9 Movie-Inspired Outfits That Exude Main-Character Energy

Would we actually have worn the iconic plaid sets from Clueless to high school? “As if!” But are we ready to incorporate this aesthetic into our current wardrobe? Absolutely. Channel the queen bees of confidence, Cher Horowitz (played by Alicia Silverstone) and Dionne Davenport (played by Stacey Dash), by rocking the matching O’Hara blazer and Whitney skirt. Thanks to a subtle yellow stripe, our Italian plaid sharkskin offers a happy medium between Dionne’s black-and-white palette and Cher’s sunny suit. To really make the yellow pop, don the Choe top in chartreuse as your underpinning, and go with gold earrings. Keep your footwear simple with classic black flats, and once it gets cold out, swap the knee-high socks for thigh-high boots.

Mia Wallace’s (played by Uma Thurman) dance moves and black bob in Pulp Fiction are more unique than her outfit in this iconic scene, but that’s our point here. Timeless, minimalist costume design—such as a white button-down paired with black pants—allow you to get up to all of your main-character antics with maximum polish and minimal restriction. For accessories, choose styles that support your spontaneous adventures, like the easy Carter slides and lightweight Mildred earrings.

The Matrix is full of badassery: artfully choreographed fight scenes, epic philosophical lines, and multiple closets-worth of black clothing. Trinity (played by Carrie-Anne Moss) wears several action-ready combinations that are downright intimidating—in the best way. Get in touch with your own edgy side by trading her shiny PVC for buttery vegan leather. The Chloe dress is figure-skimming but not skin-tight, and the Lana boots plus opaque tights mimic her head-to-toe black look. Complete the look with black hoops, grab your darkest sunglasses, and head into combat your commute.

When you think of Legally Blonde, you probably think pink. But Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon) explores other color palettes as she pursues a law degree. Case in point: the vivid, green outfit she wears for her first day at Harvard. Recreate her look with the matching, jewel-toned Woolf jardigan and Harlem skirt in our best-selling deep sea hue. For the button-down, rely on the no-gape Tatum top, and rest your case with the feminine-yet-formidable Ella sandals and Etel earrings. Elevated yet easy—or in Elle’s words, “What, like it’s hard?”

Frida’s portrayal of painter Frida Kahlo (played by Salma Hayek) honors her vibrant, complex sense of self and Mexican identity, which pervades every aspect of her life, from her art to her clothing. Take inspiration from Kahlo’s green look with verdant hues and rich textures. We recommend the Jillian dress in aloe, which serves as a canvas for statement jewelry like the Lygia necklace and Dora earrings. For the final brushstroke in your masterpiece, select camel-hued shoes like the Ginger pumps in cognac.

In addition to helping us see adult life through the unjaded eyes of a 13-year-old, 13 Going on 30 teaches us to have more fun getting dressed. After accidentally time traveling, Jenna Rink (played by Jennifer Garner) is giddy at the sight of her grown-up closet, and this rainbow-hued dress is the ultimate example of her youthful style. Thanks to our new cutout print, you, too, can be the life of the party. Commit to this joyful print by pairing the Lisey cami with the matching Orchard skirt, and let everyone know it’s your time to shine in the silver Ella sandals and Lyssa earrings.

I won’t name names, but we all know that The Devil Wears Prada is about the fashion magazine—meaning it’s chock-full of inspirational looks. But there’s one that steals the show: the post-makeover outfit that allows Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) to tap into her newfound confidence. Ready for your own renaissance? Radiate fashion-forward fierceness by putting together your own version of Andy’s look. Layer the structured Kati blazer over the silk Lisey cami, tuck the sleek Harrington leggings into the stretchy Lana boots, and finish it off with the on-trend Hugo necklace set. M.M.LaFleur-made, Miranda-Priestley-approved.

While you may never be a literal rocket scientist, you can take notes from the smart style of the brilliant women in Hidden Figures. This movie is full of quintessential 1960s jacket + dress sets that command main-character respect while being a lot more fun than the men’s suits that fill the NASA offices. Try a modern take on this plaid set worn by Katherine G. Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson) by pairing the Allison anorak with the matching Nyla dress, both made from our Italian luxe gingham. At first glance, you might think this is a lot of pattern, but it doesn’t take aerospace-level math skills to work out that more gingham equals more chicness. Just keep the rest streamlined with black leather pumps plus classic pearl earrings, and you’re ready to launch into your day.

To state the obvious, this is not the iconic Wonder Woman costume. However, when Diana (played by Gal Gadot) wears her off-duty outfits, it highlights that she has a life outside of fighting the villain of the day. What exudes more main-character energy than being a multifaceted, working woman? Play up your own superpowers by creating a confidence-boosting ensemble. Try sophisticated essentials in strong hues like the Tatum top in hunter and Smith pants in forest. Add texture via the snakeskin-embossed Ginger pumps, and opt for the no-fuss (read: crime-fighting-ready) Bezel earrings.