Written by Elizabeth Poe

Graphic Cover by Sarah Nash

As the air begins to grow crisper, suddenly that light cardigan is no longer enough to keep warm on the way to class. Each day we are reminded that fall is quickly approaching. Personally, I’m a sucker for a good fall movie. Nothing fills me with more joy than curling up with a brand new plush blanket, making myself a cup of peppermint tea, lighting a couple of candles, and turning on a movie in the evenings that has easy-to-copy fall fashion inspiration. Without further ado, I’m here to give you some of the best feel-good fall movies with some killer looks from the characters.

Phantom Thread, dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, 2017

“Phantom Thread” has got to be one of the most visually—and fashionably—stunning movies made in recent years. Anderson presents a story of an older man, Reynolds Woodcock, who meets his muse Alma at a diner and uses her for modeling the dresses in his formalwear line. It’s no surprise the movie won multiple awards for costume design, including an Academy Award and a BAFTA. 

Coraline, dir. Henry Selick, 2009

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that Coraline has spot-on New England-ish style for her crazy adventures with her Other Family. Coraline knows how to make rain boots and rain jackets look really, really good (it could just be the blue-hair-yellow-jacket balance). Despite the fact that Coraline doesn’t go through a lot of outfit changes in the movie, she does give us a couple of staple looks to grab inspiration from. 

When Harry Met Sally..., dir. Rob Reiner, 1989

Nora Ephron, the screenwriter for “When Harry Met Sally…”, works her magic and makes Meg look absolutely stunning in autumnal fashion. Billy Crystal looks great as well, but his looks were not as popular as Meg’s—which is made obvious by the Meg-Ryan-Fall trend on Tiktok in 2021. Sally’s outfits are easy to recreate, and most pieces can be found in either your grandma’s closet or at your nearest thrift store. You’ll look classy, comfy, and smart all at once. Who doesn’t love using this season as a months-long fashion show?

 Practical Magic, dir. Griffin Dunne, 1998

I imagine “Practical Magic” as being a fall-fashion-transition movie. I know I’m making up a lot of terms here, but Sandra Bullock dresses as if it’s technically autumn, but it’s still upward of eighty degrees outside. Chunky cardigans, camisoles, midi skirts, and mom jeans galore. She brings us a mix of Y2K, coastal grandmother, and cottagecore all at once.

Knives Out, dir. Rian Johnson, 2019

There’s a high chance that you’re already familiar with this movie. Who doesn’t swoon over Chris Evans in chunky sweaters? (He’s not my type but admittedly, he does look good.) Ana de Armas also looks good in chunky sweaters, and chunky cardigans—anything that looks cozy, she can pull it off. 

I hope this list of fall fashion inspiration movies motivates you to delve into some good films (or add them to your watchlist), and have some fun online shopping. Fall is a wonderful time to express your cozy side, and fall movies are the best way to wind down and get some chilly weather fashion inspo at the same time!