It’s well documented by now that the internet can make a sartorial “core” out of anything. Phenomena like sport and the entirety of the ’90s decade, and even cottages and coastal living, have been encapsulated to form a wardrobe aesthetic to filter through the modern trend cycle.

But one, arguably far more long-lasting and perennial than the rest, continues to stand as others fall around it. Whether you know it by its christened name or it has simply existed as an undercurrent to your style choices over the years, we have no doubt this style has, in one way or another, informed your fashion—the stylish, romanticism of rom-com core.

We all love rom-coms for the same reasons, but as is the way at Vogue, on-screen style ranks especially highly—and even if it never occurred to you that fashion was all that important in these classic stories about love and romance, we’re here to tell you that some of the wardrobes of our most beloved rom-coms were not only decade defining, but critical in the evolution of fashion.

From Kate Hudson’s simple, yellow silk Carolina Herrera gown from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days—one of the most iconic dresses in film history—to Julia Roberts’ romantic yet edgy movie star wardrobe in Notting Hill and every single ensemble to make an appearance on the three stars of Clueless, these elevated and refined wardrobes from the aughties and nineties, and some even from the late ’80s to the present day, have stood as style pillars for years.

Ahead, we lay out 12 of the most stylish rom-coms of all time, and the indelible impression these stars and their on-screen wardrobes have left on us.

Image credits: Paramount Pictures

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Birthing the “aughties stylish journalist vibe” that we also loved in The Devil Wears Prada and Suddenly 30, Andie Anderson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is easily one of the most fashionable rom-com heroines in the history of film—there, we said it. From that yellow Carolina Herrera dress paired with that stunning yellow diamond necklace, to her white shirt, grey midi pencil skirt and brown Prada tote bag, this movie is an endless litany of Kate Hudson, playing Andie, nailing timeless style.

Notable mention also has to go out to the just as brilliant style of Andie’s friends, played by Kathyrn Hahn and Annie Parisse, as well as Shalom Harlow (!) and Michael Michele who stun throughout the film in their glamorously luxurious and fashionable cameos. 

Image credits: Columbia Pictures

13 Going on 30/Suddenly 30 (2004)

Another favourite in the fashion magazine rom-com space is Suddenly 30, known in other parts of the world as 13 Going on 30. Starring Jennifer Garner as a sweet and naive 13 year old in the body of her older, successful fashion magazine editor-self, Garner’s character Jenna delivers scene after scene of colourful, endearingly Y2K and simply adorably patterned looks. Even Jenna’s first outfit as a 30 year old Garner, which consists of her pink lacey nightie and a polka-dot coat, which is meant to look misfitted and accidental looks chic and fun in a modern context—such is the power of this movie’s enduring influence.

Image credits: Universal Pictures

Notting Hill (1999)

From the minute we first see Julia Roberts’ character Anna Scott in Notting Hill sporting a black beret and cat-eye sunglasses paired with a simple white tee and black leather coat, an outfit that continued to look good even with orange juice spilt all over it, we knew we were in for a slew of life-changing style moments—and we weren’t disappointed. Playing Anna, ironically, as a world famous American actor in London, Roberts’ perfectly channels an off-duty glamour, heavily L.A. coded with a necessary touch of London sleekness. From her two-piece sequinned party number to her embroidered mandarin collared jacket and jeans combo, Roberts singlehandedly defined late ’90s rom-com core.

Image credits: Paramount Pictures

Clueless (1995)

A rom-com that needs little to no explanation on its importance in the realm of fashion, Clueless will forever be a movie as much about its Shakespearean love story as it is about iconic, bold ’90s youth fashion. All three of the movie’s female leads—Alicia Silverstone as Cher, Stacey Dash as Dionne and Brittany Murphy as Tai—offer different versions of the hottest teen fashion of that decade, an aesthetic that has albeit evolved, but essentially remained in style ever since. Cher and Dionne’s plaid ensembles deserve the highest praise, but if we’re quite honest, there’s not a single outfit in this film that we can fault.

Image credits: Columbia Pictures

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

When Harry Met Sally... may have premiered in the tale end of the ’80s in 1989, and fictionally spanned a decade of different fashions, but Meg Ryan as Sally was ahead of her time sartorially in every frame. In fact, a lot of the beauty of this movie and its fashion lies in watching Ryan as Sally’s style evolve. With plenty of seasonal New York City style codes, Ryan nails every one of Sally’s changing aesthetics, from bookish knits to chic dresses to Diane Keaton-informed suits. Along with giving us one of the most romantic fictional love stories of all time, this rom-com truly delivers on a basis of fashion.

Image credits: 20th Century Studios

How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)

For the ultimate tropical holiday rom-com core, Angela Bassett as Stella in How Stella Got Her Groove Back has no competition. Following high-powered, successful stockbroker and single mum Stella as she takes a vacation in sunny Jamaica and, inevitably, falls in love, we never fail to be completely taken with her beachside wardrobe. No end of stylish bikinis and one pieces, pink hair scarves, woven tote bags and plenty of crochet moments, Stella gets her groove back in unequivocally cool fashion. 

Image credits: TriStar Pictures

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

Julia Roberts does it again in My Best Friend’s Wedding, where her boyish yet elevated, and definitively ’90s, style heavily defines the film. Donning a number of slouchy yet chic suit blazers and playfully sporty ensembles, Roberts’ character Julianne is meant to stand out in stark contrast to Cameron Diaz’s character Kimberley, who opts for plaids, pastels and preppy aesthetics. Though both styles are equally Y2K-adorable in their own ways, there’s just something about Roberts’ unassuming, relaxed wardrobe that we would happily channel ourselves to this day, again and again. 

Image credits: Universal Pictures

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Andie MacDowell and Kristin Scott Thomas in the same rom-com is immediately a recipe for stylish success. In Four Weddings and a Funeral, late ’90s formal fashion is on full display as MacDowell as Carrie and Thomas as Fiona showcase a number of outfits appropriate for, you guessed it, four weddings and a funeral—and even on the macabre occasion, their style prevails. From MacDowell’s casually chic blazers and hats, to Thomas’ infamously sleek black dress, we’re spoilt for elevated wardrobe inspiration.

Image credits: Columbia Pictures

The Wedding Planner (2001)

It may be one of the lesser known rom-coms on this list, but its inclusion rests on the ever fashionable Jennifer Lopez and her ability to pull off this chic early aughties look. Through a timeless, trend-defiant wardrobe that blends quiet luxury with autumnal New York City vibes and successful working woman energy, J Lo as Mary in this 2001 rom-com champions leather coats, pencil skirts, well cut cardigans and turtlenecks in an unforgettably refined way. 

Image credits: Warner Bros.

Something's Gotta Give (2003)

The original, signature icon of coastal grandmother-core, Meryl Streep in Something’s Gotta Give is a stylish wash of beige knits, white pants and brown sandals that we will always aspire to. A wardrobe that takes its cues from its location, the minimalist decadence of the Hamptons in upstate New York, Streep as Erica may not wear many varying colour palettes or textures, but when it comes to elevated linens and wools, no one, fictional or otherwise, wears it better. 

Image credits: Warner Bros.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

When the likes of Gemma Chan, Michelle Yeoh and Constance Wu come together to film a rom-com, you know you’re in for a treat. Crazy Rich Asians, though a newer film that hasn’t had as long to make a lasting impact, deserves a mention due to its elaborate and luxurious wardrobes, worn exceptionally well by Chan, Yeoh and Wu respectively. From designer sunglasses and dazzling jewels, to sweeping evening gowns, coats and sparkling party dresses, this modern rom-com is equal parts love story and runway. 

Image credits: Universal Pictures

The Holiday (2006)

When it comes to stylish Christmas movies, none stands out as much as The Holiday. Both Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet give us both stellar performances, and covetable and classy wardrobes that have solidified this film in our minds as one of the greats, in more than one way. From Diaz as Amanda’s sophisticated Californian luxury to Winslet as Iris’ humble, minimalist London-chicness, we get two very different yet equally defining aesthetics in this film, both of which we have and always will love.

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