We don't know about you, but in our opinion, this summer's been way too busy. We've been praying for a rainy day or two just to sit inside and watch movies, and if we could do it for the rest of the summer, we would. This week, we're binging on our favorite style from classic summer flicks. Because if people are going to keep inviting us to roof parties, we at least need some outfit inspiration.
Almost Famous (2000)
People always talk about Kate Hudson's Penny Lane as the icon of Almost Famous, and yes, she looks great. But to us, the real star is Sapphire, played by Fairuza Balk. This multicolored feather vest is just one standout look in a the character's fringed and shaggy wardrobe, and it's making us want to cut a long wispy bang, like, now.
Billboard Dad (1998)
The hair and makeup alone in Mary Kate and Ashley movies from the late 90s and early 2000s deserves its own post. The twins were blessed with a hair color and texture that lent itself to imitating–in tiny size–all the trends of the time: piece-y bangs, short textured haircuts, twisted updos, frosted lip gloss and a liberal use of barrettes...just to name a few. Plus the accessories game was absolutely on point (if only Claire's still carried those sunglasses). It's no wonder they became style legends.
Blue Crush (2002)
It goes without saying that Blue Crush is one of the hottest movies of our time. Toned, tanned, stubborn women surfing and living by their own rules? Sign us up. Michelle Rodriguez's look here is the one we wanna bring back–how come nobody wears board shorts with bikinis anymore? As for the hemp necklaces, it's going to take some time before we're ready to rock those again.
Charlie's Angels (2000)
A classic styling concept: "These 3 women all have different personalities. It's reflected in their style, see?!" Despite the fact that Cameron Diaz's body is bananas and Drew's hair is a perfect shade of red, Lucy Liu takes the cake as our favorite hottie in this one. She's kind of flawless, actually. Look at that hair! So many questions. Like, what vitamins is she taking? And is it too late to bring back tropical tube tops this summer?
Dazed and Confused (1993)
This movie is known for its 70s stoner fashion, but we can never stop looking at the short-shorts cropped tops, jumpsuits and flowing hair of the women in the film. 70s beauty is mystifying in its minimalism. It is the original "I woke up like this" look of the natural bombshell.
Die Another Day (2002)
Perhaps not the best movie in the Bond series, but we don't care. Ever since we saw this 60s mod hip slung white leather KNIFE HOLSTER we have wanted one for every beach excursion. I mean, it could come in handy.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Body suits, high-waisted denim shorts and a pair of canvas shoes? Can you say RIP American Apparel? Jennifer Grey's look here is peak effortless hotness. We'd also love to know what products she was using for her curls, since we've experienced first hand the humidity in the Catskills.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
You can't talk about the origins of streetwear without Brooklyn in the 1980s. The costume design in this a sight to behold–I mean just look at the details of this photo. Bold patterned pants, oversized striped shirts, A HOT PINK SAILOR HAT WORN WITH A SPORTS BRA AND MATCHING BIKE SHORTS? Get outta here. This is the stuff of legends.
Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead (1991)
It's hard to believe one of the greatest style icons of our time could be named Sue Ellen Crandell, but believe it. In this early 90s cult classic, a family of teens are left home for the summer, and when their babysitter, um, dies...Sue Ellen (played by Christina Applegate) gets a job in retail production to cover expenses. It's no surprise she ends up revamping the whole brand, because her looks are everything: leotards, berets, arms full of bracelets, huge dangling earrings and shoulder pads for days. And of course, the ubiquitous early 90s mane of perfect (if slightly over texturized) blonde hair.
Friday (1995)
Debbie in Friday is one of the cutest characters we can think of. Her pixie pairs perfectly with that innocent crop top (which we totally owned in 1995—didn't you?) Of course, Paula Jai Parker's long blonde braids and 4 inch red nails kind of steal the show.
Good Burger (1997)
This movie makes our list because the art direction, just like every 90s Nickelodeon movie, is evvvvverything. And the costumes are no different. Problematic though it may be, one of our favorite scenes is the when Kenan and Kel dress in drag to sneak into Mondo Burger. The pattern mixing! The wigs! Those velvet gloves! Also, did y'all remember that Carmen Electra was in this movie?? Wild.
Heavyweights (1995)
He may be the villain, but Ben Stiller in Heavyweights is an athleisure goddess. This unitard, mullet, headband combo is what amphetamine-fueled pseudo-wellness dreams are made of. So New York!
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Are we obsessed with 90s movies? Mind your own business. We love this for several reasons: Sarah Michelle Gellar's bumpit-level hair style and upper arm cuff (not pictured), Jennifer Love Hewitt's spider leg bangs and those anti-fashion overalls that swallow her tiny bod, and the fact that Ryan Phillippe and Freddie Prinze Jr are more beautiful than both of the female leads! As North Carolina natives, we also dig the representation. And ok yes we want to go back to the 90s, leave us alone.
Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants (2005)
We mainly added this to the list to discuss wtf we were thinking as a culture in 2005. Amber Tamblyn's teal streaks are definitely a look, but please look at those rolled bangs. Not to mention Blake Lively's entirely unblended extensions. And the curling iron attack on America and Alexis. And this Kohl's-ass wardrobe. We're trying in all earnestness to imagine 2005 coming back into style so we can get ahead of the curve but it's, um, hard.
Spring Breakers (2012)
The aesthetic for this movie is basically "Victoria's Secret PINK! Takes Ultra Music Festival" and we love it. It reminds us of our own trip to Miami in 2011 which was complete with neon beaded bracelets and furry boot covers and red/blue/purple streaks in our hair. The most dramatic thing that happened on that trip to us, though, was passing out from dehydration. Slightly less badass than the plot of this film.
The Birdcage (1996)
Say it with us: statement daywear. There's nothing casual about these casual looks and that's why we're obsessed. Can men bring back exposed chest hair, gold chains and mustaches please? Wait, that might be creepy on straight guys. All we're saying is give us a silk Versace shirt and a white tank top and we'll wear nothing else until October.
The Parent Trap (1998)
It make sense that Meredith Blake, the cranky almost-stepmom from the Parent Trap remake gets shitted on the entire movie -- she clearly slays and everyone is jealous. She's blonde, she's evil, she has great abs. And her track jacket matches her sports bra. Inspirational.
The Sandlot (1993)
Wendy Peffercorn (what a name) is the epitome of early 60s sex appeal. Which is weird to say because she's supposed to be like 15. Wearing red lipstick to the pool is just an irresistibly bold choice and we're pretty sure it guarantees you leave with a date planned for that night.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
We like to think of ourselves as the Thelma & Louise of beauty bloggers. Ok, that doesn't really make sense (and it's kind of sad if you think about it) but what we mean is, our style (and life) philosophy is the same: do what you want, take no prisoners, and don't be afraid to get dirty. When done right, a t-shirt and jeans is the sexiest outfit anyone could wear, and this movie pretty much proves that.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
If we could feature every outfit and hairstyle from this movie (and the series, for that matter) we would. It's a summer classic, and the looks are both accurate to the early-80s period and ridiculous as hell. We know from looking at our parent's old photo albums that tube socks and Farrah Fawcett wings were pretty much the uniform. If we saw someone dressed like that at Coney Island this weekend, we wouldn't be mad. Actually, we'd be jealous.
Recreating some of these summer looks? Tag us on instagram #beautydummy !!
