The Most Iconic Winter Fashion In Film

We turn to film for a lot of reasons: to enjoy a narrative, to make sense of our own situations, as a form of escapism - the list is endless. We also admire the aesthetic of film: the cinematography, the production and the clothing - often gaining sartorial inspiration. Winter-dressing has to be one of the only positive elements synonymous with the colder seasons, and the fashion in these wintry films remind us why.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

This 90s love story starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman is the perfect watch on a cosy night-in over the Christmas period. At first glance it isn't exactly stylish or fashionable: Bullock's character Lucy lives in a cramped apartment in Chicago, struggling to make ends meet and dreaming of one day travelling to Europe. She is shy and bashful, wears her bangs swept across her face, and hides under baggy mom jeans, oversized knit sweaters, big boots and bobble hats. Though she may be a wallflower, she wins the hearts of two men by being authentic in herself and her sense of style (no ugly duckling make-over here), and so every time we watch it our love for 90s androgyny is kickstarted again. Comforting in style and effect, this film will always go down a treat (and have us reaching for our largest jumpers).

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

It's A Wonderful Life is the crème de la crème of Christmas classics. Frank Capra's feel-good film tells the story of George Bailey (played by James Stewart), who, at the height of desperation, is visited by a guardian angel who is sent to make him see how precious his life is, and how his existence on Earth has positively touched those close to him. The film also showcases the best of 1940s fashion; George's wife Mary wears a collection of beautiful pieces such as a silk full-skirted gown and a burgundy Christmas dress with lace trim - the epitome of Christmas.

Love Story (1970)

Arthur Hiller's 1970 film Love Story still influences fashion today. Ali MacGraw's character Jenny Cavilleri reinvented the contemporary heroine by mixing bohemian glamour with preppy chic; a collection of whimsical prints, knee-high boots, bobble hats and slinky blouses. The film was praised by Calvin Klein in Vanity Fair as a work of 'great American style', and we want Jenny's entire wardrobe.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

The National Lampoon comedy series follows the Griswold family as they embark on their annual family vacation - trips that are, by default, filled with disaster and bad luck. The Christmas Vacation is the third installment of the series: Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their two kids intend to have a good ol' Christmas at home, but that means hosting some obnoxious guests, and, of course, things don't run smoothly. Perhaps making up for the family's clumsy nature, though, is Ellen Griswold's immaculate and graceful style: her lace blouse and emerald green satin skirt ensemble has inspired our winter wardrobe for many years.

Serendipity (2001)

Kate Beckinsdale and John Cusack star in the romantic comedy Serendipity, which tells the story of Sara Thomas and Jonathan Trager who are brought together by fate after years spent apart. The film is set in New York City over winter, so Kate's character wears a lot of knitwear, scarves and berry-hued lipsticks, exemplifying great winter style.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Gwyneth Paltrow's character Margot Tenenbaum has become a cult-figure - in part due to her signature vintage boho style. There is a unique blend of innocence and sophistication in the styling of Margot; the oversized Fendi fur coat and heavily lined eyes have a child-like effect, which is contradicted by her aloof disposition, chain-smoking proclivity and mastery of literature. The large fur coat look was a staple long before The Royal Tenenbaums was created and will continue to inspire fashion way into the future.

Sex And The City: The Movie (2008)

Fashion is at the heart of Sex And The City, so it's no surprise that Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe boasts some great seasonal looks. In the first Sex And The City film, Carrie runs across Manhattan in a last-minute decision to spend New Year's Eve with Miranda. She has supposedly thrown a fur coat over some pyjamas to make the journey across the city, but in true Carrie fashion, she doesn't compromise on sparkle detailing and heeled boots. We'd maybe get strange looks on the tube if we wore this, but if anyone was going to pull it off, it'd be Carrie.

Carol (2015)

Set in 1950s New York, Carol tells the story of an unlikely relationship between two women from very different backgrounds. Cate Blanchett plays the titular character who, despite being married, falls for a much younger sales assistant, Therese (Rooney Mara). Famed costume designer Sandy Powell is responsible for transforming Blanchett into an elegant woman existing in 1950s America, and it was this costuming that contributed to the film's acclaim. Carol's signature fur coat with coral-coloured detailing makes for an unforgettable winter ensemble, and one we want to replicate.

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