1) How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

If there's anything more stylish than a Marilyn Monroe movie, it's a Marilyn Monroe movie that co-stars Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable. The powerhouse trio is impossibly chic throughout this film. Plus, Monroe makes a reference to a character being in Harper's Bazaar three times as an indicator of her class, so you know it must be good. 

youtubeView full post on Youtube

2) High Society (1956)

Grace Kelly delivers her signature ice queen style in this classic film with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Whether she's owning the night in a sweeping evening gown or lounging poolside in a retro white one-piece, Kelly is every bit the princess.   

3) Charade (1963)

While Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffany's may be the Audrey Hepburn films most commonly associated with high style, Charade is not to be missed. Hepburn stars alongside the dashing Cary Grant in this mystery thriller, dressed in 60s-era car coats, shift dresses, kitten heels, and oversized sunglasses. Not to mention the hat collection of your dreams. 

3) Valley of the Dolls (1967)

Despite its unsettling plot, Valley of the Dolls still captures the chic glamour of the mid-'60s in New York City.

4) Barbarella (1968)

As the sexy title character in this campy cult classic, Jane Fonda employs a killer pair of space-age boots to save the galaxy from the villainous Durand Durand.

5) The Great Gatsby (1974)

Though not a favorite with critics, who can resist Mia Farrow's effortless melding of '20s glamour with '70s elegance?

6) Grease (1978)

Sure, we love the sweet '50s skirt-and-sweater combos and those "Pink Ladies" jackets, but Sandy's tranformation from girl next door to leather-clad sex kitten in the film's final scene still gives us chills.

7) Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985)

When not sporting a Catholic schoolgirl uniform, a pre-Sex and the City SJP gets down in mid-'80s leggings and neon.

8) Heathers (1989)

Shoulder pads and scrunchies are just the beginning in this flawless tribute to late '80s style.

9) Basic Instinct (1992)

It doesn't get much sultrier than Sharon Stone in the now-iconic monochrome ensemble. Her white overcoat and turtleneck dress is '90s minimalism at its best.  

10) Pulp Fiction (1994)

In this cult classic, Uma Thurman shows off her lanky frame in sleek menswear separates. A tailored white button-down and black trousers has never looked quite so cool. 

11) Clueless (1995)

From interactive closets and Tai's effortless grunge to "You don't understand, this is an Alaïa!" and slinky Calvin Klein slips, Clueless has everything a '90s fashion lover could want from a 97-minute film.

12) Amelie (2001)

Audrey Tatou's Amelie is the epitome of French gamine in this indie favorite.

13) Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

1950s ladylike elegance is in full supply in this movie—from Julia Roberts' collegiate tweed and schoolboy cardis to Julia Stiles' crisp separates and waist-cinching silhouettes, and Kirsten Dunst's feminine lace and classic pearls.

14) A Single Man (2009)

Naturally, Tom Ford's '60s-set directorial debut features an incredible wardrobe to match its breathtaking visuals.

15) Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Wes Anderson films are always a work of art and aesthetics, and this heartwarming story is no exception. The entire movie looks like it's washed in the warm glow of Instagram's Valencia filter, conjuring up an undeniable nostalgia for knee socks with saddle shoes and girlish Peter Pan collar dresses. 

Headshot of Julie Kosin
Julie Kosin
Senior Culture Editor

Julie Kosin is the senior culture editor of ELLE.com, where she oversees all things movies, TV, books, music, and art, from trawling Netflix for a worthy binge to endorsing your next book club pick. She's the former director of audience strategy and entertainment at HarpersBAZAAR.com. When not glued to her laptop, she can be found taking pictures of her dog or haunting used bookstores.

Headshot of Sarah Lindig
Sarah Lindig
Senior Digital Editor, Special Projects

Sarah Lindig is the senior digital editor, overseeing special projects for Harper's Bazaar.