Ah, the chick flick– the bane of February theatergoers everywhere. Sure, it’s easy to point out the cliches, the worn-out plots and cardboard characters, but aside from the inevitable happily-ever-after, why not focus on the real reason we love chick flicks? That’s right; the adorable outfits. If there’s one thing you can count on when you watch anything with Katherine Heigl or Rachel McAdams, it’s that they’re going to be wearing great clothes and even better shoes. So without further ado, let’s examine how you can shamelessly steal that chick-flick style without the inconvenience of that pesky happy ending.
The Notebook
Where to find the look: Modcloth
Who doesn’t love Allie’s tailored dresses and perfectly pin-curled hair? The trick is to keep the structured ‘50s style without seeming stuffy. Look for pencil skirts in bright colors and chunky patent heels, paired with a frilly blouse or, better yet, polka dots. And don’t forget the accessories—a strand of pearls brings the outfit together.
Pride and Prejudice
Where to find the look: Ruche
With her singular combination of wit, grace and style, how could Mr. Darcy resist Elizabeth Bennet? To capture the fashion of the day without looking like you raided your great aunt’s hope chest, search for lace accents and soft, sheer fabrics to combine with delicate flats. For snowy days, try pairing a chiffon skirt with knee socks and lace-up leather boots. And don’t skimp on a warm peacoat—Elizabeth Bennet wouldn’t approve of catching pneumonia just for the sake of looking good.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Where to find the look: Hot Topic
If you aren’t keen on busting out the Kool-Aid to try on Clementine’s hairstyles, never fear—you can still test-run her outfits. Aim for tough-but-sexy tomboy pieces, and don’t be afraid to combine unusual items like black lace and camo pants. Don’t shy away from a bright hair accessory either, like a colored clip-in weave or a neon barrette.
Pretty woman
Where to find the look: Forever 21
For those of you who think there’s no middle ground between Julia Roberts’s thigh-high patent boots and that red evening gown, remember that it’s all about toning things down so us normal people don’t walk into our 8 a.m. looking like streetwalkers or debutantes. Knee-length black boots and leggings pair perfectly with a white shirt and blazer, and a hot pink dress can double as daywear when matched with a loose cardigan and flats.
Sixteen Candles
Where to find the look: Lulu’s
Ignoring for a moment that terrifying sack-thing Molly Ringwald wore to prom, the central theme for these outfits is clear: pink, and lots of it. Floral or ditsy print dresses and skirts are essential, as well as flats with lace-trimmed socks. Be sure to add a more tailored piece, like a blazer or dark skinny jeans, to keep the outfit from becoming dowdy.
Moulin Rouge
Where to find the look: Camille La Vie
Moulin Rouge is all about flash, glitz and Technicolor outfits, so the natural choice is, of course, a flashy, glitzy, evening gown. Think jewel tones, feathered hair accessories, long gloves and ruby-red lipstick. Satin is the obvious choice (hello—Satine?) but a suitably foofy chiffon skirt works in a pinch. But whatever you do, don’t forget the bling—and lots of it.
