Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking. With the coldest months of the year behind us and the Spring Equinox (20 March this year) right on our doorstep, now’s a better time than ever to give your personal style a little zhuzh. In addition to bringing in clearer skies and warmer days, Spring is also seen as a time for rebirth, rejuvenation, and renewal – which gives you the perfect excuse for a wardrobe overhaul. And the best place to find some new Spring style inspo? The silver screen, of course. As costuming and visuals play a large (and stunning) part in many films, why wouldn’t it be a prime avenue to pick up some fashion tips? Spend this season taking a few more risks with your look, give these movies a watch to gain some fresh style insights – and let them inspire brighter, bolder days ahead.
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‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ – Raid Your Local Thrift Shops
While it’s been more than a few years since some of us have been in high school, we all remember when the incoming of Spring also led to many cases of senioritis. One of the most terminal cases of this particular phenomenon can be found in John Hughes’ 1986 teen classic, ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ – which also doubles as a valuable reminder for you to take a break to appreciate the now. Depending on your fancy, you can gain some serious Spring style inspo from any of the three main characters in this ditch-day romp. Although it’s usually a bit too warm for an 80s leather jacket, take some notes from Ferris Bueller himself and give the classic white tee shirt a little something extra by adding a funky vest into the mix. If you lean more sporty, Ferris’ best friend Cameron makes a strong case for introducing a vintage ice hockey jersey into your everyday wear. Meanwhile, when grabbing tips from Ferris’ enigmatic girlfriend Sloane, it’s all about dressy shorts, light neutrals, and fringe, fringe, fringe!
‘In The Mood For Love’ – Wear Your Florals On A Cheongsam
Possibly the most romantic film about a love story that never quite comes to fruition, Wong Kar-wai’s ‘In The Mood For Love’ is your biggest message this Spring to take chances when they come – and to add a cheongsam to your wardrobe immediately. Though the film is steeped in shadows and dark alleyways, it offers a standout spring style lesson: ditch the sundress and wear your florals on a traditional cheongsam instead. Maggie Cheung’s selection of colourful qipao dresses in this 2000 masterpiece has now become the stuff of movie legend. While the height of summer is usually too hot to wear such a structured dress, the cool-yet-sunny months of Spring are perfect for a mandarin gown that can easily transition from casual to formal. If you want a more modern look while still incorporating the cheongsam, many brands today taking this traditional design and adding contemporary touches – so you’ll have a wealth of options to explore.
‘Funny Face’ – Stay Fashionable Through Rain Or Shine
This 1957 musical rom-com starring Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn may have flown under the radar upon release, but it has since become a cult favourite amongst fashion girlies. While it’s a stretch to believe that the stunning Hepburn fits the wallflower-turned-model archetype, ‘Funny Face’ tries its best to advocate for embracing your own ‘perfectly funny’ faces. Although there are endless looks worn by Hepburn’s Jo that would make anyone’s Spring style inspo moodboard, we’re focusing on the classic yet effective camel coat number she wears through the streets of Paris. Since the phrase ‘April showers bring May flowers’ often rings very true, this mid-length coat is a great reminder that fashion can definitely meet function. Stay prepared for any surprise showers with a well-fitted raincoat or trench, whilst pairing it with matching leather gloves!
‘Fight Club’ – Embrace Loud Patterns
We may be breaking the first rule of fight club – but Tyler Durden’s iconic sleeze-style in David Fincher’s 1999 classic is too good to ignore. You can debate the many interpretations of ‘Fight Club’ till you’re blue in the face, so we’re just going to leave you with the tip of exploring something other than beating each other up when you’re stuck in a rut. Brad Pitt’s Durden is the perfect example of embracing loud designs, daring patterns, and going for tighter casual fits. Not everyone wants to spend Spring venturing beyond a tee and the occasional camp-collar button down, but ‘Fight Club’ makes a solid case for expressing a lot of personality in a simple look. If you’re not quite ready to plunge into a more funky look, start by dipping a toe with some unconventional sunglasses with coloured lenses and different frame shapes.
‘The Virgin Suicides’ – Make The Most Out Of Basics
A rather tragic film that explores the many complexities of girlhood, Sofia Coppola’s ‘The Virgin Suicides’ continues to draw new fans each year for its interesting storytelling and dreamlike aesthetic. This can be quite a heavy film to watch considering its subject matter, and certainly one that’ll leave you with a lot of emotions by the last frame – so we encourage you to take whatever you need from it. The style in this movie is rather understated, yet gives a strong impression of who the Lisbon sisters are – or moreso who they have to be. With soft florals, muted pastels, and long modest dresses, the looks throughout this film are a great jumping off point for those wanting to explore a more feminine style. Even the simple school uniform of the Lisbon sisters serves as an interesting inspiration for introducing sweater vests, pleated skirts, and short-sleeved button downs into your closet.
‘La Chimera’ – A Case For The Linen Suit
In the 2023 Italian film ‘La Chimera,’ the striking cream linen suit worn by Josh O’Connor’s Arthur is practically a character itself. With its moments of magical realism and exploration of the past and present, the film prompts viewers to consider what to let go of and what to hold on to. For those who need to, or even prefer to, wear full two-piece suits into the warmer months, ‘La Chimera’ makes a compelling case for embracing linen for a lighter, airier fit. Not into a full suit? Take inspiration from Arthur’s white-on-cream layering and explore more vivid colours to match the clearer skies.
‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E’ – Cold War-Chic
One watch of Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E,’ you’ll be more than convinced to start embracing Cold War-era style – particularly the many modish outfits worn by Alicia Vikander’s Gaby. In almost every frame Vikander is in, she appears to have walked straight out of the pages of a 60s fashion editorial. Clad in patterned dresses, statement jewellery, and chic eyewear, ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E’ is your sign to introduce more of the past into your current look. Start by looking for unconventional cuts and try building a cohesive outfit with everything on your body from head to toe. If you’re chasing more European elegance and wanting to add statement pieces to your closet, this film is a wonderful example of introducing more daring looks that don’t end up looking too loud or odd.
‘Begin Again’ – The Brooklyn Hipster
With a very apt title for the Spring season, ‘Begin Again’ is a delightful little gem that explores music, artistry, and human connection. In addition to discovering a number of catchy original songs sung by the likes of Keira Knightley and Adam Levine of Maroon 5, you’ll find that Knightley’s Greta is the ideal Spring style inspo for the notorious Brooklyn hipster look. Start by rolling up those perfectly-loose jeans, wearing slightly baggy sweaters and tanks, and adding a skinny belt to any patterned dress. ‘Begin Again’ illustrates how anyone can find a way to start over after a setback, and also how pairing simple pieces just so can change your whole aesthetic – for better or worse.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
