There are so many different styles floating around, and so many risky looking outfits that if you want to branch out, this is the show for you!

Watch on Hulu

Thank you for making it through this post! I know it was a long one, so I appreciate you getting all the way to the end! Go ahead and comment below if you have any faves I left out, see you guys next week!

Madey