Some characters deliver lines that become iconic. Others? They walk onto the screen and instantly become fashion legends. From dramatic gowns to power suits, edgy streetwear to dreamy couture – these cinematic style stars didn’t just dress for the scene, they defined an era. Here’s a round-up of movie characters from both Hollywood and Bollywood, whose on-screen fashion made jaws drop, Pinterest boards explode, and wardrobes everywhere instantly feel outdated.
Bae – Call Me Bae (2024)
Played by Ananya Panday – the newest girl on the fashion block, Bae walked out of luxury and into self-made fabulousness. With her post-rich-girl glow-up, curated wardrobe, and ‘watch me slay with or without a trust fund’ energy, she gave us everything.
Barbie – Barbie (2023)
Played by Margot Robbie – Barbie thought power pink. From retro rollerblades to pastel business chic, she was every era of fashion in one fabulously coordinated closet.
Cruella – Cruella (2021)
Played by Emma Stone – a part fashion rebel, part glam anarchist. Whether she was rolling out of a garbage truck in a self-made gown or lighting her own dress on fire, Cruella said ‘couture or chaos.’
Rani Padmavati – Padmaavat (2018)
Played by Deepika Padukone – if looks could kill, Alauddin Khilji wouldn’t have stood a chance. Padmavati’s royal regalia – layered jewelry, intricate lehengas, and that stoic queen energy – was served hot from 13th-century Rajputana.
Rani – Queen (2014)
Played by Kangana Ranaut – a timid bride-to-be in traditional suits to solo-traveling street-style queen of Amsterdam, Rani’s glow-up wasn’t just emotional—it was effortlessly iconic.
Geet – Jab We Met (2007)
Played by the queen of expressions, Kareena Kapoor Khan – Geet gave us comfy-meets-colorful realness. Chunky bangles? Yes. Patiala salwars with spaghetti straps? Double yes. She dressed like joy personified – and we’ve been copying ever since.
Miranda Priestly – The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Played by Meryl Streep, she didn’t walk into a room – she glided, judged, and gave us couture chills. Every look was luxury boardroom meets Vogue shoot. And that perfectly coiffed silver bob was iconic!
Poo – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Played by Kareena Kapoor Khan – if Gen Z just discovered ‘main character energy,’ and Poo invented it. From sparkly halters to sassy shades and Y2K glam, she was the desi queen of “Did I ask for your opinion?”
Neo & Trinity – The Matrix Series
Played by Keanu Reeves & Carrie-Anne Moss – trench coats, latex, and micro sunnies. They made dystopian look like a Vogue spread. Still influencing Balenciaga, TikTok, and everyone in Berlin.
Cher Horowitz – Clueless (1995)
Played by Alicia Silverstone, color-coded her wardrobe before AI existed. With her plaid skirts, knee socks, and baby tees, Cher made Beverly Hills look like Barbie’s personal runway.
From Broadway glam to Bollywood drama, these characters taught us that fashion isn’t just what you wear – it’s how you enter the scene, own your story, and turn a sidewalk into a catwalk. Whether it’s a trench coat in slow motion or a lehenga with attitude, these screen legends walked so our wardrobes could run wild!
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)