Style Inspiration: Iconic Horror Movies
Creative clothing ideas can come from anywhere, including fright night flicks. Keep reading as we scare up some fashionable looks spawned from celebrated satanic cinema.
Probably since the beginning of time, people have been drawing inspiration from their surroundings and the things they encounter daily. These days, it’s totally fair game to turn to horror movies for style ideas (and fodder for nightmares — or is that just some of us?).
Grab a bucket of buttered popcorn and cozy up with a buddy who won’t sh*t their pants at the first spatter of guts or slime. Below are some of the all-time best horror movies (Watch them if you haven’t already!) and how they’ve left their beastly marks on fashion.
On-Screen Terror Influencing Fashion
Art often reflects life, but it goes the other way around, too. Life — and fashion — can pick and choose elements from art as well.
With horror movies spanning generations and geographies — it’s no shocker that this film genre has left an imprint on culture and style.
Even top fashion designers have plucked elements from movies like The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Birds and injected them into their couture This is evident in everything from blood-red runways at fashion shows to outlandish and creepy apparel that would put a gleam of pride in the eyes of Tim Burton and Alfred Hitchcock.
The Watch (& Wear) List
Luckily, the injections of fun-but-sinister style is alive and well — like a well-fed zombie — in off-runway clothes. So you’ve got a fair chance of laying claim to some sick threads!
Anyway, here are some of the movies we think are essential and are definitely style-makers as well.
Beetlejuice (1988)
In this must-see movie, a recently-dead couple hires a mischievous spirit to drive out a bothersome family that’s living in their former house.
- Distressed Black and Purple Flare Pants. These are clearly reminiscent of Bettlejuice’s famous striped suit! Ours are likely a lot more comfortable and sexy, though.
- Never Trust the Living Graphic Tank. This could pretty much be the mantra of any of the afterlife crowd….
- I Myself Am Strange & Unusual Hoodie. Yup, another statement piece that really sums up so many aspects of the movie and its characters.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
This American Gothic horror flick is based on the classic 1897 novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. It’s the age-old story of a naughty ancient vampire trying to coerce mortals into doing evil deeds.
- Restyle Draculina Velvet A-Line Dress. It’s right there in the name of this piece! Black velvet and flouncy sleeve cuffs are a nod to gothic style while the stand-up collar looks like it was stolen directly from Dracula’s cape.
- Suck It Vamp Lips Dolphin Shorts. With fangs bared, these hotpants practically scream, “I vant your blooood! Mwahahahaha!”
- Finish Me Coffin Cropped Tank. You know the trope that vampires sleep in coffins? Well, so can you — sort of — if you get your Zzzzs while wearing this top. (But it’s a great shirt for any time or activity!)
The Craft (1996)
If “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” — you better not piss of a tribe of four teenaged magic misses. Of course, that’s what happens in this witchy film and lots of spells and curses ensue.
- Witchcraft Choker Necklace. We promise we didn’t steal this from Fairuza Balk’s jewelry box. You decide if it’s coincidence or the mystic arts that makes this piece so freaking spot on….
- Baby Goat Devil Earrings. Um, pentagrams and Baphomet — could you ask for more proof that these hoops harness the essence of this movie?
- Diet & Exorcise Everyday Graphic Tee. Featuring a levitating girl, it’s like this image was straight lifted out of the storyline.
Jennifer's Body (2009)
This one’s about a high-school cheerleader turned possessed sexpot demon who goes on a killing spree of her male classmates. Hmmm, makes our 9th-12th-grade years seem pretty dull….
- Devil Girl Lace Tank. Well, Megan Fox’s character was pretty and evil, just like this embellished cropped cami.
- Love Satan Shoulder Sling Tote. Every student needs a book bag, whether you go a Catholic school plagued by a succubus or not. Now you can sport a satanic sack that aligns with the dark side.
- Baby Goat and Friends Flare Pants. Feminine but devilish, these stretch bell bottoms join those two opposing forces together seamlessly — not unlike Jennifer herself.
From the Claws to Clothes
Signs of horror flicks’ influence on fashion are plain to see if you know what to look for. We’ve offered up four celebrated scary movies that earned their foothold in this film genre and have left a lasting impression on fashion. Have fun (re)watching these classics and stocking up on the freakishly cute fashions they’ve influenced.
