My Favourite Film Wardrobes of the Decade (2010s)

This is a list of film costumes and wardrobes that have stood out to me over the past 10 years. I’ve chosen these for impact but also intelligence, which costume design understood the characters and narrative?

A lot of memorial film and TV wardrobes can be linked to either the timelessness of their silhouettes or the historical decadence and style (like The Great Gatsby). Films that are effortlessly cool and stylish are becoming harder to come by with the influx of remakes and superhero flicks, so I’ve had a look over the past 10 years at my watched archive and picked some of my favourite wardrobes.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)

I love Edgar Wright films, there is something about the precision and editing that makes them so memorable and different (which is a hard word to say regarding modern cinema these days). Scott Pilgrim is one of those films that gained a cult following after flopping at the box office, featuring stars like Brie Larson, Chris Evans and Anna Kendrick.

The protagonist himself is an ‘ironic nerd’ wearing faded Levi’s and a slogan t-shirt presenting himself as the superhero of the hipster generation. Between the dramatic and perfectly timed pace changes which switch between ‘kapow’ fight scenes and deadpan comedy the editing only highlights Michael Cera’s ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ esque wardrobe.

Directed by Edgar Wright, costume by Laura Jean Shannon

American Hustle (2013)

Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence definitely got the better end of the stick in this film (sorry Christian Bale, that comb-over is something else), with a glamorous elegance that is reminiscent of a Vegas casino. Set in 1978 the film follows con artists is America's socialite community and their dress certainly reflects. Costume designer Michael Wilkinson quoted;

I mixed high-end vintage designer pieces - Halston, Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Dior and Ozzie Clark - and custom-made costumes, combining strong dramatic lines with soft, sensual fabrics.

I think Amy Adams neckline speaks for itself on this one.

Directed by David O. Russell, costume by Michael Wilkinson

Cinderella (2015)

I’ve only had a few moments where I’ve been left speechless by a particularly stunning garment in a film, and this was undoubtedly one of those times. I’d seen stills, sketches and even an interview on the construction before I even saw the live-action remake of the Disney classic; but there was something about the frothy gown that had me start.

The dress has been described as a watercolour in motion and is genuinely magical, as such a staple in pop culture the costume was really the make or break for the film (spoiler alert: it was a success). Sandy Powell created the 12-layer costume with a steel-structured skirt and I think I speak for most people when I say it's gorgeous but I deffo don't think I’d want to be carrying that weight around.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, costume by Sandy Powell

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

This was not a film I was expecting to include in this list, but I re-watched it last night and now I can’t not include it. A post-apocalyptic action sequel released 30 years after its predecessor, the costume is edgy cyberpunk with flaming skulls, muted colours and worn leather. From Immortan Joe’s plastic chest armour to The Dag’s fanged chastity belt, each decision is thought out and memorable; you don’t get bored looking at each character and finding a reference to who they were before the apocalypse. The People Eater wears a suit with visible nipple pincers and a metal nose cap so not a huge differentiation to the modern day banker. (jokes)

Directed by George Miller, costume by Jenny Beavan

The Neon Demon (2016)

The opening scene features Elle Fanning’s character draped over a chaise wearing Armani and dripping in blood from the neck down, he hair in a crown of braids and her makeup walking so that Euphoria could run. The film itself is beautiful, following its name with neon lights and accents reminiscent of Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 feature ‘Drive’. The film was built around the fashion and aesthetic (which is kind of obvious once you actually watch it) but it creates a striking image.

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, costume by Erin Benach

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Charlize Theron had me from the moment she smacked someone round the face with a red patent Dior pump. The outfits in this neo-noir action spy thriller follow Theron as Lorraine, an MI6 agent in Berlin 5 days before the wall fell. David Leitch creates a blue/ black world of violence and brutality which is juxtaposed dramatically through the protagonists beautifully stylised wardrobe. Dior, John Galliano, Margiela and Stuart Weizmann are included in the line-up, no scene lacking an effortlessly ‘cool’ detail while remaining true to it's 80s setting.

Directed by David Leitch, costume by Cindy Evans

Call Me By Your Name (2018)

Maybe not noted for the innovation of the designs, rather the way the styling lends itself to Luca Guadagnino’s coming of age romance set in Crema, Italy. The heat of the 1983 summer has a daydreamy quality that is reflected in the airy shirts and pastel colour palette and there is a sense of timelessness in this film. The only thing that really gives the movie away is the short shorts and music but even then, it’s not a defining factor, just adds to the charm.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, costume by Giulia Piersanti

So there we go, that's part 1 of my list, let me know your thoughts and what your favourite wardrobes of the decade are by getting in touch. Hear from you soon!