Fashion advice from the BIG SCREEN

Where do people get fashion advice from? The life-long question. The rise of social media has accelerated the advising process regarding fashion. Although this can be considered a highly positive aspect of the Internet, it is commonly known that the web is not always reliable. That is why the Esade Fashion team has decided to enlighten its readers by collecting the most valuable fashion advice from iconic movies and TV shows.

First, we asked ourselves, what would fashion be without the memorable Carrie Bradshaw? Carrie, together with the rest of the iconic characters from Sex and the City, delivered unforgettable lines that could serve fashion victims as recommendations.

In the show, Carrie states that “it’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it.” This quote can mean two things. First and foremost, it is important to put on clothes and carry them with personality. The attitude with which you present yourself in an outfit is just as important as the outfit itself. On the other hand, don’t forget that most items don’t work alone just because they look good on someone else. Styling them with grace is crucial. A second inspiring quote from this show is also by Carrie: “I couldn’t help but wonder: why do we care so much about what others think?”. This poses a reflective question about self-expression through fashion. It reminds the viewer to focus on what one loves, instead of on the opinion of others, which is, of course, applicable to fashion. 

Another TV show that has marked an entire generation is Gossip Girl. Its characters, and especially the iconic Blair Waldorf, went out of their way to deliver quotes that are worthy of remembering. The most memorable line Blair delivered about fashion is not that much of an advice. However, it reflects love for the fashion industry, which ties many people together. She stated that “fashion is the most powerful form of self-expression,” and she was right. “It’s movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and like to be”. This quote is relevant in pop culture because fashion is not always legitimized as much as it should be. To many, fashion is not about wearing stuff to cover up but about much more. It is a whole world with a history, with complex rules, and filled with talent, and Blair Waldorf puts that in such a graceful way. 

Whenever one thinks about icons in film, Miranda Priestly comes to mind. The iconic “villain” in The Devil Wears Prada was inspired by Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, and delivered several moments that went down in history. Her most memorable line, “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” reminds fashionistas to always innovate when it comes to dressing up. Although basics are timeless, it is crucial to never conform to usual trends and to come up with ways to elevate the way one dresses. 

Lastly, what would this article be without the relatable Cher Horowitz from the 1990s classic, Clueless? This movie taught the valuable lesson that “you don’t just need the clothes; you need the attitude.”. Cher’s style philosophy suggests that wearing something stylish is only part of the equation; owning the look is the most important thing. Additionally, the movie gave the valuable lesson that “fashion is not about dressing according to what’s fashionable; style is more about being yourself.”. This is crucial in fashion; not losing oneself in volatile trends is what will make you stand out in a crowd. On this note, remember to never stop being yourself, and remember that fashion is one of the most powerful ways of self-expression!

By: Lola Baquero Serra

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