Fall in love again with the films and TV shows that gave us fashion goosebumps

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Sep 22, 2024

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Happy fall — the season of cozy coffees, game gatherings, sporting sweaters, and chilling to the cool bliss of balance. Today marks the fall equinox, a seasonal milestone in Earth’s yearly orbit around the sun, where days and nights become equal in length — and when the Libran vibes help us to create a sense of harmony.

It’s a powerful time to rebalance, restore, and refocus your energy: Take a moment today to reap the harvest of the good energy you’ve sowed over the past nine months — and to pause and look forward to seeing where you want this next season of life to take you.

Introducing Wilde Medium

Hi! I’m Mandy Wilde, aka, Wilde Medium. As an astrologer and medium, I recognize that “in The Midst” of each woman’s journey lies a transformative stage of life that is truly unique.
I’m passionate about helping navigate this often challenging cycle, with insights tailored to you. So, let’s integrate a bit of astrological wisdom with our well-being — knowledge is power, right? Remember, we can continue to thrive, flourish, and still embrace our full potential while also kicking some peri ass.

Happy birthday season, Libra (Sept. 23—Oct. 23)

As the Sun shines in your sign, this is your time to bask in your own light, but also to reflect on how well you are caring for yourself. Libra season always brings themes of balance to the forefront, and this year, it’s asking you to take a deeper look at your physical and emotional health. Hormonal changes may feel more pronounced during this time, as your body’s endocrine system could be especially activated. Whether it's fluctuations in mood or energy, pay close attention to what your body is telling you.

This season, the energy invites you to reclaim your personal power by asking some hard-hitting questions: Are you overextending yourself to make others happy? Where have you allowed yourself to fade into the background so others could shine? Where have you been tipping the scales too far in one direction? It’s time to find your center again.

The beauty of being a Libra is that you naturally understand the importance of balance and harmony. Now’s the time to apply that wisdom inward, creating space for rest, nourishment, and gentle recalibration. The good news? When you take care of yourself, everything around you aligns. Your relationships, work, and emotional life will all benefit from the peace you cultivate within.

This season offers you the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your self-care practices, leaving you feeling more radiant and in control. Balance is not just something you strive for, it’s your superpower, and this season reminds you of just how much magic it holds.

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The most stylish movies and TV shows from the last 40+ years

BY HEATHER KENNY

Some movies and TV shows make an impression not just because of their plot (or in some cases, despite it), but because of the characters’ style. I’m not talking about shows and movies specifically about fashion, but rather where the style played an important role or at least served as a pleasing note. Audrey Hepburn in a classic little black dress, pearls, and oversized sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is an iconic example. But there are more recent productions that have made an impression. These are just a few of them.

Movies that changed the way we dress

Desperately Seeking Susan

The movie that launched a thousand Madonna wannabes, this film introduced the singer’s unique look to the world. From the vintage jackets to the layered necklaces and bangles to the scarves twisted in her hair, Madonna suffused every moment on screen with her unique combination of cool and trashy. This heralded a shift in fashion from trends being dictated by designers to a more “bottom-up” philosophy: the birth of street style as a phenomenon.

Flashdance

Another ’80s style bellwether, this movie spawned a craze for off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and leg warmers. I’d argue that this was the continuation of a trend toward incorporating exercise looks into everyday wear that started with leotards in the ’60s and ’70s. The look continues today in the form of comfy layered outfits of loose-fitting separates and athleisure, especially leggings.

The Royal Tenenbaums

Really, all of Wes Anderon’s movies are notable for the vintagey style of the sets and the characters’ wardrobes, but this one was particularly notable for the way that style clearly delineated each character: Gwyneth Paltrow’s emo-preppy look with her barette, heavy eyeliner, and vintage fur; Luke Wilson’s camel jacket/dark glasses/tennis sweatband combo, and Ben Stiller’s red tracksuit. The distinctive Wes Anderson look has become so iconic that it became a TikTok meme.

Out of Africa

This was one of my favorite books for years, and then as I got older, I realized all of the, er, issues it presents (colonization, anyone?). But it’s still a great fashion movie, basically serving as an ad for Ralph Lauren (who did not do the costumes — that was Milena Canonero). I am particularly enamored by the hats that Meryl Streep wears as Karen Blixen, so much so that I once asked a milliner friend to re-create one of them. There are lots of wide-brimmed toppers paired with slim safari suits, a look that has become a classic, as well as a stunning wedding outfit complete with a hat that’s like a cross between a cloche and a crown.

Clueless

Possibly the ultimate ’90s-style film — from Cher’s yellow plaid outfit to the first day of school to Tai’s pre-makeover flannel and post-makeover choker. It’s a time capsule of a minimalist moment in fashion, which can be seen in the preppier looks with fitted blouses, vests, and short skirts, but few accessories.

TV shows with style

The Expanse

I include this science-fiction series based completely on the amazing outfits sported by Shohreh Aglashdoo’s Chrisjen Avasarala, an adept power broker and politician in a system that has expanded beyond Earth. No sleek pantsuits for Avasarala — instead, she adorns herself like a magnificent peacock in a series of jewel-toned, often South Asian-inspired dresses and ensembles combined with some truly jaw-dropping statement necklaces and earrings. These ensembles are befitting of a woman who catapults herself to the position of Secretary-General of Earth’s United Nations, or, as another character dubs her, “Queen of Earth.”

Sex and the City

Love it or hate it, this series was a style game-changer thanks to the expert and creative eye of stylist Patricia Field. While Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte were always well turned out, Carrie’s lewks were the star of the series. Somehow this woman got away with wearing a dirndl. I particularly liked the dressy-casual combos, like a jacket with a tulle skirt (a hallmark from the opening credits), but whether she was dressed for a coffee shop date with the girls or a gala, she nailed it every time.

Sunny

At first glance, the looks sported by Rashida Jones in this futuristic series look low-key and basic (except for her moonboot-like footwear). But their deceptive simplicity is a hallmark of modern Japanese fashion. Anyone who’s shopped at Muji or Uniqlo can understand the utilitarian yet offbeat appeal of such separates.

Call My Agent

When I asked around for examples to include in this column, a lot of people suggested Emily in Paris. But the outfits — on Emily at least — look too studied to be truly French in my eyes. Instead, the looks on Call My Agent look genuinely Parisian, from Andrea’s power suits to Noemie’s feminine little dresses. It was also fun to watch the style evolution of Fanny Sidney as Camille, the young agent (and secret love child of another character), from naive Provençal jeune fille to assured professional.

The New Look

I said I wasn’t going to focus on productions about fashion, but I have to go back on that. I loved the clothes Juliette Binoche wore as Coco Chanel in this miniseries — they really emphasized the designer’s mastery of women’s clothes that were more comfortable and wearable, but still chic. Too bad the show (which, to be fair, does not claim to be entirely historically accurate) also made it hard to deny that she was a Nazi collaborator. No amount of personal style can make that less distasteful.